In the 20th District Mr. Walko, 55, of Observatory Hill is seeking his eighth term. The district includes the city neighborhoods of Spring Hill, Brighton Heights, Observatory Hill, Troy Hill, Lawrenceville and the Strip District, plus the borough of West View and parts of Ross and Reserve.
The incumbent has worked on bills to reduce blight, support public transit and reform prison sentencing. In the last term he was particularly proud of having pushed for the governor's energy package and having served on the House speaker's reform commission. He believes more reforms should be considered in a well-defined constitutional convention. He was an advocate of a tough statewide smoking ban and was disappointed that the law was not as strong as the initial House proposal; he'd like Allegheny County to get approval to go further in restricting indoor smoking.
His challenger, Constitution Party candidate Jim Barr, 55, should be familiar to fellow residents in West View. He has run unsuccessfully for council every two years since 1993, and he challenged Mr. Walko for the House seat two years ago. Mr. Barr, who works in a group home for mentally retarded adults, said he is running because he believes every candidate should face a challenger. He favors a part-time legislature and prefers reliance on use taxes -- sales, gas and the county's drink tax -- rather than an income tax.
With his activity on multiple fronts, Don Walko is the prudent choice.
http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/08289/919900-35.stm
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