News & Issues: Candidate Interviews

State House 152 Interviews - 2004

1. What do you hope to accomplish as a member of the Pennsylvania general Assembly?

   Sue Cornell:

   I know a lot about the process from working for State representative Kate Harper so there shouldn?t be a steep learning curve. I feel that medical malpractice needs additional reform. Our traffic is also a bad problem and we need to improve our infrastructure and flow.

   Ross Schriftman:

   we need to stabilize budget over the long term one of our biggest expenses is Medicaid long term care, we spend close to $1 billion. We also need property tax reform; too many seniors are loosing their homes because of the high taxes.

   John Weinrich:

   We need to reduce government spending. Address the medical malpractice issues and the insurance companies need to do more to reimburse doctors.

2. What do you believe are the major problems facing the Commonwealth and you legislative district?

   Sue Cornell:

   we need to improve the business climate to attract new companies and retain existing businesses. Also medical malpractice and doctors leaving is a big issue.

   Ross Schriftman:

   Property tax reform and traffic congestion, along with local planning are the major issues. We are getting over crowded. We also need tort reform and caps on awards.

   John Weinrich:

   The Woodhaven Rd. project in the district. Also need redevelopment throughout the different townships without stepping on peoples? property rights.

3. The general Assembly and the Governor?s Office are discussing ways to reform property taxes. What do you believe is the best way to resolve this issue?

   Sue Cornell:

   I don?t like the idea of increasing the tax. I?m definitely in favor of open spaces. The General Assembly already approved tipping fee increases to help pay for these programs.

   Ross Schriftman:

   The property tax system is based on an old English system where the size of ones property was directly related to their value. We need to switch to an income tax based method of taxation.

   John Weinrich:

   I am okay with advocating gambling to provide revenue to reduce the burden on property owners. The sales tax plan is also an option. I would also support a bookend referendum. The goal should be to take the burden off the property owner.

4. Initially instituted as a temporary tax, the realty transfer tax has evolved into a large source of revenue for Pennsylvania. Would you support or oppose legislation which would appropriate monies from the realty transfer tax to fund programs such as open space preservation, urban revitalization, and the like? Would you support or oppose legislation that would increase the real estate transfer tax?

   Sue Cornell:

   I like the idea of local school districts distributing their own funds. Senior citizens need relief.

   Ross Schriftman:

   I don?t have a position on this issue; I would like to know what the REALTORS think about this issue.

   John Weinrich:

   I would not support a transfer tax increase. I am in favor of more open space preservation.

5. Pennsylvania's Municipalities Planning Code provides local municipalities authority for comprehensive planning and zoning. What role should local government play in land use decisions, and what powers do they need to adequately address issues that are presented with?

   Sue Cornell:

   Generally, municipalities have appropriate powers but they need to use them more effectively. I do understand how the codes of local governments can be cumbersome.

   Ross Schriftman:

   We need more cooperation between the municipalities and hope the state can play more of an intermediary role.

   John Weinrich:

   We need to leave the power in local hands. There needs to be more dialogue with the county but no increased role for the state or the county.

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 regulating property maintenance and use?

   Sue Cornell:

   More accountability for absentee landlords is needed. The timetable for going after landlords should be reduced for municipalities.

   Ross Schriftman:

   This should be a local issue but the state should set some sort of standards.

   John Weinrich:

   They should aggressively enforce maintenance regulations to take care of blight issues.

7. Do you favor or oppose legislation that would require the state to consider the impact of proposed legislation or regulations on the right of individuals to use their private property?

   Sue Cornell:

   I am generally okay with the idea of considering the impact of regulation on private property owners.

   Ross Schriftman:

   If the nature of the property has been devalued, the perhaps.

   John Weinrich:

    

8. Many municipalities impose resale inspection requirements upon sellers of real property as a condition of transfer, though each municipality has different requirements. Would you support efforts to provide more uniformity and consistency in the application of point of sale inspection requirements?

   Sue Cornell:

   Yes, point of sale inspection uniformity seems to make sense.

   Ross Schriftman:

   There has to be some standards and some level of uniformity with the input of REALTORS and the local government.

   John Weinrich:

   I would not support uniformity and consistency of use and occupancy ordinances.

9. What is you position on campaign finance reform in Pennsylvania and to what extent do you believe PACs should be restricted in state legislative campaigns?

   Sue Cornell:

   We do need more regulation of PACs.

   Ross Schriftman:

   I like some elements of the federal campaign finance law and also a reasonable cap on spending limits. I have no problems with PACs in general.

   John Weinrich:

   The existing system with full disclosure is adequate. PACs have a role in the process; they should be able to give as much as they want. PACs should be limited in the spending.

10. What are your views of the REALTOR profession and the role of your local REALTORS in this community

    Sue Cornell:

    I know several REALTORS who are very active in their communities and the overall perception of the profession is positive.

    Ross Schriftman:

    There are a lot of similarities between the REALTORS and the insurance industry. It is all about providing a service for a client.

    John Weinrich:

    REALTORS are an integral part of the home buying and living experience. I love being a REALTOR; I have been doing it for 8 years.

11. Has you campaign been endorsed by any other state or local organization?

    Sue Cornell:

    Hatboro Republican Party.

    Ross Schriftman:

    FOP, Philadelphia Federation of Teachers, Montgomery County Democratic Party, 152nd District Democratic Party.

    John Weinrich:

    No.