DeWeese opponents share views on some issues, differ on others
Both of the men looking to unseat state Rep. H. William DeWeese after more than a quarter-century in state government have similar views on some issues, but they differ on others. The Rev. Robert Spence, 58, of Luzerne Township and Lonnie Miller of Carmichaels recently sat down with the Herald-Standard Editorial Board to discuss topics including property tax reform, school funding and proposed changes to the state’s Open Records Act.
Both are challenging DeWeese for the Democratic nomination in the 50th Legislative District in the May 21 primary, and both used their time with the board to chastise the incumbent for what they say is his lack of focus on the people who repeatedly put him into office.
Spence, a former coal miner, Army veteran and father of five, believes in abolition of the property tax in favor of increasing the sales tax and taxes on cigarettes and alcohol as a way of generating revenue. He said the money raised with the new tax system would more than adequately fund all 501 of Pennsylvania’s school districts.
“All school districts should be on the same playing field,” Spence said, even suggesting that countywide school districts are an answer to saving money in the quest for providing students with the best education the state can offer.
Miller, a former coal miner and author of several coal mining books, agreed that the schools must be funded equitably. He said the state’s reliance on the property tax places an unfair burden on property owners, many of whom are faced with tough choices as a result. He said he has looked at increasing the sales tax and “sin taxes” as a way of replacing the property tax.
“I don’t have all the answers, but the person who has the job now and since 1976 has refused to or does not know about these issues,” he said. “He has chosen to benefit himself at the burden of the taxpayers.”
A way that Miller backs up that point is by stressing how DeWeese has not provided receipts as to how the more than $11 million in the Special Leadership Account under his control is spent. Miller said he would support efforts to make all expenditures open to the public and that anything less is an embarrassment to the taxpayers.
“They (taxpayers) are tired of being lied to,” he said. “Politicians don’t mean what they say and don’t say what they mean.”
Spence suggested that the money allocated to both parties for such accounts instead be funneled into public education spending. He said that the so-called “slush fund” that DeWeese has to date withheld from view should not be hidden, and the legislators in control of those accounts should be held accountable for how that money is spent.
“Bill DeWeese refuses to do so because he is so arrogant,” Spence said.
Both men took different approaches when the subject of gambling was raised. Proposals have been announced that would place slot machines in the state’s four racetracks in an attempt to keep dollars that are being spent out of state back in Pennsylvania.
Spence said that as a born-again Christian, he is “totally against” gambling in any form within the state. He said that too often, people become addicted to gambling, that it can cause serious problems for the person and families and that it would be a “very dangerous road” for the state to travel.
“We need additional funding, but I would work hard and dedicate my time in the Legislature to finding ways to raise funds within the scope of something pleasing to God,” he said.
Miller said that gambling is a vice, but he would support slot machines as a way of raising extra revenue. He said that, too often, money that could be spent in Pennsylvania is being gambled in New Jersey or West Virginia and it needs to stay here.
“Our treasury can use these resources that are going out of state,” he said. “We definitely need the money, so I say keep it here.”
Miller and Spence agreed that it should be illegal for an elected public official to use state funds or state employees in a re-election campaign, and both said they would work to see legislation banning both practices become law.
Spence said he believes it is illegal to use those resources in such a way, and said that is why DeWeese and his Republican counterpart, Majority Leader John Perzel, have been so hesitant to come forward with receipts from the leadership accounts. He said much of that money is spent to see that their Democratic and Republican colleagues are re-elected.
“If this is eliminated, there are no funds to use for re-elections,” he said. “I would support such a ban, because I would never think of doing that myself.”
Miller said the use of state funds and employees automatically puts the incumbent at a huge advantage over people like himself when running a campaign. He said no matter how little or frequently the resources are used, it is unfair to others interested in public office.
“I would favor legislation to make it illegal. It should have happened years ago,” he said.
When asked about improving the economic status of the district they hope to represent come January, both men said it is a priority.
Miller said he would like to see continued infrastructure growth, especially in areas where people are still living without public water and sewer systems. He said the lack of infrastructure puts the district at a “severe disadvantage.”
Spence said he would work to see more improvements occur along Route 21 to make it safer for motorists and more attractive to developers. He said the Uniontown-to-Brownsville link of the Mon/Fayette Expressway is also an important piece to the development puzzle within the district.
Before the meeting ended, Miller took time to stress that the 50th District is in need of a change, and that people in Fayette, Greene and Washington counties are fed up with DeWeese and his lack of concern for the district. He said he is looking forward to the opportunity to become the next legislator for the district and break the “stranglehold” he said DeWeese has had on it since 1976.
“He has benefited tremendously while the district he represents has probably gone backwards,” Miller said. “He has left us to wilt on the vine, and it is definitely time for him to go.”
Spence said that DeWeese has been a lifelong politician and has never had a real job. He said the incumbent doesn’t understand working-class people or family life, because he makes more than most people in his district and does not have a family of his own.
“He has spent his whole life as a politician and is out of touch with everyday people,” he said.