News & Issues: Candidate Interviews

PA House 150th District (Montgomery): Candidate Mike Vereb (R)

1. What do you hope to accomplish as a member of the Pennsylvania General Assembly? While there a number of issues that are on my radar, the one that I think that sticks out most besides taxes is traffic planning. We lack Regional Planning in communities. Since cooperation seems to take a back seat, we need to find a way to force communities to look Regionally at their traffic concerns. I already practice what I am preaching with the 422 corridor studies that we are doing in West Norriton but including surrounding municipalities.
2. What do you believe are the major problems facing the Commonwealth and your legislative district? In my mind the biggest problem we face in my district is our Seniors and property taxes. There are a number of over 55 communities going up in our district, seniors are moving in thinking this is the place they will live their lives comfortably until he property tax bill comes in. We need to protect our seniors.
3. Initially instituted as a temporary tax, the realty transfer tax has evolved into a large source of revenue for PA. Would you support or oppose legislation which would increase appropriate monies from the realty transfer tax to fund programs such as open space preservation, urban revitalization and the like? I will not support an increase in the transfer tax. While I support some of the programs you describe in this question, transfer tax is not the answer.
4. The General Assembly and the Governor’s Office are discussing ways to reform property taxes. What do you believe is the best way to reform this issue? I repeat the above answer regarding no increase in transfer tax. To increase sales tax on already taxable items may be more acceptable then finding more creative ways of funding programs. I think the citizens of the Commonwealth would appreciate it up front if they knew where they were paying more rather then to find it out at the settlement table etc.
5. Pennsylvania’s Municipalities Planning Code provided local municipalities authority for comprehensive planning and zoning. What sort of authority do you believe local governments should have in this area? The Commonwealth allots state money in communities for development and other community needs. The Commonwealth should work with the different representatives of the communities either directly or through their Commissioner or Supervisor associations, to come up with the thought process and plans for Regional Cooperation. What a person has to do to build a home in one township should not differ greatly then doing it a mile away in another township. While there may be differences, I think Regional structure can work and should ultimately be enforcedlocally.
6. Many properties in Pennsylvania suffer from blight as a result of tenant neglect and/or absentee property management. What role do you believe government should play in this area? For properties with government money tied up in them such as section 8 etc, the state should be making sure the properties are being kept to standard. Locally the code enforcement groups should further enforce local and state code violations. Long term though, I feel a property owner who keeps a property in good shape and up to code, providing shelter to people, should not be forced out for commercial development by government either local, state or federal.
7. States are struggling with the issue of providing affordable housing to its residents. What do you feel are the necessary components to address this issue? I again feel Regional Planning is the way to go. Communities working together and looking at the big picture, present a front and a better understanding to developers and investors of what the area is in need of and not in need of. Another word, what will and will not be approved with a Regional Plan.
8. Do you favor or oppose legislation that would require the state to consider the impact of proposed regulations on the rights of individuals to use their private property? I think when it comes to someone's property; there is no choice but to get input from the owners. My experience has been that when there is an issue with a property, approaching the owner to solicit input can sometimes resolve the issue. To be clear I don't favor eminent domain for corporate use.
9. What is your position on campaign finance reform in PA and to what extent do you believe PACs should be restricted in state legislative campaigns? I favor PACS and will work with PACS that are willing to explain their issues and concerns constructively. As you may know I am a rookie on this issue and not fully aware of the issue involving PACs in the legislature.
10. What are your views of the REALTOR profession and the role of your local REALTORS in this community? My mother was a Realtor for many years and through many challenges. I saw her role and the role of current Realtors as a conduit of integrity for buyers/sellers and the communities. I have depended on a number of realtors in my community to help me with ideas when homeowners have had concerns. I guess the word advocate for people can be the word.
11. Has your campaign been endorsed by any other state or local organization? Endorsed by the Montgomery County Republican Party. No others as of yet.