Oct 9, 2006 By Amy Zalar 6 min read

Both men seeking to be the next state representative for the 51st District are claiming they will bring fresh approaches to the position, but they have different game plans to accomplish their goals. Democrat Timothy S. Mahoney, a businessman for 28 years, believes “real businesspeople” and not politicians need to go to Harrisburg, while Republican John “Sonny” Mikita said his plan is to make government open and transparent.

The men are seeking to win the seat that is being vacated by the retirement of state Rep. Larry Roberts, D-South Union, after seven terms in office.

During a recent debate before the Herald-Standard Editorial Board taped for airing on HSTV, the candidates answered questions ranging from their plans to boost economy to whether or not they would vote to retain party leadership if elected.

Mahoney reiterated an earlier position that if elected he will not vote for state Rep. H. William DeWeese, D-Waynesburg, as Democratic Party leader if DeWeese is re-elected. “I met with Bill DeWeese and I’ll support DeWeese but I will not support him in a leadership role. The pay grab and everything is too much. It’s time to change gears and go on,” Mahoney said.

Mahoney went on to say that he would support himself as a party leader.

Mikita said if he were elected he would likely not vote to keep John Perzel as Republican Party leader if Perzel is re-elected. “I have not met with John Perzel but from what I know of him I would not vote for him,” Mikita said. “We need leaders.”

Both men said they would support term limits, as well as improvements to the state’s Open Records law, which currently does not cover the Legislature.

Mikita said he believes all records should be posted on the Internet, adding that taxpayers’ money has been paying for things that are inappropriate for too long. “Plane trips and haircuts are ridiculous,” Mikita said. He said roll call votes should also be available online for constituents to see.

Mahoney said he believes every penny should be accounted for, adding that lobbyists should do quarterly reports. “We need to get a leash on these lobbyists,” Mahoney said.

When asked about a plan to boost economy, Mahoney said the key is the completion of the Mon/Fayette Expressway. “We have one last boom as far as growth. We need to get that road completed. I have the ear of (U.S. Rep. John) Murtha and (Gov. Ed) Rendell. I think I can get that road done. I think it would spur jobs and residential growth,” Mahoney said.

Mikita said a lot of boosting the economy has to do with the fact that the state is not business friendly. “We have to cut back spending and give tax cuts for businesses,” Mikita said. He said the corporate tax has to be decreased for job growth to occur.

Both Mikita and Mahoney said the property tax reform plan passed by the Legislature is like putting a Band-Aid on a gaping wound, and more reform is needed.

“There’s no excuse why school taxes can’t be eliminated,” Mikita said. He said a compromise such as increasing the sales tax 2 percent could work, as long as everybody pays. As two examples of wasteful spending, Mikita said the Liquor Control Board and Pennsylvania Higher Education Assistance Agency should both be privatized. “There is $1.2 billion right there,” Mikita said in reference to wasteful spending.

Mahoney said he is not satisfied with anything as far as reducing property taxes that has been done so far. And he said not even his grandchildren will see the tax relief from the gambling legislation. Mahoney said he “wholeheartedly” feels that raising the sales tax 2 percent will help to eliminate property taxes. “I work hard and that’s why I want to go to Harrisburg. I can sell the sales tax. We need to stand up like men and not like chickens about to be fed,” Mahoney said.

Both men said they are in favor of lobbyist reform, and repeal of a law allowing legislators to own 1 percent in gambling interests.

Mikita said open records and the Sunshine Law are two big issues for him. “We have to have open records and full disclosure for lobbyists,” Mikita said. He added that there have been major problems with the gambling legislation from the beginning.

Mahoney said he believes open records are essential for changing state government. He said he has voiced a desire to join a reform group. Mahoney said nobody is going to tell him how to vote and lobbyists will not buy him. “I’m going to do what’s best,” Mahoney said.

Mikita said the new groups seeking to overtake government via reform need to make sure threats of rewards and seniority of lawmakers is all tied together. “It’s unfair that areas need help and they get pushed over. It’s bribery and it has to stop,” Mikita said.

Mahoney and Mikita both spoke out against allowing residential development in a tax-free Keystone Opportunity Zone. Regarding Fay Penn Economic Development Council’s success as the county’s lead economic development agency, Mahoney said Fay Penn needs to shift gears and help small businesspeople with grants and low-interest loans.

Mikita said allowing residential development in a KOZ is totally unfair and almost criminal.

During opening and closing statements, Mahoney said he has been married for 28 years and has four children, and has been in business for 28 years. He said businesspeople need to go to Harrisburg. “We need to send someone with character and someone who can’t be bought or pushed. They can’t do either to me,” Mahoney said. “We need change now.”

Mahoney said state government needs to help those with alcohol and drug problems, adding that serious crimes have gone up 45 percent since 1999. “We have to get our hands on the answers to help people addicted to drugs,” Mahoney said.

Mikita said he wants to share ideas to make Pennsylvania better, safer and prosperous. “We should expect legislative openness and transparency,” Mikita said. He said he wants his son to have opportunities. “I’m tired of career politicians and repulsed of the increasing size of state government and anemic economic growth,” Mikita said. “One Nov. 7 if you want government fixed, vote John Mikita.”

The 51st Legislative District includes the city of Uniontown; Bullskin Township’s 1st precinct; German Township’s 1st and 3rd precincts; the townships of South Union, Springhill, Georges, Nicholson, Stewart, Henry Clay, Springfield, Wharton and Connellsville; and the boroughs of Fairchance, Smithfield, South Connellsville, Ohiopyle and Markleysburg.