News & Issues: Candidate Interviews

PA House 70th District (Montgomery): Candidate Netta Hughes (D)

1. What do you hope to accomplish as a member of the Pennsylvania General Assembly? I hope to bring resources back to my district, especially Norristown. I also hope to work across the aisle to build coalitions to help address major issues.
2. What do you believe are the major problems facing the Commonwealth and your legislative district? I believe the major problem facing the Commonwealth centers on the lack of funding from the Federal government for mandated programs. I believe the major problem facing my district is the contrast between areas within the district.
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 would oppose any legislation that would prevent fist time home buyers from purchasing a home. I also believe we need to stop taxing the same people.
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 believe we need to expand the tax base with the exception of necessary items.
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? I believe there needs to be a balance between the state and municipalities; working together would allow both the local and regional issues to be addressed.
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? I believe that the state, while not being able to legislate from Harrisburg, should help give local municipalities authority to maintain property values.
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 believe that increasing the minimum wage, establishing programs for first time home buyers, and providing credit assistance will help to make housing more affordable.
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 do not believe eminent domain is fair to property owners; however, in situations where it is absolutely necessary, the owner needs to be fully educated on the process, repercussions, and compensation.
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 believe reform is necessary because the high cost of running a successful campaign discourages individuals from running for office.
10. What are your views of the REALTOR profession and the role of your local REALTORS in this community? I believe that professionals are necessary to educate home buyers and sellers of the process.
11. Has your campaign been endorsed by any other state or local organization? Yes, I have been endorsed by the Montgomery County Democratic Committee.