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Remembering a Homewood Legend

William Baker, iconic owner of Baker’s Dairy, dies at age 79

by Rob Taylor Jr. Courier Staff Writer

Unfortunately, over the years, a number of businesses have left Homewood.

Fortunately, there was William “Willie” Baker.

He and his iconic “Baker’s Dairy” store never left.

“He loved Homewood like that was his own family,” Baker’s niece, Rose Price, told the New Pittsburgh Courier. “There’s no one who could have passed through Homewood and

ROSE PRICE, niece of William “Willie” Baker, places a balloon and flowers on the entrance to Baker’s Dairy in Homewood. (Photo by J.L. Martello) did not know about Baker’s Dairy, and his corned beef sandwiches; the car wash... he touched a lot of lives in Homewood.”

“Why would he leave?” his son, Curtis Baker, told the Courier. “He had started something in the ‘60s, so why would he leave instead

of making things around him better? And that’s what he tried to do.”

Baker, the iconic, can’tmiss owner of Baker’s Dairy and Mr. B’s Car Wash on Hamilton Avenue, died on April 29 from complications of Alzheimer’s Disease. He was 79.

“He was like a father figure to me,” said Fess Stanton, 52, who’s been coming to Baker’s Dairy since he was a kid. “He’s one of those guys, you wanted him to live forever.”

“This is a shock,” added Doug Rey, 57, another longtime Homewood resident

and Baker’s Dairy customer. “I always figured Mr. Baker would be around.”

There are business owners, and there are business owners who are also difference-makers. Ask Stanton, Rey, and the thousands who have walked into Baker’s Dairy, or the car wash,

or “The Rip Off,” and they’ll tell you that Baker truly made a difference in his community, and the people of his community.

Sure, making money is at the heart of a for-profit business, but for Baker, he SEE BAKER A2

The word is out...

The sky’s the limit for Chantal Braziel

Vocalist holds ‘Quarantine Concert’ in Penn Hills; onlookers delighted

by Jacquelyn McDonald and Rob Taylor Jr. Courier Staff Writers

The sun was warm on May 2, but its brightness had to compete with the light of Chantal Braziel.

Braziel, a classical music major at Carnegie Mellon University and a preacher’s daughter from Penn Hills, decided to present a “Quarantine Concert” in her neighborhood drive-

Nicol Porter.

Braziel’s most cherished accomplishment to date was the opportunity to share the Metropolitan Opera stage in New York City with a host of vocalists for several months this past winter; her debut date was Sept. 23, 2019, a day she’ll never forget.

Also, Braziel’s part in George Gershwin’s Porky & Bess was celebrated by many Pittsburghers as the live pesentation was shown at the Monroeville Cinema at the mall.

In an interview with musicestate.com in 2019, Braziel said that singing onstage is her favorite part about being a vocalist. “From singing in operas to recitals, I am completely different character onstage. My presence is

way, much to the delight of her family, neighbors and friends.

Braziel, who many say is the newest singing sensation, broke out the sound system, attracting so much attention that even a local TV station came to the house.

Braziel was recently featured in Pittsburgh as a lead vocalist on the Heinz Hall stage with the “Lift Every Voice Unity Choir” under the direction of Rev.

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CHANTAL BRAZIEL, of Penn Hills, is gaining more and more attention as a vocalist. She is currently studying at Carnegie Mellon University. (Photo by Jacquelyn McDonald)

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Courier urges our community to vote in the upcoming June 2 Primary Election TUESDAY, JUNE 2 is fast approaching...and oftentimes, exercising your right to vote is the best way to effect the change you want to see.

Pennsylvania’s Primary Election is June 2, and due to the coronavirus pandemic, there’s a huge push for residents to vote via mail-in ballot. You should have received a mail-in ballot at your residence. Fill it out clearly and mail it back to the County Elections office so that it reaches the office by

June 2. While most in-person polling locations will be closed in Allegheny County on June 2, there will be about 120 locations open if you wish to cast your ballot in person. Remember, if you decide to vote at the polls, you’ll need to know your polling location, which could be different than your usual location. The Courier invites you to see a partial listing of the Allegheny County open polling locations on June BLACK POLITICAL EMPOWERMENT PROJECT CHAIRMAN AND CEO TIM STEVENS, making sure 2 on Page A6.

African American residents know to mail in their ballots as soon as possible. You can request a mailin ballot at alleghenyvotes.com, or vote in person on June 2. (Photo by Rob Taylor Jr.)

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Remembering a Homewood Legend

REMEMBERING WILLIAM BAKER—Granddaughter January Johnson, niece Rose Price, and granddaughters Deirdre Baker and Tamara Freeman, after the May 8 balloon release celebration for the iconic owner of Baker’s Dairy. According to Curtis Baker, William Baker’s son, Baker’s Dairy will eventually reopen.

CELEBRATING THE LIFE OF WILLIAM BAKER ICONIC OWNER OF BAKER’S DAIRY DIES AT AGE 79 BAKER FROM A1

made sure to take care of his customers. “If somebody came in his store and said, ‘I don’t have enough money for bread, most likely my uncle would have just given it to you and said, ‘don’t worry about it,’” Price said.

Baker donated to Homewood football teams. He held bike and toy giveaways. He instilled in his own children the need to “stick by your values,” Curtis Baker told the Courier in an exclusive interview, May 19. “Don’t stray against your beliefs. Work hard, work smart. Get an education, that was the main thing.”

Baker never strayed from Homewood.

Coming to Pittsburgh in 1959 from his birthplace, Montgomery, Ala., the young Willie Baker would soon learn the ropes of starting his own business.

He took classes at Community College of Allegheny County, then later worked at Country Belle Dairy, before opening his first Baker’s Dairy store in 1968 on Brushton Avenue in Homewood.

Baker, at one time, had three locations—Brushton, Centre Avenue in the Hill District, and Hamilton Avenue. The Brushton and Centre locations eventually

closed, and Baker’s sole focus was his 7300 Hamilton Ave. location.

As the years passed, Homewood residents grew to respect, cherish and admire Baker. He did the same to them. In this modern-day era where the bigbox stores do all they can to force the “little guys” out of business, the bond that Baker’s Dairy had created with Homewood residents kept the lights on and the cash register rolling.

But Baker didn’t stop there. “The Rip Off” was sort of a “Black arcade,” Price described. Curtis Baker said it was situated next to the store on Hamilton, where people could play on the numerous pinball machines and pool tables. Curtis Baker said The Rip Off opened in the early 1980s.

Years later, Baker used the space next to his store to open Mr. B’s Car Wash, which, to this day, is a popular spring and summertime attraction (you can’t ride around in a dirty car, of course...).

And then, there was A ‘CLASSIC’ MOMENT—Ralph Watson, far right, owner of Classic Events!, bestowed awards in 2017 to William Baker, second from right, “Pete.” As in, every boy’s and his wife, Patricia. Also pictured is Melvin Hubbard El, far left. name was “Pete” to Baker.

“He named everybody Pete,” Stanton recalled “‘Go on, Pete,’ ‘Keep going, Pete,’ ‘How much you need, Pete’...everybody was Pete. in an interview with the Even if he knew your name, you were still Pete. Even to this day, he still called them Courier’s J.L. Martello. “‘Go on, Pete,’ ‘Keep goPete.”

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ing, Pete,’ ‘How much you need, Pete’...everybody was Pete. Even if he knew your name, you were still Pete.

Even to this day, he still called them Pete.”

“My uncle was funny, he’s gonna call you ‘Pete,’” Price told the Courier in an exclusive interview, May 19.

“And ladies were ‘mam.’”

Stanton can even recall the days when he and his friends would collect pop bottles. “(Mr. Baker) used to give me 10 cents for a nickel pop bottle, that’s how long I’ve been here.

We used to (turn in) the pop bottles and go to the (Homewood) Coliseum and go skating. You needed money to go skating, Mr. Baker gave it to you.”

In recent years, Baker became a focal point for local media to contact, as talks are ongoing about a Homewood revitalization.

Last year, a “Homewood Comprehensive Community Plan” was unveiled, with a step-by-step process on how new businesses and housing would spring up in Homewood in its future.

Local media always asked for Baker’s opinion, as a man who had never abandoned his community. He was proud of staying put.

In his mind, he was where he wanted to be.

Baker also was the recipient of numerous community awards. He and his wife, Patricia, could be seen at community functions and events. Patricia Baker is the operator of Images Art Gallery, on Frankstown.

In this era of the coronavirus pandemic, the traditional way of having a wake or a funeral has been altered.

Baker’s family decided to have a private homegoing service for Baker on May 8 at Spriggs-Watson Funeral Home on N. Lang Ave., then invite the community to a balloon release celebration for Baker in front of Baker’s Dairy. The flyer, posted on social media, read that the balloon release was a great way “to honor the life of a Homewood legend.”

What soon followed was something that even Baker’s family couldn’t fathom—a massive display of people coming out in the rain to celebrate Baker.

Kids and adults alike came with red and gold balloons, while photos and videos were shared all over social media. Baker’s hearse was stopped right in front of his iconic store. Then Baker took one last trip around Homewood, his son, Curtis, explained. The hearse traveled from Hamilton to Brushton, where Baker

opened his first store. The hearse then made its way onto Frankstown, where Images is located. Throughout this last ride, people were seen screaming and shouting in jubilation and admiration for Baker, the entrepreneur, the man who helped so many, the man who never left Homewood.

“It made us all want to cry,” Curtis Baker told the Courier, speaking for the family. “We were at a disbelief at actually how many people turned out. Overwhelmed, overjoyed...we knew that he was a powerful businessman and a strong individual, but we didn’t know all those people felt the same way.”

Pittsburgh media personality Chris Moore interviewed Baker in 2014, as part of Moore’s series on spotlighting positive people and places in Pittsburgh’s African American community. When Moore mentioned to Baker that he was “an anchor” in the community, Baker responded: “I try to be...I’ve enjoyed serving them, and I hope they enjoyed some of my work that I put out, and I try to be the person that they can always depend on.”

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(Photos by Courier photographer J.L. Martello)

REMEMBERING A HOMEWOOD LEGEND, WILLIAM “WILLIE” BAKER, the iconic owner of Baker’s Dairy. (Photos by Courier photographer J.L. Martello)

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Pittsburgh Public Schools’ CTE Program supports frontline workers with masks during pandemic

On April 30, complete with masks, gloves, and the accompanying hidden smiles, teachers from the Pittsburgh Public Schools’ Career and Technical Education program, along with Family and Consumer Science teachers and a Health Careers Technology teacher, teamed up to make facemasks for frontline workers at Allegheny General Hospital, Presbyterian SeniorCare and Kane Hospital.

The Courier has learned that those Family and Consumer Science teachers from Allderdice and Carrick have top-notch sewing skills... they made the facemasks with filter pockets. And the CTE teachers in the engineering program at Allderdice and Obama are talented as well...they made the adjustable extender straps.

The presentation of the facemasks was made in front of Allegheny General Hospital on the North Side, to AGH President Dr. David Parda and Highmark Health Senior Community Affairs Analyst Mark Jones.

Pictured above are PPS Superintendent Anthony Hamlet, EdD, providing the facemasks to an AGH representative, and PPS CTE Director Angela Mike addressing the crowd. (Photos by Courier photographer J.L. Martello)

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The sky’s the limit for Chantal Braziel Vocalist holds ‘Quarantine Concert’ in Penn Hills; onlookers delighted BRAZIEL FROM A1

known there, and from the moment I open my mouth to sing a tune in whatever language I am in, I use what I have been trained to do, and become whole with God on that stage.”

Braziel told musicestate. com that she’d been singing “way before” she could talk. She took voice and piano lessons when she was younger, but didn’t know anything about opera until she pursued it as an undergrad at Saint Vincent College.

She then learned about Leontyne Price, one of the most popular American classical singers of her time, and the first African American to become a leading performer at the Metropolitan Opera. “(Price) broke down barriers that were not always open for Blacks due to her determination, not to mention her golden voice,” Braziel told musicestate.com.

“Whenever I learn a new piece, I always listen to her recordings, because her voice and artistry inspire me to create my own. “ Braziel, 27, graduated from Saint Vincent’s with

CHANTAL BRAZIEL

a Bachelor of Arts degree in Vocal Performance with a concentration in Opera.

But that wasn’t enough for the high-achiever. Braziel is pursuing a master’s degree at CMU. Chantal Braziel, the daughter of Melvin and Valda Braziel of Solid Rock Church on the South Side, has already racked up some hardware—she’s won second place in the W. Russell Johnson Music Guild of the National Association of Negro Musicians competition.

She’s also performed with The Pittsburgh Opera, as she was in the chorus of the production, “The Summer King,” based on Negro League baseball player Josh Gibson.

Braziel admits she’s dealt with performance anxiety, but in her line of work, if you’re never nervous, “that is a problem,” she told musicestate.com. “But I learn ways to not show it. That is part of putting yourself out there as an artist. I try not to let it hold me back; instead, I use being nervous to help me stay alert.”

For those not in the per-

forming artists scene, the Metropolitan Opera was founded in 1883. It’s the largest classical music organization on this continent. The most creative and talented singers, conductors, composers, musicians, etc., have played at “The Met.” It’s located on Broadway in The Big Apple, at the Lincoln Center for the Performing Arts, on the Upper West Side of Manhattan.

And when Braziel was there last fall, it was music to her ears.

“I will always remember the way I felt the first time I stepped on that glorious stage,” she told musicestate.com. “We started rehearsals onstage after the first few weeks of rehearsing. I looked out at the hall right in front of me, staring into that marvelous space.

I couldn’t keep my eyes off it. Just to be standing in that same space where some of the greatest opera legends once stood was mind-blowing. The acoustics are second-to-none amazing. At that moment, I felt like I was right where I belonged.”

NEIGHBORS ENJOYING THE CONCERT

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Praise & Worship ST. BENEDICT THE MOOR CATHOLIC CHURCH Crawford & Centre Ave. Pgh., PA 15219 412-281-3141 Sunday Mass 10:30 A.M. www.stbtmchurch.org

East Liberty Presbyterian Church Rev. Dr. Randy Bush, Senior Pastor 412-441-3800 Worship Online on Facebook/YouTube www.ELPC.church Journey Worship...........8:45 a.m.

Sanctuary Worship...........11 a.m.

Taize -Wednesdays.........7 p.m.

Curious about Quakerism?

You Are Welcome at our Meetings for Worship Sundays at 10:30 a.m.

Pittsburgh Friends Meeting 4836 Ellsworth Avenue www.quaker.org/pghpamm/

Join our growing Praise and Worship Church Community!

For rate information, call 412481-8302, ext.

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TELL US ABOUT YOUR NEXT CHURCH EVENT! PASTOR MELVIN BRAZIEL, GEORGE CALLOWAY. Braziel is Chantal’s father; Calloway is Chantal’s grandfather.

JANET M. FIELDER Janet M. Fielder, 84, originally of Pittsburgh, died Wednesday, May 6, 2020, in Las Vegas following a long battle with COPD. Janet was the former wife of the late 12th Ward Democratic Chairman Dock Fielder, Jr., with whom she shared 32 years of marriage.

She was preceded in death by her parents Agnes McCray and James and Christine Calcutta; sisters Billie Williams, Natalie West; brother Roger Graham; children Larry James Fielder, Sr. and Steven Douglas Fielder, Sr. She leaves to mourn her children Anthony (Tony), Jacqueline (Rev. Jacque), Carolyn and Donna Fielder, all of Pittsburgh; siblings Carole Miles of Las Vegas, James Calcutta, Jr. of New York, Nancy Coates, Roberta Draper, Alice King, Frank McCray and Linda McCray McGowen, all of California; goddaughter Annette King in Pennsylvania; 28 grandchildren and 67 great-grandchildren, as well as a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

Janet grew up in the Hill District and attended Fifth Avenue High School. Before becoming a Certified Nursing Assistant, Janet worked at Warner Cable Corporation in Pittsburgh. She was a 12th Ward Allegheny County Democratic Committeewoman for many years. Her superb management and teaching skills made her a strong and strategic force behind the scenes. In her leisure time, Janet enjoyed fashion, teaching etiquette, cooking, sewing and cosmetology. She was wellliked and affectionately called “Lady J” by her family and close friends because of her classy style. She was a member of Nabhi Christian Ministries Church.

Because of restrictions from the COVID-19 pandemic, funeral services and interment will be private. Memorial services to be announced will be held at a later date at Nabhi Christian Ministries Church, 7060 Lemington Ave., Pittsburgh. In lieu of flowers, donations in memory of Janet may be made to the church.

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A listing of some of the polling locations that will be open in Allegheny County for the Pa. June 2 Primary Election The New Pittsburgh Courier is committed to keeping our readers informed, as the Pennsylvania Primary Election will occur on June 2, 2020. While many state residents have already mailed (or are planning to mail) their ballots, more than 120 polling locations will be open on Tuesday, June 2, from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. The Courier is highlighting some of those open locations below. You may have received a postcard detailing your polling location. If not, visit www.allegenyvotes.com and click “Polling Locations” near the top of the page. You can also call 412-350-4500.

