News & Issues: Candidate Interviews

PA House 167th District (Chester): Candidate Duane Milne (R)

1. What do you hope to accomplish as a member of the Pennsylvania General Assembly? It’s about a sense of community. Chester County is one of the most unique areas. I have experienced enough from my travels to have a good perspective of this. Sometimes the perception that this area is wealthy is something that requires our legislators to ensure that we get our fair share back.
2. What do you believe are the major problems facing the Commonwealth and your legislative district? In Pennsylvania, there is an unfavorable business climate. It does a disservice to the future of this state. As a professor at West Chester University, I find it particularly discouraging to see young people leave because we, in some cases, are losing the best and the brightest. Additionally, some areas of the state are in need of economic development.
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 am opposed to increasing the transfer tax. This fits into the larger picture of trying to make this state more competitive. This would be the wrong direction for the business climate.
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? Firstly, I want to note that I do not think that this should be done through gambling revenues. I do not believe the gaming revenue will truly be there. To stake property tax reform on such an unreliable source is not a good idea. Neither do I see going to a sales tax a viable option. I think that it should be put to a local referendum vote. Give people a menu of options, and let them decide how they want to switch.
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? Planning should remain a local function. As an overlay to that, there should be more regional thinking and more inter-municipality cooperation.
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? Local government in a public/private partnership can help to address blight issues. This should not be done through eminent domain, but local government does have a role. The state can try to provide financial incentives.
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? It’s a question of the budget allowing for monies to fund this. Block grants could be a component. There should be a local entity making the decision for the municipality.
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? Generally no, that is the individual’s domain…unless they are doing something that would be a detriment to the rest of the community.
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? PACs is a word that can sometimes raise eyebrows in the public. PACs are just a collection of individuals who have maximized their power by joining together. I don’t particularly favor caps at the federal level; however, I do find disclosure entirely appropriate.
10. What are your views of the REALTOR profession and the role of your local REALTORS in this community? Sally Bernadine was my REALTOR, and I have a wonderful impression of her. For individuals who are not familiar with the process, REALTORS make it understandable. There are a number of variables to consider, and homeownership is an investment.
11. Has your campaign been endorsed by any other state or local organization? I have the Republican Party endorsement, but I am just getting started with that process.