Pittsburgh – Ward 1, 2, 3 Pittsburgh – Ward 4 Pittsburgh – Ward 5 Pittsburgh – Ward 6 Pittsburgh – Ward 7 Pittsburgh – Ward 8 Pittsburgh – Ward 9 Pittsburgh – Ward 10 Pittsburgh – Ward 11 Pittsburgh – Ward 12 Pittsburgh – Ward 13 Pittsburgh – Ward 14, 15 Pittsburgh – Ward 16 Pittsburgh – Ward 17 Pittsburgh – Ward 18, 29, 30, 32 Pittsburgh – Ward 19 Pittsburgh – Ward 20, 28 Pittsburgh – Ward 21 Pittsburgh – Ward 22 Pittsburgh – Ward 23, 24, 25, 26, 27 Pittsburgh – Ward 31

Ebenezer Baptist Church 2001 Wylie Avenue Wesley W. Posvar Hall 230 South Bouquet Street Pittsburgh Weil School 2250 Centre Avenue Teamsters Temple Banquet Hall 4701 Butler Street Rodef Shalom Congregation 4905 Fifth Avenue Bloomfield-Garfield Corp.Activity Center 113 North Pacific Avenue Teamsters Temple Banquet Hall 4701 Butler Street Pittsburgh Sunnyside School 4801 Stanton Avenue Pittsburgh Fulton School 5799 Hampton Street Kingsley Association 6435 Frankstown Avenue Helen S. Faison Arts Academy 7430 Tioga Street Taylor Allderdice High School 2409 Shady Avenue South Side Market House 202 Bedford Square South Side Market House 202 Bedford Square Carrick High School 125 Parkfield Street Brashear High School 590 Crane Avenue Langley School 2940 Sheraden Boulevard Pittsburgh Manchester 1612 Manhattan Street Pittsburgh Manchester 1612 Manhattan Street Perry Traditional Academy 3875 Perrysville Avenue Pittsburgh Mifflin Elementary School 1290 Mifflin Road

OUTSIDE THE CITY OF PITTSBURGH...

Bellevue Braddock Braddock Hills Clairton Coraopolis Crafton Duquesne East Pittsburgh Forest Hills Homestead

Bellevue Municipal Building New Hope Baptist Church Braddock Hills Senior Center Clairton Municipal Building Keith-Holmes VFW Post 402 American Legion Post 145 Holy Name/Christ the Light East Pittsburgh Community Center Forest Hills Westinghouse Lodge

537 Bayne Avenue 445 Sixth Street 2794 Columbia Avenue 551 Ravensburg Blvd.

412 Mulberry Street 1 Am. Legion Plaza 32 South 1st Street 700 Grandview Avenue 799 Barclay Avenue

TCV Community Services/Steel Valley COG 201 East 18th Avenue

McKeesport Public Safety Building McKees Rocks—Holy Ghost Byzantine Catholic Monroeville Convention Center (DoubleTree) Mt. Oliver—Pittsburgh Christian Fellowship Munhall #5 Volunteer Fire Department North Braddock Municipal Building North Versailles Community Center Penn Hills Library Rankin Municipal Building

201 Lysle Boulevard 225 Olivia Street 101 Mall Boulevard 407 Brownsville Road 1817 Whitaker Way 600 Anderson Street 1401 Greensburg Avenue 1037 Stotler Road 320 Hawkins Avenue

Sewickley Quaker Valley Middle School 618 Harbaugh Street Stowe Municipal Building 555 Broadway Avenue Swissvale Woodland Hills Intermediate School 7600 Evans Street Verona Municipal Building 736 East Railroad Avenue West Mifflin Area Middle School 81 Commonwealth Avenue Wilkinsburg Municipal Building 605 Ross Avenue

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Courier wins six first-place state awards for journalism, photojournalism excellence

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CHEF CLAUDY PIERRE of Arnold’s Tea at the Energy Innovation Center, where he is preparing food as part of the E.A.T. Initiative. (Courtesy photo)

How Pittsburgh’s Black business owners are coping amid the pandemic

by Muffy Mendoza PublicSource

(PUBLICSOURCE)—Chef Claudy Pierre had planned for a busy St. Patrick’s Day at Arnold’s Tea on the North Side. Instead, as COVID-19 restrictions took hold, he closed his business and took the excess food he had stocked up on to help the community.

Pierre and his crew set up a food stand outside of his business to feed people between 3 and 7 p.m.

“We tried to stay open for a few weeks, but we just weren’t making enough to pay staff and keep the business open, but we could still feed people nutritious, flavorful meals with the E.A.T. Initiative,” Pierre said.

Thanks to $10,000 in grants from Bridgeway Capital and Neighborhood Allies, Pierre and his small team are feeding hundreds of Pittsburghers from Thursday to Sunday. Now, Pierre is cooking out of a full-service kitchen at the Energy Innovation Center in the Hill District with food provided by food banks and organizations like 412 Food Rescue.

With a newborn, 5-year old and new diploma, I am juggling it all amid the pandemic. Because is there even a choice?

It’s an honor to serve the community, Pierre said, but how long can it go on when he’s not taking a salary and he can barely pay his employees?

Talking to Black business owners in Pittsburgh in the wake of the

COVID-19 quarantine, you hear a lot of the same things: They’ve applied for loans and have heard nothing back.

They are scraping together every ounce of the money they have to pay their employees, do good by their community members and salvage what’s left from a business when it has no income.

Across the nation, we are hearing how COVID-19 is disproportionately affecting Black Americans’ health, but what about the Black economy?

Prior to COVID-19, Black-owned small businesses nationally increased in 2020 with much of the growth fueled by women, according to the 2020 trends report for Black entrepreneurs by Guidant Financial. However, the same report shows that most Black-business owners fund their businesses with cash, lines of credit, donations or loans from friends and family members. Only 3 percent of Black business owners are able to access funds through banking institutions. It appears that even a global pandemic and quarantine aren’t changing that.

Pierre at Arnold’s Tea is feeling the brunt of those statistics. He has applied for a federal Payroll Protection Program [PPP] loan, but has not heard anything. Currently, Arnold’s employees are primarily volunteering to keep the E.A.T. Initiative running.

Still, he’s optimistic and hoping to reopen the tea house on East Ohio Street in June.

Kelly Hunt, district director of Western Pennsylvania’s Small Business

Administration [SBA] office, said business owners who’ve previously applied to the PPP should expect lenders to reach out to them in the next week or so about funds from the second stimulus package.

“The funds are supposed to be given out on a first-come, first-serve basis, so if you haven’t heard from your lender, you need to get on the phone and call them to ask why your loan has not been processed,” she said.

Hunt further advised minority-owned businesses to apply for PPP loans through online payment processors like PayPal, Square and Intuit, instead of large lenders.

LaShesia Holliday owns Naptural Beauty Supply, located in the Gallery on Penn in East Liberty. Her storefront closed once the quarantine was announced, and she’s scrambling to make ends meet.

She described business as “ebbing and flowing.”

“People are purchasing online now, but the flip side of that is that when there’s no business, there’s no business.”

Holliday’s former business model was based on foot traffic at her storefront and vending at local trade shows and events. Now, she’s entirely dependent on the 2 percent of sales that come from online purchases.

The Institute for Women’s Policy Research says that women of color are driving the growth among female business owners, growing nearly 13 times

as quickly as White women-owned businesses. Their research also shows, despite rapid growth, women are less likely to be funded by financial institutions than men.

Holliday said that access to funding during COVID-19 will be vital to her shop’s continued success.

“I’ve applied for just about everything that I was sent. I applied for the PPP. I’ve applied for the disaster relief loan that’s up to $10,000. I’ve applied for the [Small Business Administration loan] and I also applied for the artist emergency fund,” Holliday said.

Holliday said the Pittsburgh Foundation was the first to approve her for a grant to cover business and household expenses. She’s received about $7,000 from a Micro-Enterprise COVID-19 Loan from the Urban Redevelopment Authority, though she applied for $15,000. And Holliday’s application for the SBA’s economic injury disaster loan [EIDL] was accepted and approved on May 1. She received the $1,000 advance from SBA to pay her sole employee, herself.

Hunt said every small business should be applying for, at minimum, the EIDL. “Those applications that have been received by the SBA, but not funded through the first round of funding will be the first ones funded in the next round,” Hunt said.

Hunt also wants small business ownSEE BLACK BUSINESS B2

Let’s GET FIT, physically and financially!

A couple of years ago I ran into a gentleman at the gym. He stared me down. Then finally he asked, “Are you that guy that writes for The Courier?” I responded, “yes”.

He said, “I thought that was you. I read your column every week.” I ask, “you still reading it every week?” He said yes, EVERY WEEK. I gave him a fist bump and said, “Thanks, I appreciate that!” In the back of my mind, I’m thinking DUDE; I haven’t written an article in 5 years!

It’s been 7 years since I’ve written and put out new material. What’s interesting is that it was the Financial Market Meltdown in 2008 that forced a small company owner like me to close shop and go back to Corporate America. It was the Coronavirus Health and Financial Crisis in 2020 that inspired me to take up writing again. I remember from the Financial Market Meltdown how hard it was financially and emotionally for millions of people. I knew that the Coronavirus Health and Financial Crisis would be just as devastating—if not worse. I figured that I could offer words of encouragement and provide financial guidance during this pandemic. What I didn’t realize is how much of a profound impact writing again would have on me.

Writing requires a ton of research and a lot of self-reflection. As I begin to do my due diligence, it became painfully obvious to me that over the past 7 years—I LET MYSELF GO! Guess you can say I’ve been living my life like it’s golden—with no regard for short-

term and longterm perspective and consequences. Yep, I’ve been living my best life—high on the hog!

Today I find myself with a narrower Net Worth and a more expanded Waistline than I had 7-years prior. Not exactly the trajectory I was aiming for.

After reviewing several Facebook Profile pictures of relatives, friends, and former co-workers, I get the impression I’m not the only one who let themselves go! Many of us are not looking like our “Best Selves” these days—physically or financially! It is what it is! We cannot wallow in regret. The best time to begin a Health and Wealth wellness plan is yesterday, last week, last year. Looks like we missed that train. The next best time to begin is TODAY—Right now! Let’s Get Fit, physically and financially!

Successful principles are transferrable to all endeavors. In order to succeed at anything in life you’ll need to honor these six principles—hard work, commitment, patience, perseverance, discipline, and consistency.

Patience and consistency are the two that generally thwart our efforts—preventing or delaying us from accomplishing our goals. As we strive to Get Fit, physically and financially let’s look at these principles eyeball to eyeball and vow to succeed.

In addition to the six principles, there are

other similarities when it comes to succeeding at becoming fit, physically and financially: In this article, I’ll focus on the math and tracking similarities.

If you can’t measure it, you can’t manage it: On the finance and wealth side, our out-go (expenses) must be less than our income. You must have margin or wiggle-room between your income and your expenses in order to get ahead financially. There are three ways to create margin between income and expenses—increase income, reduce expenses and/ or do a better job managing the money and expenses you have by understanding how you’re spending money. Simple. Yet very few of us keep track of our spending. We simply spend money than wonder where our money went. You cannot out earn overspending.

Regardless of your income level, if you have no margin between your income and expenses, you will not progress. A good app that I use is to track my income and spending is “Mint”. Mint will link to your checking/ saving account and other banking accounts.

It gives you detailed reports and reminders of income coming in and how you’re spending money. Once you have a handle of how the money is being spent and how much margin you have between your income and expenses, you can use the margin (extra money) to pay off debt and save money for future goals.

The more consistent we are in doing this, the larger we’ll see our margin grow. The bigger the margin, the faster we can accomplish our financial goals.

On the physical and health side—if you’re trying to lose weight, you must burn more calories than you take in. You’ll be amazed at how many calories we consume daily. Food is needed to fuel our body, giving us the energy to live and keep it moving. Instead of eating to live, most of us live to eat. We use food to socialize, entertain, and soothe our nerves in addition to eating to live. The result, we take in way more calories than we think. At some point in our life, overeating creates unwanted bulges and cellulite in various places in our body. If we exercise, we can consume more food. Few of us have a consistent exercise regimen. Even with exercise, it’s important to know how many calories you burned and how many calories you consumed because we cannot out work overeating. A good app I use to track the calories I eat and the calories I burn is “My Fitness Pal”. My Fitness Pal will give you a detailed review how many calories are in the food that we eat daily. It will also consider your exercise. One of the biggest surprises for me with this app is learning that in some cases I was taking in what I should be consuming in one day—in one meal. The larger the margin between calories burned and calories consumed, the faster you’ll lose the unwanted weight.

(Money Coach Damon Carr can be reached at 412216-1013.)

B2

MAY 20-26, 2020

BUSINESS

NEW PITTSBURGH COURIER

How Pittsburgh’s Black business owners are coping BLACK BUSINESS FROM B1

ers to know that if they receive an EIDL, the $1,000 advance payment per employee does not have to be repaid. The EIDL application is currently closed due to a backlog of applications. Hunt said she hopes the application will reopen within the next two weeks.

Still, one community leader is questioning the lending structure of relief payments.

Tammy Thompson, executive director of Circles Greater Pittsburgh, has been attempting to fill the void lenders leave. The organization has been assisting entrepreneurs like Holliday by providing them with basic needs like food, cleaning supplies and, in some cases, laptops for families new to homeschooling. Circles also operates the Gallery on Penn, a retail incubator space in East Liberty, where Holliday’s storefront is located. Thompson is disheartened to

see the devastating effect lenders that work with apply for through a lend- the type of support that the pandemic has had on underserved communi- er,” Hunt said. “That’s Ruth’s Chris has gotten?”

Black entrepreneurs. ties. been an issue we recogOwner Briana McCoy, “As a program that foThe first round has nize for our urban com- 32, said she decided not cuses on helpto charge the ing minority families who business ownpay out of their ers, it was very own pockets discouraging once the center to see that had to close. “So newer busiI’m losing that nesses with no funding, plus employees yet the parent’s coand who don’t pays as well as necessarily the food prohave the backgram,” she said. end support or “That income is a relationship a big loss.” with a banker F o r t u n a t e l y, seem to not the state is still have as strong paying McCoy of a chance for children ento apply and rolled through BUSINESS OWNER LASHESIA HOLLIDAY tabled at a past event at the August Wilson African get approved. American Cultural Center. (Courtesy photo) state-funded This also inchildcare subsicludes a lot of dies. However, ‘mom and pop’ business- led to multiple lawsuits munities and our very ru- those payments are much es that have been in our against banks, including ral communities.” lower than parents who communities for genera- PNC Bank, alleging that As a childcare center, pay privately. While Mctions,” she said. the financial institutions McCoy’s Learning Cen- Coy knows the decision Of the second round of favored big companies ter in Homewood doesn’t to not charge her pristimulus relief funds, $60 over small business in have the flexibility to of- vate-pay parents during billion is supposed to be processing PPP loans. fer online services. quarantine and to continearmarked for commu“The Payroll Protection “How many businesses ue to pay her two employnity banks and smaller Program, you do have to do you think have gotten ees puts her business at

risk, she said she is committed to doing the right thing for her parents.

The center is set to reopen on May 11, but not without concerns. How will they handle changing masks of not only employees but also children? Will they have to turn away children with fevers? She’ll also be required to have additional back-up staffing to remain compliant with state child care policies.

And financial questions loom. McCoy said she applied for the PPP loan through her banking institution, Bank of America, on April 4 and received notice on May 1 that her application is being processed. She also applied for the SBA’s EIDL in mid-March and has not heard anything yet.

Many Black business owners in Atlanta, St. Louis and Chicago are reporting being locked out from stimulus relief loans.

The U.S. Black Chambers said it has been advocating for lenders that have a track record servicing Black-owned businesses to receive a portion of the funding since the first coronavirus relief bill was passed.

“The fight continues … we will continue to aggressively urge Congress, local and state legislators to target and set aside funding specifically for Black-owned businesses,” said Ron Busby, president of the U.S. Black Chambers in a recent statement.

The Black Chambers believes that Black-owned businesses are going to be among those most negatively affected by the economic downturn.

Vernard Alexander, 48, is the executive director of the Minority Networking Exchange and owner of the CKV Suites co-working space in Homewood.

He is optimistic that Black entrepreneurs and leaders will make adjustments and pull together during the pandemic.

As a local business coach, he’s already witnessed DJs, hair stylists and artists revamp their businesses online, keeping their virtual doors open while their shops are closed.

Alexander also cited how State Rep. Jake Wheatley’s recently paid multiple DJs to do live video recordings on Facebook, playing music while encouraging people to register to vote.

Alexander knows how the power of a robust online presence can make or break a business. His social media popularity as a disseminator of community information has led to a second income over the years. Alexander’s event space within CKV Suites, is currently shut down, but his robust online presence allows him to stay in business. He also works a day job as a social worker.

All of the local Black business owners who spoke to PublicSource agreed on one thing: the available relief funds do not seem to be alleviating the area’s minority-owned businesses.

“How many businesses do you think have gotten the type of support that Ruth’s Chris has gotten?”

Pierre said, referring to the $20 million the steakhouse chain received through the PPP and has since said it would return.

Holliday echoes that sentiment, saying she worries about paying all the loans back and whether or not spending will rebound when the quarantine is fully lifted.

“They’re throwing all these loan funds at people,” she said, “and I’m worried it’s all going to blow up in our faces.”

(Muffy Mendoza is the founder of Brown Mamas, a movement that champions Black mothers to be the gamechangers our communities need. She can be reached at brownmamas.com.)

OPINION

NEW PITTSBURGH COURIER

Guest Editorial

Ahmaud Arbery jogs our memory of Travon Martin It has happened again. A young Black man jogging in Glynn County, Georgia, a short distance away from his home, was stalked and killed by White men alleging self-defense. A video has surfaced showing that on February 23, 2020, 25-year-old Ahmaud Arbery was gunned down by a father/son duo, Gregory McMichael and his son, Travis McMichael, who took it upon themselves to stalk and kill Arbery because there had been a previous burglary in the area.

According to an online May 10, 2020 New York Times article titled, “What We Know About the Shooting Death of Ahmaud Arbery” by Richard Fausset, “In a recording of a 911 call, which appears to have been made moments before the chase began, a neighbor told a dispatcher that a Black man was inside a house that was under construction on the McMichael family’s block. During the chase, the McMichaels yelled, ‘Stop, stop, we want to talk to you,’ according to Gregory McMichael’s account in the police report. They then pulled up to Mr. Arbery, and Travis McMichael got out of the truck with the shotgun.”

The video clearly shows Arbery jogging past the truck, crossing in front of it, and emerging struggling with Travis McMichael. Three shots were then heard, and Arbery fell to the ground. All of this is just coming to light even though the event took place a little over two months ago.

It turns out that Gregory McMichael, the dad, had been re iously em loyed as a olice officer and former investigator with the Glynn County GA local district attorney s office. he original rosecutor from that office has recused herself from the case because of her association with McMichael. It is alleged by some that this is why McMichael was not initially arrested.

Thanks to the video and a huge public outcry, however, things have changed. Gregory McMichael and his son Travis, the alleged shooter, have been arrested and charged with murder.

This whole ordeal brings to mind what happened to Trayvon Martin, the 17-year-old Florida teen who was stalked and gunned down by a former neighborhood watch captain, George Zimmerman. Zimmerman was acquitted after a murder trial on the grounds of self-defense.

Gregory and Travis McMichael were also not immediately charged because they were acting within Georgia’s citizen arrest and self-defense statutes. In both cases the victims were not breaking the law, but were stalked by those taking the law into their own hands, claiming “self-defense.” Furthermore, what both cases have in common is that White men saw an opportunity to vent their racist urges. In the Trayvon Martin case, Zimmerman got off and was not convicted of Trayvon Martin’s murder.

This whole situation is a travesty.

There is a long list of unarmed African Americans wantonly murdered by White people. In an online 2015 article, Mapping Police Violence, it was reported that at least 104 unarmed Black people were killed by police during that year. nly of the cases resulted in the officers being convicted of a crime, and NONE were sentenced to serve more than four years in prison.

The report also says that unarmed Black people were illed by olice at fi e times the rate of unarmed hites in 2015! This is an indication that there is a real problem with the murdering of Black people in America.

The current matter regarding Ahmaud Arbery is instructive in several ways.

This killing would not have been brought to light had there not been a videotape of it, and the McMichael duo would have not been arrested had there not been a huge public outcry from civil rights activists, lawmakers, and celebrities.

Interestingly, at press time, new information has surfaced that would urge people to not rush to judgment and to wait and see how the new details impact the case. If it turns out to be true that the initial allegations about the unwarranted actions of the McMichael father and son are true, then people should demand that justice is served and an appropriate sentence be given.

We are at a crossroads—if this case turns out to actually be deemed a murder, the community should act to avoid the outcomes of similar past cases, i.e., people getting away with the crimes. If we don’t act, the Black community will be sending a loud, clear message that it’s all right to kill Black people without repercussions and that Black Lives Do Not Matter! e must change that narrati e and fight bac with our dollars and (common) sense!

(Reprinted from the Chicago Crusader)

Founded 1910

Rod Doss Editor & Publisher Stephan A. Broadus Assistant to the Publisher Allison Palm

Rob Taylor Jr.

Jeff Marion

Office Manager

Managing Editor

Circulation Consultant

John. H. Sengstacke

Editor & Publisher Emeritus (1912-1997)

MAY 20-26, 2020 B3

Message to my sisters (TriceEdneyWire.com)—Nobody knows better than Black women the challenges Black women and men still face. We must stand by each other no matter what.

Some might hate the phrase used by Black women who would ask the slave master to allow her to whip her son because she knew if the slave master did it, he’d likely beat her son to death.

Black mothers would tell their son as she commenced to beating him, “This is going to hurt me more than it hurts you.” Her son didn’t understand that but she knew if she left it to the slave master, he might beat her son to death. Black women have always stepped up to the plate to defend and show our love for Black men—even when some of their historical behavior hurt us.

For centuries, we’ve jointly had to deal with racism from which the wounds have never healed.

When we see Black men trying to assist us in dealing with the many challenges in our lives, we must see them as GOOD BROTHERS. In the National Congress of Black Women, on every program where we honor women for their work, we honor Black men.

We honor Black men who work for the ERA. Recently, I met Bobby Hunter formerly with the Harlem Globetrotters. This brother probably does more to help in passing the ERA than I do—and that’s

Dr. E. Faye Williams, Esq.

Commentary saying a lot.

We honor Black men who respect and appreciate Black women for our competence. We honor those who do not define beauty as limited to women of all other races or cultures. We appreciate those who include all shades of skin, all types of hair, all dress sizes, etc.

We honor those who don’t sit back and say, “That’s a woman’s” job while they watch the woman do all the house work, take care of the children, work the polls on election day, get out the vote, without realizing the job would have been easier If there had been a cooperative effort.

Sure, it hurt some of us when we heard that 11 percent of Black men didn’t vote for Stacey Abrams for Governor. Yet, it hurts all of us if we don’t encourage Black men to work with us to get out the vote in the election on November 3rd.

We have to make an effort to reach out to them and appreciate the 89 percent who did support Stacey.

Black women have been getting

credit for various political victories in recent years. Let’s work to make that headline say Black people made the difference!

We have to be inclusive, to involve them in what we’re doing from the beginning and applaud those who’ve been on the Biden calls even though we call ourselves “Black Women for Biden.”

Although there’re some Black men who’re reluctant to involve us in what they’re doing until they want us to take action to help them accomplish their goals that are often our goals, too—but we don’t have a say in developing them.

Never-the-less, we must be in the real struggles together and show our appreciation for the Black men who get it, and who want to be there with us even when they aren’t sure how to help.

I understand Black men who’re uncertain about what to do when it comes to working with women because of this new day where accusations spring into action 30 or 40 years after someone allegedly touched them. We must understand that reluctance, and allow Black men to be comfortable working with us—because we do need each other to succeed, not only in the coming elections, but in everything that has the potential for helping our community.

(Dr. E. Faye Williams is President of the National Congress of Black Women.)

Investigate not just Ahmad’s death, but the system that let his killers escape (TriceEdneyWire.com)—“The sad truth is that Ahmaud’s case isn’t unique at all. He is a representation of the ongoing level of distrust that a large part of our communities have in law enforcement and elected officials and the importance of placing reform like-minded people in office who will uphold the highest standards of the law for everyone, regardless of color. The anger and frustration being expressed by professional athletes and people of color all over the country stems from a centuries-long thread of violence against the black body that goes without consequence or justice.”—Former NFL Player Malcolm Jenkins, co-founder of The Players’ Coalition The pattern is nauseatingly familiar.

An unarmed person of color is killed by police or by self-appointed vigilantes. Authorities accept, without question, an explanation of self-defense. It is only after the disinfecting sunlight of public attention arouses outrage that the wheels of justice begin to turn. And so it has been for Ahmaud Arbery, a 25-year-old Georgia man shot to death while jogging in February.

The 64-year-old former police investigator and his 34-year-old son who are charged in his death told police he thought Mr. Arbery looked like a man suspected in several break-ins in the area.

No break-ins had been reported in the area for seven weeks before the shooting.

The father and son, Gregory and Travis McMichael, armed themselves and chased Ahmaud in a pickup truck before the younger man fired the fatal shots from his shotgun.

No one was arrested. Shortly afterward, the prosecutor with jurisdiction over the case recused herself, because the elder McMichael had worked in her office.

The second prosecutor, whose son worked in the same office also recused himself. But before he did, he made it clear to the police that he

Marc H. Morial

To Be Equal accepted the McMichael’s claim of self-defense.

By the time the New York Times published its first account of the killing, two months had passed with no arrests. It was only two weeks later, after a video of the armed chase emerged that the third prosecutor assigned to the case said he would present it to a grand jury.

That same day, the Georgia Bureau of Investigation took over the case from local police. Two days later, Ahmaud’s attackers were arrested.

Appallingly, the defense attorney who leaked the video said he thought it would exonerate the attackers because Ahmaud didn’t freeze when the attackers told him to stop.

It boggles the mind that in the year 2020 there are still people in positions of authority who accept, unquestioningly, the notion that a Black man who fails to heed the orders of a White man on the street deserves instant death.

It seems clear that without the national attention focused on the case, there would have been no justice for Ahmaud. And that, as much as Ahmaud’s death itself, is what must be investigated.

This week the Washington Post revealed that the elder McMichael was stripped of his law enforcement certification and power to arrest more than a year before the shooting because he repeatedly failed to complete required training. He also was stripped of his powers to arrest people in January 2006 because of an undisclosed infraction.

Furthermore, the Glynn County Police Department, which led the

investigation before the Georgia Bureau of Investigation took over the case, has a history of corruption and scandals.

Glynn County Police Chief John Powell was indicted for perjury and witness tampering four days after the Arbery shooting. He remains on administrative leave.

The police department lost its state certification in 2018 because it did not meet basic policing standards. Only 12 percent of the police force was African American, even though African Americans make up 26 percent of the county’s population.

Last year, the county’s drug task force was disbanded after a stateled investigation found extensive misconduct by Glynn County officers.

A lieutenant with a long history of violent behavior shot and killed his estranged wife in 2018 before taking his own life. The wife’s family is suing the department for failing to intervene.

Without the persistence of Ahmaud’s family to seek justice, the corruption would have been allowed to fester.

Meanwhile, another tragic killing, the death of 26-year-old Breonna Taylor, has risen to national attention. The EMT shot to death by Louisville police executing a noknock search warrant. The police were not wearing body cameras.

Her family have sued the police and the case is under review.

The National Urban League stands in solidarity with the other civil rights and social justice advocates and activists who have called on U.S. Attorney William Barr to investigate these killings and the work of the police and prosecutors involved.

An unsigned note left at the spot where Ahmaud was killed reads: “Ahmaud—I am so sorry. I should have stopped them. I am so sorry.” We, as a nation, should have stopped them, and must stop it from happening again.

Letter to the Editor

Start by thinking about one simple question Dear Editor: Before we offer-up our “thoughts and prayers” for Ahmaud Arbery and his family, perhaps we should think and pray about the fact that we live in a country where heavily armed White men storm state capitol buildings and are hailed as patriots, while unarmed Black men are gunned down on our streets.

The pundits and politicians and attorneys will spin the murder of Ahmaud Arbery until we are so dizzy that we don’t know who or what to believe.

We’ll be overwhelmed with phrases like “perceived threat” and “citizen’s arrest” and “stand your ground” until we’re so dizzy that right and wrong are blurred beyond recognition. Our irrational fears and prejudices will be stoked until we are so dizzy that the next murder of an unarmed Black citizen becomes just another moment for thoughts and prayers.

In their November 2018 pastoral letter entitled, Open Wide Our Hearts: The En-

during Call to Love—A Pastoral Letter Against Racism, the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops state that “The cumulative effects of personal sins of racism have led to social structures of injustice and violence that makes us all accomplices in racism.”

Without action, our thoughts and prayers are hollow, self-serving rituals to ease our collective conscience.

Indeed, the massacre of unarmed African Americans will continue unabated until we get serious about owning, confessing and confronting our own personal racism and our nation’s institutional racism. Not sure where to start? Start by thinking and praying about one simple

question: What if Ahmaud Arbery were your son?

Keith G. Kondrich Swisshelm Park

New Pittsburgh Courier

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MAY 20-26, 2020

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Chef Instructor Bidwell Training Center Provides hands on culinary classroom instruction to adult students on an individual and group basis, including hot and cold food preparation and assigned courses. Oversees students in the production of food for the organization’s cafeteria and ensures all student compliance with related health and safety guidelines. A.S. in Culinary Arts, a minimum of 3 years in a professional culinary capacity, and 2-3 years previous experience training adults in a formal or professional setting required. Must meet eligibility requirements for membership in the American Culinary Federation, and for certification as a Certified Culinary ducator or Certified or ing Chef. Must have successfully completed the ACHD Food Protection Certification rogram. ust ossess a wor ing nowledge of icrosoft ffice a lications.

Send Resume with cover letter and salary requirements to hr@ manchesterbidwell.org EOE

he ashington County Housing Authority will receive separate, and sealed bids for the following prime contract bid with the Authority VALLEY VIEW TERRACE APARTMENT RENOVATIONS VALLEY VIEW TERRACE 518 DAWSON STREET CANONSBURG, PA 15317 COMMISSION # 4019 A certified chec or ban draft ayable to the ashington County Housing Authority, a S o ernment Bond or satisfactory Bid Bond e ecuted by the Bidder and acce table sureties in the amount equal to ten ercent of the bid shall be submitted with each bid.

Bids will be received no later than 1:30 PM DST, WEDNESDAY, JUNE 10, 2020 at the ashington County Housing Authority, Crumrine ower, ran lin Street, ashington, A at which timethe bids will be publicly opened and read aloud. Bids will be held by theHousing Authority for a period not to e ceed si ty days rior to thecontract award.

A Non-Mandatory Pre-bid Meeting will be held at 9:00 AM DST, WEDNESDAY, MAY 27, 2020 onsite at Valley View errace, awson Street, Canonsburg, a .

Plans, specifications, and contract documents may be examined at these locations: lans and S ecifications may be iewed at the following lan ooms Cle eland Builders change, ittsburgh Builders change, Construction Journal, and hio Valley Construction Employers Council.A CD containing PDF’s of all bid documents may be obtained through the office of the Architect, Shaeffer adama, nc., ourteenth Street, heeling, u on recei t of a . non refundable payment and valid email address. For more information, contact susieb@shaeffer-madama. com.

Submit all required documents in a sealed en elo e clearly mar ed WCHA Valley View Terrace: Valley View Terrace Apartment Renovations he wor to be erformed under this contract is a Section ro ect under Provisions of the Housing & rban e elo ment Act of , as amended, and must, to the greatest extent feasible, provide opportunities for training and employment for lower income residents of the ro ect and contracts for wor in connection with the ro ect be awarded to business concerns which are located in, or owned by, ashington County residents. Particular attention is directed to requirements of ecuti e rder , and , as well as Section re uirements, as set forth in the S ecifications.

The Authority reserves the right to re ect any or all bids for any reason(s) what so ever and to waive informalities in the bidding.

STEPHEN K. HALL EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

ASSISTANT PROFESSOR OF RESEARCH METHODOLOGY The University of Pittsburgh’s Department of Psychology in its School of ducation see s Assistant Professor of Research Methodology to teach/instruct graduate & undergraduate courses in introductory & advanced graduate courses in quantitative methodology in education as well as study cutting-edge methodological problems in multilevel modeling & causal mediation analysis & employ innovative methods to conduct educational program evaluations. Applicants should submit a cover letter, statement of teaching and research interests, curriculum vitae, writing sample, at least three letters of recommendation, and teaching evaluations to join.pitt.edu, #20002319.

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Claims against said Trust may be filed as follows and sent to PNC Bank, National Association Attn: Sharon L Whitney, VP 300 Fifth Ave, FL 31 Pittsburgh, PA 15222 And/or: Tracey L. Zihmer, Esq. 3244 Washington Road Suite 210 McMurray, PA 15317 LEGAL ADVERTISING Bids/Proposals

Sealed bid proposals are hereby solicited for the Community College of Allegheny County, Allegheny A enue, ittsburgh A . . on the following items Bid Proposal No. 1065 – Refuse and Recycling – College Wide ue date 2:00 P.M. Prevailing Time on Monday, June 1, 2020 The CCAC Purchasing Department publishes all bids and RFPs via the CCAC website at https://www.ccac. edu/Bid-RFP_Opportunities.aspx t will be each endor s res onsibility to monitor the bid activity within the gi en website Bid and ortunities”) and ensure compliance with all applicable bid documents inclusive of any issued addenda. Failure to incorporate any applicable addenda in the final submittal may result in the re ection of your bid. he Board of Trustees reserves the right to reect any and all bids. he Community College of Allegheny County is an Affirmati e Action ual m loyment Opportunity Employer and encourages bids from Minority/Disadvantaged owned businesses.

OFFICIAL ADVERTISEMENT THE BOARD OF PUBLIC EDUCATION OF THE SCHOOL DISTRICT OF PITTSBURGH Sealed proposals shall be deposited at the Administration Building, Bellefield ntrance obby, South Bellefield A enue, ittsburgh, Pa. 15213, on June 9, 2020 until 2:00 P.M. local re ailing time for Various Buildings Carbon Monoxide Detectors Phase II Mechanical, and Electrical Primes – REBID Various Buildings Asbestos, Lead-based paint, Mold & Animal Excrement Remediation, Mitigation & Abatement Environmental Abatement Contract – REBID ro ect anual and rawings will be available for purchase on May 11, 2020 at Modern Reproductions , c ean Street, ittsburgh, a., between 9:00 A.M. and 4:00 P.M. he cost of the ro ect anual ocuments is non refundable. ro ect details and dates are described in each ro ect manual.

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COMBINED NOTICE OF FINDING OF NO SIGNFICANT IMPACT AND NOTICE OF INTENT TO REQUEST RELEASE OF FUNDS (“FONSI/RROF”) his Notice is ublished ursuant to ederal egulations romulgated by the nited States epartment of Housing and Urban Development (“HUD”)’s Environmental Assessment set forth at C art , Section . .

May 21, 2020 City of Pittsburgh-Office of Management and Budget 200 Ross Street, 2nd Floor Pittsburgh, PA 15219 412-255-2211 These notices shall satisfy two separate but related procedural requirements for activities to be underta en by the rban ede elo ment Authority of ittsburgh and the City of ittsburgh.

REQUEST FOR RELEASE OF FUNDS On or about June 8th May 25, 2020, the City of Pittsburgh (“City”) will authorize the Urban Redevelopment Authority of Pittsburgh (“URA”) and the City to submit a request to the United States Department of Housing and Urban Development (“HUD”) for the release of the following federal funds to underta e ro ect nown as lats on orward a ow ncome Housing a Credits under S Code Section a ro imately , , b Housing ortunity unds a ro imately , c H n estment artnershi Act funds H a ro imately , (d) Pennsylvania Housing Affordability and Rehabilitation Enhancement funds (PHARE) (approximately , , e ennsyl ania ede elo ment Assistance Ca ital rogram funds as authori ed under the ede elo ment Assistance section of the Ca ital Budget temi ation Act a ro imately , , . he estimated total de elo ment cost is , , .

The release of the aforementioned funds will be for the purposes of developing Flats on Forward, which includes new construction of a unit a artment building at orward A enue, ittsburgh, A . he de elo er is AC N Housing, nc. As art of this notice, the ro ect reuires the im lementation of a set of de elo ment acti ities related to the com letion of this ro ect which may include, and is not limited to, demolition, acquisition, disposition, new construction, and remediation on the art of the City, the A, and any other authori ed arties to the ro ect.

FINDING OF NO SIGNIFICANT IMPACT he City of ittsburgh has determined that the ro ect will ha e no significant im act on the human en ironment. herefore, an n ironmental m act Statement under the National n ironmental olicy Act of N A is not re uired. Additional ro ect information is contained in the Environmental Review Record (ERR). The ERR will be made available to the public for review either electronically or by U.S. mail. Please submit your request by U.S. mail to City of Pittsburgh, ffice of anagement and Budget, oss St, nd loor ittsburgh, a or by email to hitney. innstrom ittsburgh a.go .

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ENVIRONMENTAL CERTIFICATION he City of ittsburgh certifies to H that illiam eduto in his ca acity as ayor, City of ittsburgh, consents to acce t the urisdiction of the ederal Courts if an action is brought to enforce responsibilities in relation to the environmental review process and that these responsibilities ha e been satisfied. H s a ro al of the certification satisfies its res onsibilities under N A and related laws and authorities and allows the City and URA to use funding sources (a) through f identified under e uest for elease of unds abo e.

OBJECTIONS TO RELEASE OF FUNDS H will acce t ob ections to its release of fund and the City of ittsburgh s certification for a eriod of fifteen days following the antici ated submission date or its actual recei t of the re uest whiche er is later only if they are on one of the following bases a the certification was not e ecuted by the Certifying fficer of the City of ittsburgh b the City of ittsburgh has omitted a ste or failed to ma e a decision or finding re uired by H regulations at C art c the grant recipient or other participants in the development process have committed funds, incurred costs or underta en acti ities not authori ed by C art before a ro al of a release of funds by H or d another ederal agency acting ursuant to C art has submitted a written finding that the ro ect is unsatisfactory from the stand oint of en ironmental uality. b ections must be re ared and submitted in accordance with the re uired rocedures C art , Sec. . and shall be addressed to U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development Community Planning and Development Division The Moorhead Federal Building 1000 Liberty Ave.-10th floor Pittsburgh, PA 15222 OR phillip.e.mckeough@hud.gov & (412) 644-5846. otential ob ectors should contact H to erify the actual last day of the ob ection eriod.

WILLIAM PEDUTO Mayor City of Pittsburgh

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REQUEST FOR QUALIFICATIONS ALLEGHENY COUNTY SANITARY AUTHORITY PUBLIC NOTICE The Allegheny County Sanitary Authority A C SAN is acce ting etters of nterest and Statements of ualifications from rofessional Companies who wish to be considered for the following Engineering Design Services for CSO Bypass and Disinfection (S-466) nterested arties shall submit an electronic copy (pdf format) emailed to Suzanne.thomas@alcosan.org Attn: Suzanne Thomas, Procurement Officer All questions should also be submitted, in writing, to Suzanne Thomas.

An informational meeting will be held on-line via Microsoft Teams on May 28, 2020 at 2:00 p.m. All parties interested in attending the informational meeting shall send an email to Suzanne Thomas. Once the emails are compiled, A C SAN will email a icrosoft Teams meeting invite. This meeting is not mandatory but all interested parties are encouraged to attend.

A C SAN intends to award the ser ices to one firm to erform all of the services. All submittals must be received no later than 2:00 p.m.

June 26, 2020. t is Consultant s responsibility to ensure the documents ha e been recei ed. ate submittals will not be considered.

Additional information and instructions may be obtained by isiting https://www.alcosan.org/workwith-us/planned-and-active-bids A C SAN encourages businesses owned and operated by minorities, disadvantaged and women’s business enter rises to submit ualification statements or to participate as subcontractors or suppliers to the selected Consultant/Firm. The Party selected shall be required to utilize minority, disadvantaged, and women’s business enterprises to the fullest extent possible. The goals of the A C SAN s inority and omen Business olicy are listed on the A C SAN website at www.alcosan.org.

Kimberly Kennedy, PE Director, Engineering and Construction

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NOTICE OF DISPLAY OF PLANS AND PUBLIC HEARING FOR THE FY 2020-2024 FIVE YEAR CONSOLIDATED PLAN, FY 2020 ANNUAL ACTION PLAN & ANALYSIS OF IMPEDIMENTS TO FAIR HOUSING CHOICE FOR THE CITY OF PITTSBURGH, PA Notice is hereby given by the City of Pittsburgh, Allegheny County, PA that it has prepared a Five Year Consolidated Plan for FY 2020-2024, an Annual Action Plan for FY 2020, and an Analysis of Impediments to Fair Housing Choice. The City intends to submit its FY 2020 Annual Action Plan in the amount of $14,239,211 for Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funds; $2,320,553 in HOME Investment Partnerships (HOME) funds; $1,216,133 in Emergency Solutions Grant (ESG) funds; and $1,140,292 in HOPWA funds.

The FY 2020 Annual Action Plan will be submitted to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) on or before June 30, 2020.

These plans will be available for review for a period of 30 days beginning on Friday, May 22, 2020.

Written or verbal public comments on these plans will be received until 4:00 P.M. on Monday, June 22, 2020 and should be directed to the City of ittsburgh s ffice of anagement and Budget, attention Mr. Whitney Finnstrom, Senior Manager, Community Development Division, 200 Ross Street, Pittsburgh, PA 15219. The phone number is (412) 255-2211, fax number is (412) 393-0151, and the TDD number is (412) 255-2222.

To expedite the disbursement of the City’s FY 2020 funds, via 24 CFR 5.110, the CARES Act authorizes HUD to grant waivers to the public notice, public comment, and citizen participation plan requirements found in 24 CFR 91.105I (2) and (k), 24 CFR 91.115I (2) and (i) and 24 CFR 91.401. In accordance with the City of Pittsburgh’s Citizen Participation Plan and HUD’s regulatory requirement waivers, a virtual public hearing will be held at 5:00 p.m. on Thursday, June 16, 2020 to provide an opportunity for comment on the draft FY 2020-2024 Five Year Consolidated Plan, FY 2020 Annual Action Plan, and Analysis of Impediments to Fair Housing Choice.

The public hearing virtual location will be posted at https://pittsburghpa.gov/omb/omb-public-notices.

Please check our website at https:// pittsburghpa.gov/omb/cd for more information.

In order to obtain the views of citizens, public agencies and other interested parties, the City of Pittsburgh has placed the Plans on display and online from May 22, 2020 through June 22, 2020, at the City of Pittsburgh’s website (https:// pittsburghpa.gov/omb/cd).

The City of Pittsburgh’s proposed activities for funding under the FY 2020 Annual Action Plan for the City of Pittsburgh may be viewed on the City of Pittsburgh’s website at https://pittsburghpa.gov/omb/cd.

The plans were developed after conducting an initial public hearing; community meetings; round table meetings with housing, social services, and community and economic development agencies/organizations; meeting with City staff; a community-wide citizen questionnaire, and receiving both written and verbal comments, and requests, which identified needs for the City.

If the City would undertake an activity that would result in the displacement of families or individuals, then the City would utilize its policy for minimizing such displacement. Furthermore, the City is responsible for replacing all low- and moderate-income housing units that may be demolished or converted as a result of CDBG Funds.

All interested persons, groups, and organizations are encouraged to participate in this virtual public hearing and will be given the opportunity to present oral testimony concerning the proposed plans and use of Federal funds under the FY 2020-2024 Five Year Consolidated Plan, FY 2020 Annual Action Plan, and Analysis of Impediments to Fair Housing Choice.

Written comments may be addressed to Mr. Whitney Finnstrom, Senior Manager, Community Development Division, 200 Ross Street, Pittsburgh, PA 15219. Oral comments may also be made by contacting Mr. Finnstrom at (412) 255-2211, his fax number is (412) 393-0151, his email is community. development@pittsburghpa.gov, and the TDD number is (412) 2552222.

Mr. Whitney Finnstrom, Senior Manager Community Development Division, OMB

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THE COURIER WOULD LIKE TO CONGRATULATE ITS ENTIRE STAFF ON WINNING 6 FIRST-PLACE STATE AWARDS IN THE 2020 PNA’S KEYSTONE MEDIA AWARDS. MERECEDES J. WILLIAMS First-place award for Lifestyle/Entertainment Beat, for her Movie Scene Queen Movie/TV Show Reviews, 2019

EMMAI ALAQUIVA First-place award for Breaking News Photo, “Statement Made - Protests Through Downtown Pittsburgh for Antwon Rose II,” 2019

DAYNA DELGADO First-place award for News Event Photo, “Everyone’s Child, Justice for Antwon,” at Hawkins Village, Dec. 2019

RICCO J.L. MARTELLO DAYNA DELGADO EMMAI ALAQUIVA First-place award for Photo Story/Essay, “Pittsburgh holds protests, rallies after not guilty verdict in Antwon Rose II shooting,” 2019

RICCO J.L. MARTELLO

ROB TAYLOR JR. First-place award for News Feature Story, “Once Again, No Justice - Not guilty verdict in Antwon Rose II shooting,” March 2019

KATHLEEN YOCUM First-place award for Sports Page Design, “The Nazareth Prep Saints are officially on the map orth Catholic continues its dominance,” 2019

“I am beyond ecstatic to salute Dayna, Movie Scene Queen, Emmai, Ricco, Kathy and everyone associated with the Courier on this incredible feat! And I truly appreciate everyone who continues to read and support the Courier in print and online....Stay safe, mask up, and let’s all go to the top together!”

- Rob Taylor Jr., managing editor, NPC To see the award-winning entries, visit www.newpittsburghcourier.com or on Facebook, “New Pittsburgh Courier” For the PNA website to see all the statewide winners, go to www.panewsmedia.org (Courier is in Division VI)

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The ‘New New Left’ is just Old, sick and incarcerated as stubborn as the ‘Old New left’

(NNPA)—There were 4623 incarcerated people over 65 in federal prisons during the first week of May. Until May 12, Paul Manafort, Mr. Trump’s one-time campaign manager, was one of them. The 71-year-old petitioned the court for release to home confinement because of his age, heart condition, and “fear of coronavirus.” Yet the federal correctional institution that housed Manafort had no coronavirus cases, and Manafort had served fewer than two years of his more than seven-year sentence. Recently developed federal guidelines suggest at-home confinement for those at risk who have served more than half of their sentence or have less than eighteen months of jail time left to serve. Manafort meets none of these criteria, but he apparently had enough high-priced lawyers to push his case aggressively.

I’m not as outraged at Manafort’s early release as I am disturbed about the other 4622 elderly inmates, most who lack the resources and access that Manafort had.

Nearly forty percent of those incarcerated in federal prisons are African American, many serving very long sentences for drug-related crimes. Many have some of the same underlying medical conditions

Julianne Malveaux

Commentary and “fear of coronavirus” that Manafort had. How many of them will get an early release and the relative luxury of home confinement? The treatment of a wealthy, older White man and a poor, older Black man is vastly different.

Prisons are a breeding ground for the coronavirus. Prisons are overcrowded with social distancing an impossibility since an average cell, about five feet by five, does not allow six feet of distancing.

Recent studies show that the COVID-19 germs from a loud conversation or a cough linger for minutes, sufficient time to infect another person. The notorious Riker’s Island prison has eight times the COVID-19 infection rate of the New York City rate. Infection is not a possibility, but a near-certainty. Prison infections are so widespread that some activists describe them as “death camps.”

Older people don’t commit violent crimes (although they commit financial crimes and perjury). Releasing those over 65 who were convicted of drug crimes and other nonviolent crimes saves money and has little social cost. But incarceration is an economic driver for some communities.

Federal prisons employ tens of thousands of people. In some isolated communities, these prisons are a significant source of employment. Releasing prisoners early may cause layoffs. Is this why we insist on keeping so many people locked up for such long periods?

Parole was eliminated in federal prison in the mid-1980s, allowing “good behavior” only after 85 percent of a sentence has been served. But Manafort, citing “fear of coronavirus,” ended up serving less than a quarter of his sentence. Can an old Black man get the Manafort treatment and serve the rest of his sentence in a cushy condo in Northern Virginia?

Manafort had a lot less to fear, at his minimum-security prison, than a Black inmate might.

Other countries have reacted to coronavirus crowding by releasing inmates in the tens of thousands. According to David Anderson of the International Legal Foundation, Iran released more than half of its prisoners—100,000 of 189,000.

Palestine is holding emergency court sessions to allow inmates to petition for release. Other countries seem to understand that COVID-19 and crowding don’t work and are releasing prisoners.

Meanwhile, our country, in Anderson’s words, is “addicted to punishment.” In keeping nonviolent inmates incarcerated, we are “prioritizing punishment over public health.” The inmates aren’t the only ones at risk. Correctional officers, lawyers, and visiting family members are also vulnerable. We are so committed to getting a “pound of flesh” from those incarcerated that we refuse to consider the high costs of incarceration.

Consider the case of former Detroit Mayor Kwame Kilpatrick. Convicted of perjury, obstruction of justice, and other crimes, Kilpatrick was sentenced to 28 years for his crimes. He is not scheduled to be released until 2037! While Kilpatrick certainly deserved to be convicted, a 28-year sentence is excessive. Recently an inmate at his Oakdale, Louisiana prison died from the coronavirus. I’m sure Kilpatrick is as frightened of the coronavirus as Manafort is. He is not likely to be allowed home confinement.

Unless there is intervention, Kilpatrick will be eligible for Social Security before he is released! What is the purpose of such a long sentence? How much does it cost to incarcerate someone for 28 years?

Is it worth it?

The coronavirus magnified our nation’s inequality. Manafort is out after less than two years’ incarceration. Thousands who are old and poor remain incarcerated and vulnerable to coronavirus. Our criminal injustice system is in dire need of reform.

(Julianne Malveaux is an author and economist.)

The 1968 presat all. Those votes idential contest J. Pharoah Doss were significant was between Relosses for Clinton in publican Richard the five blue states Nixon and Demothat turned red. crat Hubert Hum(2016 Pennsylvania phrey. “The New vote count...ClinLeft,” as they were ton: 47.85 percent; called at the time, 2,926,441—Trump: proclaimed the (48.58 percent; two major parties 2,970,733) were merely the right and left wings of In 2016 Sanders was unable to hand the capitalist system. On Election Day, over his Democratic socialist movement members of “The New Left” either re- to Hillary Clinton and in 2020 Sanders is fused to vote or voted for the Peace and struggling to hand it over to Democratic Freedom Party. The Peace and Freedom Presidential nominee Joe Biden. SandParty only had ballot status in 14 states ers’ movement wasn’t discredited in 2016 and Black Panther Eldridge Cleaver was but if 12 percent of his supporters vote a presidential candidate. Cleaver was for Trump again, the movement will be. technically ineligible to run because he This predicament led the former leaders wasn’t 35 years old at the time. of the 1960s “New Left” movement to Nixon won. write: An Open Letter to the New New In 2016, Hillary Clinton won the Dem- Left from the Old New Left. The “Old ocratic Party’s nomination for president. New Left” wrote, “We are gravely conClinton’s primary challenger, Democratic cerned that some (Bernie Supporters), socialist, Bernie Sanders, endorsed her, including the leadership of the Demobut Sanders had a difficult time getting cratic Socialists of America, refuse to his diehard supporters to do the same. support Biden, whom they see as a repDiehard Sanders supporters had a mot- resentative of Wall Street… Some of us to, “Bernie or Bust.” One diehard Sand- think “endorsing” Joe Biden is a step too ers supporter told a reporter, “I fear Hil- far; but we who now write this open letter lary more than I fear Trump. If Trump all know we must work hard to elect him. wins, he’s in for four years. If Hillary This is an all-hands-on-deck moment.” wins, she’s in there for eight. That’s not But the “New New Left” has no tolerhow we stop the corporate parties.” ance for the “Old New Left’s” newfound In response to this rebellion, Sanders pragmatism. told his supporters the movement has The editor of the Jacobin Magazine to grow inside the Democratic Party, not (which offers socialist perspectives on outside of it. Sanders also insisted the politics, economics, and culture) declared movement’s credibility will be damaged he was voting for the Green Party candiby walking out. date, and took issue with the “Old New Clinton lost.

Left” haranguing young socialist. The Donald Trump’s campaign managed editor insisted the only hope for the planto win five states that were Democratic et’s future was Democratic Socialism and strongholds. (Hillary Clinton didn’t even dismissed the authoritarianism of Presibother to campaign in those states.) Ac- dent Trump by stating if Trump had both cording to the 2016 Cooperative Con- the will and capacity to crush his oppogressional Election Survey, fewer than nents in the style of Hitler, Franco, or 80 percent of those that voted for Sand- Mussolini, he would have done so by now. ers in the Democratic primary voted for After the editor of the Jacobin’s reClinton against Trump. It turned out 12 sponse, the “Old New Left” probably percent of Sanders supporters actually wondered, who’s more dangerous; the voted for Trump, another 8 percent voted “New New Left” or the Alt-Right. for a third party, and the rest didn’t vote

Check It Out

Show Black businesses the money!

This figure has ly closed their been oft cited since Earl Ofari Hutchinson doors.

Almost Trump and Concertainly, a signifgress passed the icant number of COVID stimulus them were Black relief packages. 90 owned businesspercent of minority es. The worstbusinesses did not case estimate is get a nickel of monthat one fourth to ey from the SBA’s one third of Black Payroll Protection businesses could Program. For Black go under without owned businesses, the number is even dramatic and fast financial intervention worse. 95 percent got no funding. from government agencies.

In several informal polls on my FaceThis means flipping the script on what book pages I asked the same question: is considered a “priority” business. This “Do you know of any Black owned busi- label has been almost uniformly slapped ness that got a COVID stimulus SBA on major businesses. It must be slapped Payroll Protection Program Loan?” on small businesses. Streamline the There were a handful of “yeses.’ There paperwork required and make an iron was an avalanche of “nos.” Some ex- clad guarantee that the loan is truly pressed optimism that the grim shutoff “forgivable.” Making funds immediateof the money spigot to Black businesses ly available for small businesses is vimight change with the House passage tal to counter the inherent ideological of an added 3 trillion-dollar stimulus and structural tilt toward the big corpackage. However, the hope was guard- porations that was built into the relief aid package. Wells Fargo virtually coned and cautious.

At first glance, the abysmally low num- firmed that in a memo that flatly said bers seemed ridiculous. Trump, congres- that it “prioritized” loans to its biggest sional leaders, and treasury officials and supposedly best customers, namely loudly pledged that small businesses the major firms. It took much heat for its were a prime target of the aid program. candor and in quick damage control said There was a litany of much publicized it would donate the hefty lending fees it online workshops and townhalls on raked into non-profits. At least that is where and how to apply for funding. what it said.

Black businesses have long been a speMany banks announced that they had funds and encouraged businesses to cially endangered breed when it came apply. House Democrats sweetened the to getting a dime out of banks and the pot by prying $60 billion out of the loan government. The reasons are well docpackage for minority banks. Yet, the umented, the lack of credit, a proven number of Black businesspersons who business track record, resources, expertise, and a long-standing cozy business got money has barely budged.

There is much justified finger pointing connection and relationship with the at the SBA, Treasury officials, corporate banks. Then there is the dizzying gauntand bank lobbyists for lax to non-exis- let of wage and tax forms, documents, tent oversight, lax rules on who could and filings needed to qualify for a loan. get the money, and for earmarking far Much of the work is done online and too much of the half trillion business that means having a computer, comin loans to major corporations. There puter access, and computer skills to go is equally justified finger-pointing at through the cyber paperwork required.

Countless surveys by business groups, the banks for tossing up a mountain of paperwork, tax and business filing doc- federal regulators, and watchdog groups uments, and account requirements that have produced reams of figures to show small business owners had little chance that despite the PR lip service lenders of hurdling. Then there was the muddle, pay to wanting to loan to small busiconfusion, and constant changing edicts nesses, the paltry number of loans they about what and how the money could be make annually to small, and especially used and what if any of it had to be paid minority businesses have remained frozen over the past decade. back.

Black businesses have been a needed Little has changed except the desperation of countless numbers of near pen- engine for employment, wealth buildniless, distressed small Black business ing, and financial security for many owners. Overall, the estimated 2.5 mil- Blacks. They have served as showpieclion Black owned businesses make up es for Black financial and economic almost one-third of the eight million mi- achievement and independence. They nority-owned businesses in the United have spurred generations to pursue the oft touted American dream of entrepreStates.

The clock is ticking on the future sur- neurship and the means to be your own vival of these businesses. There is still boss.

The colossal failure of COVID relief no clear timetable in many states, counties, and cities for when the shelter in packages to make the survival of Black rule will end. Even then there is no and minority businesses the prioriguarantee that the businesses will be ty has been yet another monumental able to quickly open their doors, and COVID tragedy. Time is running out for when they do that their customers will many Black businesses. Show them the be back. Many have already closed their money.

(Earl Ofari Hutchinson is an author and podoors. Over 100,000 small businesses in early May had reportedly permanent- litical analyst.)

Commentary

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Jesse Jackson Sr.

Commentary

The murder of Ahmaud Arbery — and our continuing terror (TriceEdneyWire.com)—Today there is a national outcry about the murder of Ahmaud Arbery. The public condemnation has forced a belated response. Those accused of his murder finally have been arrested.

His murder has become a global embarrassment for Whites. For Blacks, however, it is another humiliation, a continuing terror. It is the normal silence, however, that condemns thousands of African Americans to unjust deaths and millions to shattered lives. When the camera turns away, the savage injustice that embarrasses us becomes simply business as usual. The horror of Ahmaud Arbery’s murder is now well known.

The 25-year-old Black man went for a jog down the middle of the street in the middle of the day on Feb. 23. Two White men decided he was suspicious, hunted him down and shot him point blank in the middle of the street at 1 p.m. Local law enforcement had video evidence of the crime. Yet no arrest was made until 74 days later, two months and two weeks after the murder.

Local authorities chose not to act.

Two U.S. senators said nothing. The White church—that had blessed slavery, segregation, apartheid in South Africa—was silent.

Why did the arrests finally take place? Because an intrepid reporter from the New York Times investigated the story and made it public; the murder video was leaked to the public on the 72nd day after Ahmaud’s murder. As the public outrage grew, the arrests were made. Never forget, as one commentator noted, they did not make the arrests because THEY saw the incriminating video. They made the arrests because WE saw the video. Embarrassed, faced with an aroused community and an international scandal, they finally acted. So it goes. African Americans suffer in silence the savage injuries of institutionalized racism.

We live in northern ghettos—driven there in the early part of the last century by terrorism —most strikingly the Ku Klux Klan and their signature lynchings. The Equal Justice Initiative reports there were 4,084 lynchings of Blacks in the South from 1877 to 1950. The Klan, embraced by and often made up of the White gentry of the South, often gathered at their churches to organize the public lynchings. They terrorized Blacks to end the fusion multiracial coalitions that grew up in the Reconstruction, and to take back control of their states.

The lynchings and violence were greeted with silence, if not approval. White authorities, White churches, White society turned their heads, if they weren’t applauding in approval. Fleeing north, Blacks were red lined into ghettos, with jobs hard to get, and discrimination closing doors.

To this day, African Americans are last hired and first fired. We suffer the worst poverty, the highest unemployment, the highest childhood hunger and malnutrition, the most inadequate health care. This reality is sustained by the silence of White elites, the silence of the White church, the silence of the evangelicals, the silence of the best minded citizens. Then, the virus hits, and its most lethal effect is on those who are vulnerable: the elderly, the sick, the hungry, those with asthma and obesity. It hits hardest among the suddenly proclaimed “essential workers” who do the work that previously was largely “invisible: the bus drivers, the grocery clerks, the nurses and medical aides. Not surprisingly, African Americans make up a disproportionate number of those killed or infected by the virus.

The racial disparities are so stark that they gain national and international attention. Pundits express shock and outrage at the reports, as if they were surprised by the results. Editorials demand reform. Politicians call for action. The informed public is embarrassed. But little happens: the rescue packages passed by Congress send most of the money to the biggest companies and the most affluent investors. Banks are saved; the post office—with a largely minority workforce—is starved. Hunger spreads. Any expansion of food stamps is blocked. Arrested for leading nonviolent protests against segregation, Dr. Martin Luther King penned his letter from the Birmingham jail expressing his grave disappointment with the “White moderate” and the “White church.” He suggested that the “great stumbling block” for African Americans seeking their freedom is “not the White Citizen’s Councilor or the Ku Klux Klanner, but the White moderate “who is more devoted to order than to justice.” He decried a religious community “largely adjusted to the status quo, standing as a tail-light behind other community agencies rather than a headlight leading men to higher levels of justice.” The virus didn’t discriminate.

The society enforced the discrimination; the virus just preyed upon its victims. We have gone too long, struggled too hard to adjust to the reality that it is dangerous to be Black while jogging or to be Black in a pandemic. It isn’t enough to express dismay when the newspapers highlight the horrors. We need leaders and citizens of conscience who will act and not rest until justice is done.

League of Women Voters of Pennsylvania Citizen Education Fund 226 Forster Street, Harrisburg, PA 17102-3220 Phone: (717) 234-1576 E-mail: info@palwv.org Website: www.palwv.org

Voters Guide Primary Election June 2, 2020 Publication of the Voters Guide was made possible by the League of Women Voters of Pennsylvania-Citizen Education Fund Patriot-News/PENN LIVE Laurel Foundation

© 2020 LWVPA-CEF

New Pittsburgh Courier May 20-26, 2020

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MAY 20-26, 2020 VOTERS GUIDE 2020

FOR ELECTION INFORMATION Contact your county Board of Elections or visit www.

VotesPA.com. The League of Women Voters of Pennsylvania Citizen Information Center also provides election information. Call 717-2341576 with any questions.

ABOUT THIS GUIDE The material in this Guide was compiled by the League of Women Voters of Pennsylvania-Citizen Education Fund. This material may not be altered or reprinted without the permission of the League. Each candidate’s reply has been printed as submitted. Candidates were invited to participate in the Vote411 online voters’ guide sponsored by the LWVPA-CEF and Patriot-News/PennLive via email.

All reasonable efforts were made to encourage candidates to participate.

The candidates listed are those whose names appear on the ballot. They are listed according to their ballot order.

Nothing in this guide should be construed as an endorsement or non-endorsement of any candidate, party, or initiative by the League of Women Voters of Pennsylvania-Citizen Education Fund.

ABSENTEE VOTING Registered voters who are ill, disabled, or will be absent from the municipality on Election Day may vote by absentee ballot. Completed applications

League of Women Voters Non-Partisan Voters Guide © 2020 Primary Election — June 2, 2020 (Polls open from 7 AM to 8 PM) This Voters Guide may be taken into the voting booth. for civilian absentee ballots for the June 2, 2020 primary election must be received by the county election office by 5 p.m. on Tuesday, May 26, 2020. Completed civilian absentee ballots must be received back at the Elections Division by 8 p.m. on June 2, 2020 to be counted. If an emergency arises (such as an unexpected illness or disability or last-minute absence) after the Tuesday application deadline, call the county Board of Elections for information on Emergency Alternative Ballot.

An emergency application and ballot can be obtained and voted by 8 p.m. on June 2, 2020.

Any disabled voter having questions regarding the accessibility of a polling place should consult the county Board of Elections located at 542 Forbes Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA 15219 Room 604 (412-350-4500).

MAIL-IN VOTING

PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES Duties: The President is: the head of state of the United States of America; the Chief Executive Officer; and, the Commander in Chief of all military forces. The powers of the President are prescribed in the Constitution and federal law. The President appoints the members of the Cabinet, ambassadors to other nations and the United Nations, Supreme Court Justices, and federal judges, subject to Senate approval. The President, along with the Cabinet and its agencies, is responsible for carrying out and enforcing the laws of the United States. The President may also recommend legislation to the United States Congress.

Term: Four years. Limit of two terms.

Base Salary: $400,000 per year.

Note: All candidates who will appear on your state’s ballot are listed below but only those that meet the following criteria were invited to respond to the League’s questions in this guide.

1) The candidate must have made a public announcement of her/his intention to run for her/his Party’s nomination for President; and, 2) The candidate must meet the Presidential Election Campaign Fund Act’s minimum contribution threshold requirements for qualifying for matching funds, based on the most recent data publicly available on the FEC website.

Voters now have the option to vote by mail without providing any reason or excuse. To apply online, go to www.votespa. com. Contact the county election office to request a paper application. Applications for a mail-in ballot must be received by your county election office by 5 p.m. on May 26. Completed mail-in and absentee ballots must be returned by 8 p.m. on June 2.

FIND YOUR POLLING PLACE Allegheny County is reducing the number of polling locations for this June primary. To determine the location of your polling place, contact the Allegheny County Elections Division at 412-350-4500.

WRITE-IN VOTING Information for write-in voting will be available at the polling place. You are not allowed to use stickers or paste-on labels for write-in candidates because

the ballot-scanning machines cannot read them and may become jammed. The law now says that write-in names may be written or stamped.

ELECTION DAY PROBLEMS If your right to vote is challenged at the polls on Election Day and the problem cannot be resolved at the polling place, the judge of elections at the polling place should telephone the county Board of Elections.

The problem could be resolved by phone if your name appears on the county records. If it does not and you want to try to resolve the problem, then you can go in person to the county Board of Elections where a judge from the Court of Common Pleas will be on duty to resolve election problems. Alternatively you can ask for and vote by provisional ballot. If it is later determined that you were eligible to vote your ballot

During the Presidential primary season, voters cast a ballot for candidates in one party. LWVEF is required to have at least two candidates from the same party meet the above criteria before launching a voters’ guide covering that party. At this time, only one candidate running for the Republican Party’s nomination has met the LWVEF criteria and therefore no Republican candidates have been invited to participate. As soon as two Republican candidates meet the criteria or the party’s national nominating convention occurs, LWVEF will begin outreach to the qualified candidates immediately.

PRESIDENTIAL CANDIDATES - DEMOCRATIC Vote for One.

BERNIE SANDERS Campaign Website: berniesanders.com/ Campaign Email: info@berniesanders.com Campaign Facebook: www.facebook.com/berniesanders/ Campaign Twitter: BernieSanders Campaign Instagram: www.instagram.com/berniesanders/ Campaign YouTube: www. youtube.com/channel/UCH1dpzjCEiGAt8CXkryhkZg BERNIE SANDERS

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will be counted. You will be given instructions on how to determine if your vote was counted.

If you have any questions or need to report any problems, call 1-866-687-8683 or the Allegheny County Elections Division at 412-3504500.

IDENTIFICATION REQUIREMENTS FOR NEW VOTERS If you are a new voter or if you are voting at a polling place for the first time, then you must bring your voter ID card or a photo ID such as a driver’s license, student ID or some other form of Federal or State government issued ID. Some forms of non-photo ID are also acceptable such as a firearm permit, current utility bill, bank statement, paycheck, or government check. If you do not have any acceptable ID then you must be allowed to vote by provisional ballot.

If you are not a new voter and are not voting at your polling place for the first time, you are NOT required to bring or provide identification.

ON-LINE VOTERS GUIDE The Vote411 Online Voters Guide is available at www. vote411.org. Links to this guide as well as links to Vote411 and other useful information for voters can be found on the League of Women Voters of Pennsylvania homepage: www.palwv.org.

Campaign Phone: N/A Mailing Address: PO Box 391, Burlington VT 05402 Q: What policies do you support to improve and secure elections and voting in our country?

Bernie Sanders: Bernie believes that voting is a fundamental American right. As president, he will: -Restore & expand the Voting Rights Act. -Re-enfranchise millions of Americans who have had their right to vote taken away by a felony conviction, including those currently incarcerated.

-Secure automatic voter registration for every American 18+.

-Overturn Citizens United.

-End racist voter suppression & partisan gerrymandering.

-Abolish racist voter ID laws, super PACs, & the Electoral College.

-Make Election Day a national holiday.

-Ensure voting is fully accessible to people with disabilities -Replace corporate funding & donations from millionaires & billionaires w/ mandatory public funding of elections.

-Expand early voting & make absentee voting easier Q: Please explain where you see opportunities for Democrats and Republicans to find common ground on the very serious issues facing our country.

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Bernie Sanders: Right now we have a president who wants to divide us up by the color of our skin, our country of origin, our gender, our religion and our sexual orientation. Bernie is going to do exactly the opposite. We are going to bring our people together—black, white, Latino, Native American, Asian American, gay and straight, young and old, men and women, native born and immigrant.

Not only is Bernie going to be Commander in Chief, he will be Organizer in Chief. He will rally the American people and stand up to the greed of the corporate elite.

We’ll build the grassroots movement necessary to enact the transformative change we need on climate change, health care, education, a higher minimum wage, workers’ rights, criminal justice, and more.

Q: What, if any, steps will you take to reform current immigration policies?

Bernie Sanders: Bernie will act immediately to overhaul our broken immigration system and enact a humane policy at the border and in the interior that respects human and civil rights. As President, Bernie will: -Use executive authority to reverse Trump’s harmful actions on immigration.

-Place a moratorium on deportations and end ICE raids.

-Restore and expand DACA. -Push Congress to enact a fair, swift, and inclusive path to citizenship for undocumented immigrants.

-Break up ICE and CBP and return their core functions to their previous departments.

-Decriminalize and demilitarize the border, and ensure due process.

-Strengthen and protect immigrant labor rights.

-Lift Trump’s draconian refugee caps and taking in those forced from their homes due to climate Q: Please explain the policies, if any, you support to address gun violence in America.

Bernie Sanders: Bernie will take on the NRA & pass common sense gun safety legislation.

-Expand background checks & end the gun show loophole -End the “boyfriend” loophole to get guns out of the hands of domestic abusers & stalkers -Ban the sale & distribution of assault weapons -Ban high-capacity ammunition magazines -Enact a voluntary buyback program for assault weapons -Regulate assault weapons in the same way as fully automatic weapons, essentially making them unlawful to own -Crack down on “straw purchases,” where people buy guns for criminals -Support “red flag” laws & legislation to keep guns out of the hands of domestic abusers and stalkers -Ban the 3-D printing of firearms & bump stocks -Pass Equal Access to Justice for Victims of Gun Violence Act Q: What, if any, actions would you work towards in your first 100 days to address the threats facing the US due to climate change?

Bernie Sanders: Together, we’ll launch the decade of the Green New Deal, a ten-year, nationwide mobilization centered around justice and equity during which climate change will be factored into virtually every area of policy.

As president, Bernie will declare a national emergency on climate change and take immediate, large-scale action to reverse its effects. Bernie will use executive authority to aggressively regulate greenhouse gas emissions, ban fracking, ban offshore drilling, rejoin and strengthen the Paris Climate Agreement, and more.

Bernie will work with Congress to pass a comprehensive Green New Deal to create 20 million good-paying union jobs while meeting the IPCC emissions reductions targets and transforming our energy system and our economy

JOE BIDEN Campaign Website: http://joebiden.com/ Campaign Email: Women_for_Biden@joebiden.com Campaign Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/joebiden/ Campaign Twitter: twitter.com/ JoeBiden Campaign Instagram: http://www. instagram.com/joebiden/ Campaign YouTube: http://www. youtube.com/joebiden Mailing Address: P.O. Box 58174 Philadelphia, PA 19102 Q: What policies do you support to improve and secure elections and voting in our country?

Joe Biden: I’ve fought for voting JOE BIDEN rights since I first got involved in politics, helping to secure several extensions of the Voting Rights Act. But in 2013, the Supreme Court ripped the heart out of those voter protections. As president, I’ll enact legislation to restore the full force of the Voting Rights Act, and my Justice Department will challenge every one of the new Jim Crow laws that are now curtailing people’s right to vote. I’ll also boost state funding for secure voting with a paper record, and for better information-sharing. I’ll fight for automatic and same-day voter registration. And I’ll make sure that any country or group that seeks to interfere in our elections faces real and serious consequences.

Q: Please explain where you see opportunities for Democrats and Republicans to find common ground on the very serious issues facing our country.

Joe Biden: The next president will inherit a divided nation and a world in disarray. They’ll need to hit the ground running to fix Trump’s mess, restore our global standing, and bring people together to get things done.

Our next president will need to be a president for ALL Americans. I refuse to accept that we can’t work together to solve tough problems. It’s what democracy is all about.

We can rebuild the middle class with historic investments in infrastructure, tackle prescription drug companies’ profiteering, build on Obamacare with a public option—and so much more. I know how to find common ground without compromising my values.

Q: What, if any, steps will you take to reform current immigration policies?

Joe Biden: We’re a nation that values immigrants – it’s how we’ve constantly been able to renew our democracy.

As president, I’ll reverse Trump’s assault on our values on day one, ending his cruel asylum policies, especially his Migrant Protection Protocols, family separation, and public charge rule. I’ll address the root causes pushing people to flee Central America. I’ll act immediately to protect Dreamers and their families. Then, I’ll invest real political capital to finally deliver legislative immigration reform to modernize our system, giving nearly 11 million undocumented people a path to citizenship, updating our visa system to sharpen our economic competitive edge, and preserving family unification and diversity as cornerstones of our system Q: Please explain the policies, if any, you support to address gun violence in America.

Joe Biden: Gun violence is a public health epidemic. We need courage to stand up to the NRA and fix our broken gun laws. I’ve beaten it before—twice. As president, I’ll do it again. I’ll ban assault weapons and high-capacity magazines and require background checks for all gun sales. I’ll fight for red-flag laws and close the Charleston and boyfriend loopholes, to get guns out of dangerous hands. I’ll invest in smart gun technology and new strategies to reduce daily gun violence in cities. I’ll work to heal trauma that outlasts shootings, starting by doubling the number of school mental health professionals.

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And I’ll address the deadly nexus of gun violence and domestic violence, starting by signing into law the Violence Against Women Act of 2019.

Q: What, if any, actions would you work towards in your first 100 days to address the threats facing the US due to climate change?

Joe Biden: Climate change is our most urgent threat.

Beating Trump won’t end it, but it’s key to all progress.

In 1986, I introduced one of the first climate bills; PolitiFact says I’m a “climate change pioneer.” Now, I’ve outlined a bold plan to match today’s crisis—putting us on a path to a 100% clean-energy economy and net-zero emissions by 2050. On day one, I’ll rejoin the Paris Accord, restore American leadership, and push the world to do more. I’ll invest $1.7 trillion in clean energy research and development, and in transforming our infrastructure— from electric vehicle charging stations to high-speed rail reducing emissions and withstanding the impacts of a changing climate, and creating 10 million good-paying jobs, that can be union jobs TULSI GABBARD

Campaign Website: http://www.tulsi2020.com/ Campaign Email: aloha@tulsi2020.com Campaign Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/TulsiGabbard/ Campaign Twitter: twitter.com/TulsiGabbard Campaign Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/tulsi/ Campaign YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/channel/UCBTNyrZoiTweJ1PZsJgdWTA Campaign Phone:(808)861-0793 Mailing Address: PO Box 75255 Kapolei, HI 96707 Q: What policies do you support to improve and secure elections and voting in our country?

Tulsi Gabbard: I support campaign finance reform to reject the influence of corporate donations and PAC money on our elections and I support ending the practice of gerrymandering, which threatens our democracy and fuels corruption and a widening TULSI GABBARD partisan divide.

We need to ensure the integrity and security of our nation’s election systems and protect our democracy from hacking by adversaries. I introduced the Securing America’s Elections Act to require paper ballots or voter-verified paper backups in order to protect our elections from malicious hackers and to make sure that every vote will be accurately counted.

Q: Please explain where you see opportunities for Democrats and Republicans to find common ground on the very serious issues facing our country.

Tulsi Gabbard: In every issue that faces our nation, there are opportunities for Democrats and Republicans to find common ground. What is lacking is the political will to reach across the aisle, build relationships and find compromise.

Throughout my time in office, I have prioritized bipartisan outreach. If our leaders are unable to reach stable agreements based on finding common ground, then they will not be able to deliver. Their promises will ring hollow and they will create a state of permanent disruption.

As president, I will listen to the voices of all Americans, lead in the spirit of putting service above self, and upholding our country’s original ideals of being of the people, by the people, and for the people.

Q: What, if any, steps will you take to reform current immigration policies?

Tulsi Gabbard: We need comprehensive immigration reform to address our broken immigration laws and have a serious conversation about the most effective and hu-

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mane ways to compassionately secure our borders while building bridges and cooperative foreign policy with other countries. We need to ensure we have a clear, enforceable, accessible, and humane pathway to citizenship, fund and equip agencies in charge of processing asylum claim and protect migrants, and pass DACA. We must also end our longstanding policy of military and economic intervention in Central and South America which has contributed to decades of civil war and economic instability which is the root cause of mass immigration.

Q: Please explain the policies, if any, you support to address gun violence in America.

Tulsi Gabbard: I have long called for reinstating a federal ban on military-style assault weapons and high capacity magazines, requiring comprehensive pre-purchase background checks for every gun sale, preventing domestic abusers from acquiring a gun, closing the gun-show loophole, and making sure that terrorists are not allowed to buy guns. I am focused on building bipartisan solutions that can actually be passed into law.

As President, I would work with Congress to pass common sense gun safety legislation. The stakes are too high to allow politics to get in the way of taking bipartisan action on this. While I strongly support the second amendment, we can all agree that we need sensible gun laws to keep our us and our children safe.

Q: What, if any, actions would you work towards in your first 100 days to address the threats facing the US due to climate change?

Tulsi Gabbard: As president, I will tackle climate change by ushering in a Green Century - a century that harnesses technology and innovation to create jobs in renewable energy, revitalize our communities, and protect our environment. We must end taxpayer subsidies for big oil, fossil fuels and nuclear power, and instead invest in 100% renewable and safe energy sources like wind, solar, and geothermal. We must address the national security threat of climate change, end wasteful wars for oil, and address vulnerabilities to attacks/ hacks into our electrical grids that can be eliminated by decentralizing power sources and investing in renewable energy storage.

PRESIDENTIAL CANDIDATES REPUBLICAN DONALD J. TRUMP: Candidate Has Not Responded ROQUE “ROCKY” DE LA FUENTE: Candidate Has Not Responded BILL WELD: Candidate Withdrew

PENNSYLVANIA ATTORNEY GENERAL Description of office: The basic duties of the Attorney General, as outlined by the Commonwealth Attorneys Act, are to: serve as the Commonwealth’s chief law enforcement officer; collect all debts, taxes, and accounts due to the Commonwealth; represent the Commonwealth and all its agencies in any action brought by or against the Commonwealth; administer the provision relating to consumer protection laws; represent the Commonwealth and its citizens in any action brought about for violation of the antitrust laws.

Term: 4 years Salary: $167,838 Questions: Q1: What are your top three priorities to address as Attorney General?

Q2: The Office of the Pennsylvania Attorney General is responsible for law enforcement and the equal protection

of law for all citizens. What do you see as the primary challenges to achieving equality under the law?

Q3: What role will your administration play in reforming systemic problems and supporting restorative justice in our criminal justice system?

DEMOCRATIC CANDIDATES Vote for ONE.

JOSH SHAPIRO: Candidate Has Not Responded

REPUBLICAN CANDIDATES Vote for ONE.

HEATHER HEIDELBAUGH Biographical Info: County: Allegheny Mailing Address: PO Box 23538 Pittsburgh, PA 15222 Education: J.D., University of Missouri-Columbia School of Law; B.A. in Economics and Political Science, University of Missouri-Columbia Qualifications: Experienced trial lawyer with more than 35 years of courtroom experience who understands the complexities of the law, the intersection HEATHER HEIDELBAUGH between policy and law, and how the law impacts the lives of citizens Campaign Website: http://heatherheidelbaugh.com/ Facebook: http://facebook.com/HeatherforAG/ Twitter: http://twitter.com/heidelbaugh4ag Answers: A1: 1. Keep PA Safe-The Commonwealth Attorneys Act states one of the main roles of the AG is criminal prosecutions. This would be my top priority. The AG works with local DAs and law enforcement to keep PA residents safe, including a strong commitment to addressing drug trafficking and the opioid crisis. 2. Put People Before Politics-Restore the AG’s Office to following mandates set forth in the Commonwealth Attorneys Act and perform lawyering for the people of PA versus using the office for political gain. 3. Protect the Mentally Ill-Establish a Blue Ribbon Panel of experts from PA to examine the treatment of the mentally ill, address the current state of mental illness, and more. The panel would issue a Report suggesting structural changes.

A2: Keeping PA safe has to be the top priority of the AG. The AG’s statutory role is the prosecutor of crime. The AG has to prioritize resources, so scarce resources are used for the highest priority tasks of the office. Crime enforcement, in conjunction with the DAs is the first priority. Crime operates across County and jurisdictional lines, so coordination with multiple County DAs is critical. Investigations that may take years and cost millions can’t be wasted by prosecutors failing to follow criminal procedure. The AG must take an active role in the management of the office. The purpose of prosecuting crime is to ensure safety, not create headlines. With that purpose in mind, equal protection for all should be achieved.

A3: As the County Councilperson At Large on Allegheny County Council, I was critical of the operation of the county jail. The Allegheny County jail had more suicides than any other jail in the country. I determined that one county employee had repeatedly failed to process the proper release of a large number of people from the jail, and she was terminated. Each day someone is in jail, it cost taxpayers, they become a suicide risk and lose their liberty unnecessarily. As AG, I would continue to advo-

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cate for government institutions to properly run jails and prisons. Jails and/or prisons must be properly run so we have the space to jail criminals, not those who don’t belong there.

PENNSYLVANIA AUDITOR GENERAL

Description of office: The principal role of the Auditor General is to determine whether state funds are being used in accordance with the purpose and guidelines that govern each use of the Commonwealth’s dollars. The Auditor General conducts financial and performance audits of individuals, state agencies, and organizations that receive state funds, including school districts, state liquor stores, and public employee pension funds. These audits are designed to measure how effectively government programs are using public money to meet their stated goals and objectives. The office performs more than 6,000 audits each year, and is responsible for auditing all federal fuds that are allocated to Pennsylvania state programs.

Term: 4 years Salary: $167,838 Questions: Q1: What are your top three priorities in office?

Q2: What distinguishes you from other candidates who are seeking to be Pennsylvania’s next Auditor General?

DEMOCRATIC CANDIDATES Vote for ONE.

H. SCOTT CONKLIN Biographical Info: County: Centre County Mailing Address: 339 Kepp Rd Philipsburg, PA 16866 Education: Phillipsburg-Osceola Area High School, Clearfield County Career and Technical School Qualifications: Scott Conklin has served as board chairman of Centre County, chairman of the Salary Board, Retirement Board member, Employee Benefits Trust member, and Board of Assessment member, prior to Representing the 77th Legislative DisH. SCOTT CONKLIN trict of Pennsylvania. He is also a small business owner and union member. campaign website: http://www.conklinforpa.com Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/ConklinforPA Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/ConklinforPA Answers: A1: I have always thought of myself as a hard working voice for all people, and have served with the trust of those I represent in Harrisburg. Now, I believe it is time to use my voice for all Pennsylvanians by holding our government accountable. If you believe as I do, that our government needs to be held accountable for its spending, that our government must have an advocate for taxpayers, and that our government must work for all Pennsylvanians, then please consider supporting this campaign. Only through building a strong coalition of voters across the state, can we hope to secure these goals.

A2: I am running for the Office of Auditor General because I have seen firsthand how wasteful spending can impede the missions of government. I believe that the work of the current Auditor General’s office must continue, and that every taxpayer dollar should be spent legally and efficiently. I have spent my career serving the people of the 77th Legislative District, first as Chairman of the Centre County Commissioners, where I oversaw a $90 million dollar budget. After I was elected to the House, I was placed on the appropriations committee as

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a freshman representative, because of my experience in government. Furthermore, I co-own and operate a business with my wife Terri in Philipsburg, PA. MICHAEL LAMB Biographical Info: County: Allegheny County Mailing Address: 1015 Grandview Ave Pittsburgh, PA 15211 Education: BA Penn State University MPM Heinz College, Carnegie Mellon University JD Duquesne University School of Law Qualifications: As Controller since 2008 I have protected residents from waste, fraud and abuse of their tax dollars. My audits have uncovered millions in savings and I have provided unprecMICHAEL LAMB edented levels of transparency into city finances. I also led the effort to reform our county into a home rule community.

Campaign Website: http://www.lambforpa.com Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/MichaelLambPA Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/MichaelLambPA Answers: A1: The Auditor General is our 1st line of defense against public corruption. I plan to address that in part by bringing unprecedented levels of transparency to the Commonwealth. I have developed several tools of transparency for greater public engagement into the issues of public finance. I plan to bring those tools to the Commonwealth. During time of crisis it is important to recognize that some will see an opportunity for fraud. I have developed a plan to address these concerns including testing for price gouging, addressing misinformation, protecting whistleblowers and monitoring stimulus spending. Pa’s largest cost is education. I plan to devote significant resources to hold accountable our charter schools and all institutions of learning.

A2: As City Controller it has been my job every day to watch over spending and protect taxpayers from waste, fraud and abuse. My record of fiscal responsibility, innovation, reform and open government helped me to play a key role in leading Pittsburgh out of near bankruptcy.

My efforts to address our legacy costs while protecting our public assets have helped place our city on firm financial footing. As county row officer, I put people first by advocating a reform that eliminated my own job while generating savings to our taxpayers. As an attorney I have focused on helping communities restructure their finances while helping pension fund trustees address losses to their portfolios due to fraud. I am uniquely qualified to be Auditor General.

TRACIE FOUNTAIN Biographical Info: County: Dauphin (born and raised in Allegheny County) Mailing Address: Tracie For Pa P.O. Box 22606 Philadelphia, PA 19110 Education: Drexel University B.S. Business of Administration—Major Accounting Certified Public Accountant since 1991 Qualifications: Served 29+ years in leadership roles in the administrations of the current and prior 3 Auditor Generals. Initially hired as a field audit supervisor. After 4 years promoted to Department’s Technical Manager.

After 3 years, Appointed Audit Bureau Director; serving as Director for 5 Audit Bureaus.

Campaign Website: http://tracieforpa.com

Facebook: http://Facebook.com/tracieforpa Twitter: http://Twitter.com/tracieforpa Answers: A1: 1. Addressing the impact of significant staff shortages, as a result of continual legislative budget cuts, on the department’s ability to properly and timely complete 5000 mandated audits annually. At the time of my hire, the Department had 850 employees statewide and was down to 392 at November 1, 2019, while still being responsible for the completion of 5000 auTRACIE FOUNTAIN dits annually. 2. Preventing the fraudulent use of PA’s COVID-19 Economic Stimulus Funds and Small Business Loans proceeds by helping to ensure that these funds are properly awarded to PA’s intended recipients. 3. Protecting the lives of PA’s most vulnerable citizens-our children, our elderly, and mentally challenged.

A2: I am the only candidate in this race who, in addition to being a CPA, served in leadership roles in the administrations of the current and prior three Auditor Generals.

As a result, I know this department, its staff, where they are strong, and where improvements are needed, making me the only candidate in this race who will be ready on Day 1 of taking office to effectively lead this department, especially given the department’s significant staff cuts. I am also the only candidate in this race who, while on the campaign trail, issued 2 OP-ED pieces: 1. Policy to Support PA Attorney General’s Efforts to Monitor State Funds Awarded to NonProfits 2. Reducing PA’s Risk of Fraud, Waste, Abuse, and Mismangement of COVID-19 Economic Stimulus Funds ROSE “ROSIE” MARIE DAVIS Biographical Info: County: Monroe County Mailing Address: 316 Shawnee Valley Drive East Stroudsburg, PA 18302 Education: BBA in Accounting; BS in Political Science Qualifications: I have an accounting degree and I am a Certified Public Accountant with 34+ years of audit experience. My expertise includes managing and conducting financial, operational, compliance and internal control reviews of Federal, State and Local government agencies and not-for-profit organizations. campaign website: http://www.rosieforpa.com Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/ROSIE-forPA-113154753563481/ Answers: A1: 1. The top priority is to save the PA taxpayers roughly $600,000 dollars of extra salary cost because as the next Auditor General, there will be no need to hire another CPA to direct the audit team because I have the direct CPA experience to handle the technical job. 2. Addressing public school district funding inequality. I plan to review public school district funding from a top down approach. 3. A signifROSIE MARIE DAVIS icant portion of State taxpayer sponsored programs and services are outsourced to 3rd-party contractors who provide substandard and inadequate services. I will conduct more performance and effectiveness audits of 3rd-party contracts. Like: The share ride program for elderly and

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vulnerable citizens is on top of the list.

A2: I am the most qualified candidate because I am a financial professional that has CPA public accounting and federal audit experience. I have an accounting degree, a CPA license and 34 years of real and relevant audit experience. I bring Wall Street and Main Street experience to the Auditor General’s office. I have a life time of managing audit teams and bringing real results to my clients over the years. I am independent and owe no one any political favors therefore I can provide honest and candid assessments of operations at State agencies and programs. I have a stellar track record of identifying instances of fraud and abuse in governmental operations and within City and State Controller’s offices.

NINA AHMAD Biographical Info: County: Philadelphia Mailing Address: P.O. Box 40681 Philadelphia, PA 19107 Education: Ph.D.in Chemistry, Postdoctoral Training in Molecular Genetics Qualifications: Policy Maker (Deputy Mayor & Advisor to President Obama on AAPI) Co-owner-Community Development finance business Trustee of Foundation, Grant making Chair-$40MM in grants and Investment Committee: oversight on half-billion-dollar endowment.

Board Member, National Organization for Women campaign website: http://www.ninaforpa.com Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/NinaforPA/ Twitter: http://twitter.com/NinaAhmadPHL Answers: A1: Healthcare, Education and Violence. These are all informed by the theme of my campaign which is accountability and transparency and the understanding that the taxpayers end up paying more if we ignore the problems that perpetuate inequality and injustice. I will take on Big Pharma to lower costs on life saving medicines with a focus on Pharmacy Benefits NINA AHMAD manager to increase efficiencies. I will protect and increase education funding to make sure our students have the best education in safe and healthy environments. I will focus on ending violence including sexual harassment/violence, advocate to end nondisclosure settlements as well as address gun violence by giving lawmakers the data to fight the NRA and pass tough new gun laws.

A2: I believe that the Auditor General’s office can be a powerful tool for progressive change. I am running to deliver real results in the fight for equality, accountability and transparency. My life experience of surviving the violent Liberation War of Bangladesh, makes me cherish the promise of America, of a good education, quality healthcare and economic opportunity. I have a firm path to victory. Starting with a small lead ahead of everyone, I jump to a 34-point advantage on my nearest competitor state-wide, when voters learn about my approach and background as a scientist, policymaker and former local President of NOW. I am the only Philadelphia candidate in the race that historically makes-up half the state-wide turnout in elections.

CHRISTINA M. HARTMAN Biographical Info: County: Lancaster Mailing Address: PO Box 1576 Lancaster, PA 17608 Education: M.A., International Political Economy and Development, February 2004 Fordham University, Bronx, New York B.A., International Affairs, May 1999

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The George Washington University, Washington, D.C. Semester abroad at Université de Paris IV (Sorbonne) Qualifications: For 20 years, I’ve held governments to account in some of the world’s worst dictatorships. I led & managed federally-funded projects with budgets up to $44 million with large teams across multiple offices worldwide that underwent numerous audits, which found that they were efficient and effective.

Campaign Website: http://www.christinamhartman.com Facebook: http://www. facebook.com/HartmanForPA Twitter: http://twitter. com/hartmanforpa CHRISTINA M. HARTMAN Answers: A1: My priorities are education, healthcare, and criminal justice reform. Education audits account for a third of this office’s work. I will evaluate the discrepancy between the standards and funding for public schools and charter schools, which are often held to lower standards, harming our students on the taxpayers’ dime. Healthcare costs continue to rise, especially for seniors. I will look at rising drug costs and nursing home treatment of seniors, to ensure that Medicare/Medicaid dollars are spent well for our most vulnerable. For criminal justice, I will examine inefficiencies created by focusing on punishment over rehabilitation leading to high recidivism rates, a truly inefficient and ineffective use of our tax dollars.

A2: I have the technical, leadership, and political experience to win in November and lead the Auditor General’s office. I’m the only candidate who has run in a competitive general election with Trump at the top of the ticket and narrowed the GOP margin. When I ran for Congress in 2016, we raised $1.25 million and got endorsed by the national party and EMILY’s List, in a district originally deemed too red to win. That experience is going to be crucial in 2020. Finally, we are running a true statewide campaign. We have more than 60 endorsements, including Gov. Rendell, in 18 counties, and I’ve been to 45 of 67 counties. As a candidate from central PA, I’m working to unite Democrats across the state to make sure we turn PA blue in November.

REPUBLICAN CANDIDATES Vote for ONE.

TIMOTHY DEFOOR Biographical Info: County: Dauphin Mailing Address: 604 North #rd Street Harrisburg, PA 17101 Education: Harrisburg Area Community College, Associates of Arts, Para Legal Studies; University of Pittsburgh, Bachelor of Arts, General Studies (concentration Sociology and History); Harrisburg University, Master’s of Science, Project Management Qualifications: Former Special Investigator, Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, Office of Inspector General; Retired Special Agent, Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, Office of Attorney General; Dauphin County Controller (2016 to present); Former Certified Internal Auditor with the International Organization for Standards Campaign Website: http://www.defoor4pa.com/ Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/DeFoor4PA Answers: A1: 1. Work to have a more transparent government.

For example, I will work to end political loopholes like

the “honor system” that allows state agencies to keep high-dollar, taxpayer funded contracts hidden from the public. 2. Bring in subject matter experts to audit the progress and performance of any new and expensive initiatives and projects to determine how and if tax payer dollars are being spent wisely.

3. Perform detailed quality management audits to determine if the customer service processes and exTIMOTHY DEFOOR periences for Individual taxpayers and businesses doing business with the Commonwealth are efficient.

A2: Over 25 years of combined law enforcement and auditing experience in both the public and private sectors.

First as a Special Investigator with the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, Office of Inspector General investigating government and contractor fraud, waste and abuse.

As a Special Agent with the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, Office of Attorney General investigating Medicaid fraud and illegal prescription drug diversion and a Fraud Investigator and Internal Auditor for the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center—Health Plan and various federal contractors.

PENNSYLVANIA STATE TREASURER Description of office: The duty of the Pennsylvania Treasurer is to safeguard the Commonwealth’s financial assets, which total more than $120 billion in public monies. The office manages several programs in order to better serve the financial needs of Pennsylvanians. The Treasury Department is also responsible for: reuniting unclaimed property with its rightful owner; investigating loss, theft, and fraud involving Commonwealth checks; reviewing real estate leases and contracts entered into by Commonwealth agencies; maintaining the Pennsylvania contracts electronic library. The Treasurer has specific duties in addition to the oversight of the Department: serves as chair of the Board of Finance and Revenue, which selects banks to serve as depositories for state money; sets interest rates paid on Commonwealth deposits; hears and decides state tax appeals.

Term: 4 years Salary: $167,800 Questions: Q1: what is the most important duty of the state treasurer? If elected how would you carry out that duty?

Q2: What distinguishes you from your opponent in the general election?

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Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/JoeTorsella Answers: A1: From Day One, my most important duty has been restoring integrity to an office too often marred by scandal—three of the last five elected Treasurers have been indicted. Upon taking office, I immediately banned the use of middlemen to win investment contracts and introduced Treasury’s first-ever conflict-of-interest policy and JOE TORSELLA Chief Integrity Officer. In addition to restoring integrity, we’ve created the Keystone Scholars program, which gives at-birth college and career savings accounts to every child born or adopted in Pennsylvania after January 1, 2019. Furthermore, we fight to hold Wall Street accountable to taxpayers, including through legal action when necessary and as trustees for our public pension systems.

A2: I have spent my career in the public sector, fighting for the responsible use of taxpayer funds in our civic institutions. Before serving as Treasurer, I was the U.S. Ambassador for UN Management and Reform. Prior to that, I was the founding President and CEO of the National Constitution Center and Philadelphia’s Deputy Mayor for Policy and Planning. What these roles have in common is a dedication to the highest and best use of funds, contributed by the masses, toward a common goal. They each require the careful stewardship of someone else’s contribution: to reinforce effective international cooperation; to build a beautiful civic resource for our nation; or to resolve a $1.25 billion deficit and revitalize a vibrant major American city.

REPUBLICAN CANDIDATES Vote for ONE.

STACY L. GARRITY: Candidate Has Not Responded

U.S. REPRESENTATIVES – 17TH CONGRESSIONAL DISTRICT

Description of office: Congress, the legislative branch of the federal government, is composed of two houses. The upper house is the Senate. The lower house is the House of Representatives. A majority vote by both houses is necessary to pass a law.

Term: 2 years Salary: $174,000 Questions: Q1: What would be your top priorities as a U.S. Representative over the next two years?

Q2: The landmark Shelby v. Holder decision overturned DEMOCRATIC CANDIDATES protections in the voting Rights Act of 1965 that required certain states and local governments to obtain federal Vote for ONE. preclearance before implementing voting laws or practicJOE TORSELLA es. Since then, the U.S. has exprienced a surge of legistraBiographical Info: tion that makes it more difficult for many people to vote.

County: Montgomery What voting reforms do you see as essential to making Mailing Address: P.O. Box 626 Flourtown, PA 19031 U.S. elections accessible and secure?

Education: University of Pennsylvania (B.A.); New ColQ3: How would you go about finding consensus and relege, Oxford University ducing gridlock in Washington D.C.?

Qualifications: Current Treasurer of Pennsylvania; former Ambassador to the UN for Management and ReDEMOCRATIC CANDIDATES form; former President and CEO of the National Constitution Center; former Philadelphia Deputy Mayor for Vote for ONE. Policy and Planning CONOR LAMB: Campaign Website: http://www.joetorsella.com Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/JoeTorsellafor- Candidate Has Not Responded Treasurer

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REPUBLICAN CANDIDATES Vote for ONE.

SEAN PARNELL: Candidate Has Not Responded

U.S. REPRESENTATIVES – 18TH CONGRESSIONAL DISTRICT DEMOCRATIC CANDIDATES Vote for ONE.

MIKE DOYLE Biographical Info: County: Allegheny County Mailing Address: PO Box 17426 Pittsburgh, PA 15235 Education: B.S., Penn State University Qualifications: Served in the United States Congress since 1995 campaign website: http:// mikedoyleforcongress.com/ Facebook: http://facebook.com/doyleforcongress/ Twitter: http://twitter.

MIKE DOYLE com/rep_doyle Answers: A1: My top priority is ensuring that we, as a nation and as a region, get through the current crisis due to COVID-19. I am working to help workers who lost their jobs, small businesses that are struggling, and working to expand access to unemployment compensation. I am focused on other issues like fighting climate change, making prescriptions more affordable, defending Social Security, and protecting and improving Obamacare. I support common-sense gun safety measures like an assault weapons ban and universal background checks.

A2: I strongly opposed the Supreme Court’s Shelby v.

Holder decision. In response, I joined my colleagues in the House to pass the For The People Act (H.R. 1) last year. This legislation included expanded early voting and automatic voter registration. In addition to making these critical changes to make it easier for people to vote, the legislation also tackled dark money spending by outside groups and ending gerrymandering of legislative and Congressional Districts. While this legislation is stalled

by Mitch McConnell in the Senate, I will continue to fight to remove obstacles that make it harder for people to exercise their right to vote and to remove big money from political campaigns.

A3: In Congress, I have shown that I can work with Members of Congress whom I disagree with on a number of issues. In the current Congress, I was able to pass four pieces of legislation despite the partisan divide in Washington. Two bills were passed on a bipartisan basis and were signed into law, including legislation that will stop spam phone calls to all our cell phones. I am able to build consensus and pass legislation because I look for common ground with other Members, even if we disagree on other issues. That was my approach when I first went to Congress and that will continue to be my approach should I be fortunate enough to return for another term.

PA 15219 Education: College of the Holy Cross Fordham University School of Law Qualifications: Tenured Professor, Univ. of Pittsburgh School of Law Fulbright Scholar Campaign Website: http://www.JerryDickinson.com Facebook: http://Facebook.com/JerryforCongress Twitter: http://Twitter. com/Dickinson2020 JERRY S. DICKINSON Answers: A1: The three most important issues facing our nation are healthcare reform, the climate crisis, and ending the influence of corporate money on government. All require bold, urgent action with big, ambitious goals. There is no time to waste; we must act now. I will fight every day to achieve comprehensive healthcare reform by building a path to Medicare for All. The pandemic has exposed how broken our healthcare system is and how desperately we must fight to fix it. I will also strive to make the Green New Deal a reality— moving to ban fracking, strengthen the EPA, and enact a green jobs guarantee. That’s also why I’m not taking a single dollar of fossil fuel money; because I intend to work for our people and not for corporate sponsors.

A2: We must absolutely protect our fundamental right to vote—it is a bedrock principle of American democracy.

My campaign is about giving a voice to those who feel unheard and fighting for those who feel forgotten. We need to amplify our voters’ voices by making it easier to vote. Pennsylvania has made great strides recently with its expanded voting laws, mail-in ballots, and online registration system. Other states should follow our example.

Furthermore, across the country, we need to eliminate barriers to voting—like discriminatory proof of identity requirements, policies that prevent anyone who has an unpaid fine from voting, convoluted voter registration systems, and so much more. Voting should be easy.

A3: One of the most important steps to making real progress in Washington is getting corporate money out of politics. Too often, politicians like the incumbent give lip service to what people want but ultimately they cater to the industries that give them the most money. That’s why, unlike the incumbent, I’m not taking a single dollar of corporate PAC money or from the fossil fuel and energy industries. The challenges that face our country — healthcare, climate change, inequality, and others—aren’t going to be solved by us striving to do less, we need to fight to do more. If we are going to make change, we need to work for bigger, broader ideas that help all Americans.

REPUBLICAN CANDIDATES Vote for ONE.

LUKE EDISON NEGRON Biographical Info: County: Allegheny Mailing Address: PO Box 23556 Pittsburgh, PA 15222 Education: Grove City College Qualifications: US Air Force, The Pittsburgh Project, The Mentor Project, Samaritan’s Purse, City Lights, The Green Beret Project, International Justice Mission, Patriot Voices, Republican Leadership Initiative, Local Borough Government Intern, PolitiJERRY S. DICKINSON cal Science, Communications, and National Security Biographical Info: studies County: Allegheny Campaign Website: http://negron2020.com Mailing Address: 1207 Fifth Ave., Ste 100 Pittsburgh, Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/negronforcon-

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gress/ Twitter: http://www. twitter.com/LukeEdison20 Answers: A1: My top priorities start with a matter of conduct rather than a matter of policy; I believe that local reps must be expected to be in touch with the citizenry they represent. Officials who win elections and proceed to hide from their LUKE EDISON NEGRON districts while enjoying an elitist lifestyle should be ashamed of their actions. Members of the US House are meant to be representative of their district, not separate from or above their district. 2020 sees far too many career politicians who know nothing about what the average working class American experiences. My pledge for my first year representing PA18 is to either write or support policy pushing for congressional term limits.

A2: I believe that voting for future American leaders is a sacred right which has been preserved by men and women sacrificing life, time, and effort. Because of the gravity of the situation, a government issued ID must be presented prior to casting a vote. Mail-in/ absentee ballots which can be properly screened and legally recorded are also acceptable for the elderly, the disabled, military members on orders, and the like.

A3: I believe that if each representative were involved in a well-established state of communication with their citizenry AND bound by congressional term limits, we would see less political pandering, less safe politics in favor of re-election, and more passionate changes in US leadership. We need to stop viewing politicians as D’s and R’s and start knowing the individual statesman or stateswoman. Party lines tend to serve as a big box to throw names into - this leads to a great deal of gridlock.

PENNSYLVANIA STATE SENATOR – DISTRICT 37 Description of office: In Pennsylvania, the legislative branch of government is composed of two houses: The Senate is the upper house and the General Assembly is the lower house. A majority vote by both houses is necessary to pass a law. Senators must be at least 25 years old, have been citizens and lived in their respective districts one year before their election, and must live in their districts during their terms of service.

Term: 4 years Salary: $90,335 Questions: State Senate Districts 37,43,45 Q1: Access to the ballot box is one of the most important rights for a citizen. Although Pennsylvania recently modernized its election code, there are other reforms that would further modernize Pennsylvania’s elections. If elected, what reforms would you support to ensure that all citizens who want to vote are able to securely, privately, and independently cast a ballot?

Q2: While there have been some positive legislative actions recently, partisan gridlock in Harrisburg has taken its toll, and many people feel that Pennsylvania’s state government is dysfunctional. What types of reforms, if any, would you support to make the legislative process in Harrisburg more effective?

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Q3: Do you support a state constitutional amendment to form an independent commission to redraw Congressional and legislative districts? Why or why not?

Q4: 2020 marks the 30th anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act. However, many barriers still exist for people with disabilities. What will you do as a state legislator to improve accessibility for people with disabilities across the Commonwealth?

DEMOCRATIC CANDIDATES Vote for ONE.

PAM IOVINO Biographical Info: County: Allegheny Mailing Address: 750 Washington Rd #201 Pittsburgh, PA 15228 Education: Gettysburg College, B.A. in Political Science & U.S. Naval War College, M.A. in National Security and Strategic Studies Qualifications: 23 Year US Navy Veteran and Captain, Assistant Secretary for Congressional and Legislative Affairs (Presidential confirmed position), PAM IOVINO Director of the Allegheny County Department of Veteran’s Affairs, PA State Senator - District 37, Member of the PA Council of Arts and Commission of Women Campaign Website: http://www.pamforpa.com Facebook: http://facebook.com/pamforpa Twitter: http://twitter.com/pamforpa Answers: A1: I was proud to support Governor Wolf’s recent initiative to implement no excuse mail-in-ballot voting, as well as extended voter registration and mail-in / absentee return deadlines. While this was a very important move to expand ballot access, there is still more work we can do to further ensure all citizens have equal access to the ballot box. I support same-day voter registration and mailing every voter a mail-in ballot for the 2020 primary.

During these unprecedented times, all citizens must be given a safe, secure method to cast their ballot.

A2: During the current COVID-19 pandemic, continuity of government and education, at all levels, has depended on cooperation and bipartisan communication. I believe the most important thing we can do to expedite the legislative process in Harrisburg is to strengthen relationships outside my caucus, which is why I have introduced three significant pieces of legislation with colleagues from across the aisle. As someone who assumed a Senate-confirmed, Presidential appointment position when the GOP controlled both the White House and U.S. Senate, I’ve seen first-hand the importance of these relationships, and I have always prided myself on being able to reach across the aisle when it matters most to get things done.

A3: I am a strong supporter of creating such a commission to oversee the redrawing of both the state and congressional districts before the 2022 primary election. I am a co-sponsor to Senate Bill 22, Senate Bill 1022, and Senate Bill 1023, which together would create such a commission in the most expedited way.

A4: I have introduced legislation (Senate Bill 914) that would require all public, state-owned buildings and large, public facilities to install adult changing stations, making many spaces and activities accessible to differently abled individuals and their families. I am also proud to support Senate Bill 580, which would create

a paid sick leave program in the state, allowing family members to care for loved ones during times of tragedy, and am a co-sponsor of Senate Bill 890, which would allow workers with disabilities to increase their earnings while remaining eligible for Medical Assistance. I believe passing these bills would be a tremendous start to continue to improve accessibility for people with disabilities around our Commonwealth.

REPUBLICAN CANDIDATES Vote for ONE.

JEFF NEFF: Candidate Has Not Responded DEVLIN ROBINSON: Candidate Has Not responded

PENNSYLVANIA STATE SENATOR – DISTRICT 43 DEMOCRATIC CANDIDATES Vote for ONE.

JAY COSTA JR. Biographical Info: County: Allegheny Mailing Address: 314 Newport Rd Pittsburgh, PA 15221 Education: Community College of Allegheny County / A.S. Indiana University of Pennsylvania / B.A. Duquesne University School of Law / JD Qualifications: Allegheny County Register of Wills PA State Senator —District 43 / Democratic Leader Campaign Website: http://jaycosta.org Facebook: http://facebook.com/jaycostapa/ JAY COSTA JR. Twitter: http://twitter. com/jaycostapa Answers: A1: Voting is a fundamental right. While we have made several major changes to our election law in the last year, we need to make sure that citizens have access to the ballot box. Same day registration would help to make voting more accessible. Additionally, we need to open primaries to allow non affiliated voters a chance to vote in a primary election. Everyone should be able to vote privately and securely. Finally, we need to prevent the passage of real ID measures that disproportionately impact our senior and minority voters.

A2: Committee membership should more accurately reflect the chamber composition. One reform would be to require that all bills introduced be given at a minimum committee vote. We could also hold joint Senate-House hearings on legislation. Additionally, adopt an annual member training and updates on chamber and operating rules. We need to continue working across the aisle on issues to move legislation forward.

A3: Yes, an independent commission will keep those who draw the maps accountable to the citizens of Pennsylvania, not party officials or special interest groups looking out for their own interests. I introduced the idea of having an independent commission. In the coming term, I will be supporting S.B. 1022 and S.B. 1023, that will create an independent commission and guarantee this

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commission exists for generations to come.

A4: We need to ensure that those with disabilities have equal access to education and job opportunities. I co sponsored SB 439 to help expand disability benefits. Additionally, students with disabilities deserve the same opportunities as their able peers. I vow to continue to fight for the rights of all Pennsylvanians.

BILL BRITTAIN Biographical Info: County: Allegheny Mailing Address: 28 Wilkins Road Pittsburgh, PA 15221 Education: PITT—5 year Russian Language and History Qualifications: I am the owner of Shadyside Nursery, a 10 year volunteer for Big Brother Big Sisters and a member of the PA Farmers Union. I know what it’s like to struggle to survive as the little guy. I have been an independent business owner for over 18 BILL BRITTAIN years and am running because we need better representation Campaign Website: http://www.brittain2020.com Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/BillBrittain20/ Answers: A1: I would support the complete switch over of our voting system to a vote by mail system similar to other states like Oregon, Hawaii, California, Utah and Washington. I support vote by mail for the following reasons: 1). Increasing voter turnout: PA currently has a 50% voter turnout. When other states have switched to vote by mail, voter turnout has increased substantially among occasional voters. 2). Economic: PA would not have to buy, service and create security fixes to our voting machines. Some counties in CO have seen 40% decrease in elections cost by switching over to vote by mail. 3). Security: We can help solve the issues or fears of our system being hacked by using the mail in paper ballots.

A2: I support term limits and leadership limits within the PA Legislature, ranked choice voting and taking money out of politics. 1). Term Limits: Partisan gridlock is partially caused by the same stagnant leadership which controls the legislative agenda and incumbents with no new ideas. PA House and Senate leadership has remained the same for years and we have continued to get poorly thought out policy this is not a coincidence. 2).

Campaign finance reform: Each party is backed by their chosen special interests which generally have opposite agendas, This amplifies partisan gridlock, getting money out of politics would hopefully help our legislators see what the people want and think is best for our state A3: Yes, I do support a constitutional amendment to end gerrymandering but I also support both PA’s HB 22/23 and it’s partner legislation SB 1022/1023. I support a legislative fix over a state constitutional amendment as it will be easier to accomplish. Gerrymandering has helped create the hyper partisan environment in our legislature.

We need to decrease the power of political parties and increase participation and trust in our voting system. I think that ending gerrymandering is a 1st step in a long process to restore citizen confidence in our government.

A4: The ADA and subsequent state laws have come a long way in making our physical world more accessible to citizens with disabilities but there is a long way to go though. My wife was a teacher at a low income school district and I saw though her experiences how children are slipping through the cracks because of a lack of support in our educational system. We need more help for

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our students who have mental and physical disabilities to get the education that they deserve. Jobs now require a lot more education than they did 30 years ago and if we cannot include ALL of our citizens and give them these opportunities to excel, we are selling ourselves short.

PENNSYLVANIA STATE SENATOR — DISTRICT 45 DEMOCRATIC CANDIDATES Vote fo ONE.

JIM BREWSTER Biographical Info: County: Allegheny and Westmoreland Mailing Address: 455 29Th Street Pittsburgh, PA 15132 Education: California University of Pennsylvania / B.S. Qualifications: Mayor of McKeesport State Senator District 45 Campaign Website: http://brewster4senate.com Facebook: http://facebook.com/brewster4senate/ Twitter: http://twitter. com/brewster4senate Answers: A1: Access to the ballot box for all is critical. Pennsylvania policymakers have a responsibility to ensure that there are more opportunities to participate in the electoral process. Early voting, no-excuse absentee voting, increased mail-in ballots and greater flexibilJIM BREWSTER ity are critical components of voter accessibility—all things I strongly support. Given the pandemic, policymakers will be challenged to find new ways to increase safe and secure access to the ballot. The consideration of additional safe and secure options, greater voter education, easier voter registration, paper backup of electronic voting so that votes can be audited and recounted are critical pieces of a state-of-the-art voting system.

A2: There are many opportunities to reform the legislation process to ensure greater transparency and openness. First, we need to institute reforms that impact how lawmakers are reimbursed for expenses and revise our spending practices. Second, to increase accountability and open the range of bills considered, and the General Assembly should consider changing its rules to require committees to consider legislation offered by members of the minority party. Finally, develop a reapportionment process that produces more districts that are less partisan. A better reapportionment creates more mainstream districts, a search for common ground and less gridlock and dysfunction.

A3: I offered my colleagues in the Senate a thoughtful and thorough reapportionment process that would be run by leading scholars from higher education. Any appointed, elected or candidate for public office, political party officer or someone with ties to the House or Senate, a lobbyist or others involved in politics could not serve on the commission. My goal would be to create a non-political body that would be free of political ties to create well-defined districts. As part of the discussion of changes in the reapportionment process, during Senate consideration I offered my detailed approach to my colleagues to ensure the creation of fair districts.

A4: A lot more can be done to expand benefits for those with disabilities. The first step is to ensure that adequate funding is available to expand services. Unfortunately, in

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and the General Assembly is the lower house.

A majority vote by both houses is necessary to pass a law.

Term: 2 years Salary: $90,300 Questions: To all Pennsylvania State Representative Candidates Q1: Access to the ballot box is one of the most important rights for a citizen. Although Pennsylvania recently modernized its election code, there are other reforms that would further modernize Pennsylvania’s elections. If elected, what REPUBLICAN CANDIDATES reforms would you support to ensure that all citizens who want to vote are able to securely, Vote fo ONE. privately, and independently cast a ballot?

NICOLE ZICCARELLI Q2: While there have been some positive legisBiographical Info: lative actions recently, partisan gridlock in HarCounty: Westmoreland risburg has taken its toll, and many people feel Mailing Address: 2300 Freeport Road Suite 3 New that Pennsylvania’s state government is dysKensington, PA 15068 functional. What types of reforms, if any, would Education: Nicole is a you support to make the legislative process in 1999 graduate of McKHarrisburg more effective? eesport Area High School, Q3: Do you support a state constitutional a 2003 graduate of Penn amendment to form an independent commission State University, and a to redraw Congressional and legislative dis2006 graduate of Penn tricts? Why or why not?

State Dickinson School of Q4: 2020 marks the 30th anniversary of the Law. Americans with Disabilities Act. However, many Qualifications: Nicole barriers still exist for people with disabilities. is a wife, mother of four What will you do as a state legislator to improve young children, and small accessibility for people with disabilities across business owner. In addithe Commonwealth? tion to her law practice, Nicole has also served an PENNSYLVANIA STATE adjunct instructor at Penn REPRESENTATIVE — NICOLE ZICCARELLI State University. Nicole is DISTRICT 16 an active member of her local community and a lifelong resident of District 45.

Campaign Website: http://www.nicoleziccarelli.com DEMOCRATIC CANDIDATES Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/NicoleZiccarelliPA/ Vote for ONE. Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/PaZiccarelli Answers: ROBERT F. MATZIE A1: Once Covid-19 is behind us, allowing early voting, perhaps the Saturday before Election Day may be a way Biographical Info: to allow some working people, who can’t vote on a Tues- County: Beaver & Allegheny day, to vote in person. Voting by mail is now allowed but, Mailing Address: in talking to voters, many would still prefer to vote in 1028 Highland Ave person and we should make it possible for more people Ambridge, PA 15003 to do so by giving alternatives.

Education: Associate A2: One of the reforms I would champion is that each Degree in High Techlegislator would be allowed to designate a few bills each nology Communicasession that are guaranteed to get a floor vote. In many tions from the Commucases, the Majority Party bottles up good legislation sim- nity College of Beaver ply because someone in the Minority Party proposes it or County and a Bachethe Committee Chair opposes it. This would allow more lor’s Degree in Jourviable and beneficial legislation to receive a vote by the nalism and CommuHouse and Senate. nications from Point A3: I would support an independent Commission to Park University. draw districts. In 2017, the PA Supreme Court allowed Qualifications: Servone professor from Stanford University in California to ing my sixth term as draw the Congressional map after ruling the existing a member of the PA map was unconstitutional. Both Parties attempt to draw House Of Represendistricts to favor their Party. A true independent Com- tatives. Senate staff mission that would draw fair districts where both Par- member for 14 years, ties could compete is best for the people. served as Mayor of A4: Society has made great strides in providing accessi- Ambridge and was ROBERT F. MATZIE bility for people with disabilities. We need to constantly elected to the Demmonitor these efforts and improve them where possible. ocratic State Committee. Board Member Point Park University, Board Member VisitPittsburgh. Commissioner PENNSYLVANIA STATE PHMC. Former Broadcaster.

REPRESENTATIVE campaign website: http://robmatzie.com GENERAL ASSEMBLY Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/rob.matzie Description of office: In Pennsylvania, the Twitter: http://@RobMatzie legislative branch of government is composed Answers: of two houses: The Senate is the upper house A1: If it was up to me, I would have Pennsyltight fiscal times, one of the first places budget-cutters look to claw back revenues are in lines devoted to helping those with disabilities This should be the last place that funding is removed. Meeting health care needs, addressing employment, finding more vocational opportunities, and growing the support networks to bolster programs must also be a priority. All should have equal access to opportunities. Beyond funding programs properly, we must do more to develop new initiatives.

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vania’s elections be conducted entirely by mail.

I’ve introduced legislation to do just that for two terms. In fact, it was the language from my bill (HB 1059) that was used to authorize voting by mail in the election code modernization cited above. In our current system, I’m supportive of automatic voter registration, same day voter registration, early voting and permitting high school students to register ahead of their 18th birthday. I have also authorized paper ballot only legislation.

A2: I respectfully take exception to the term “dysfunctional.” Gridlock is sometimes an unavoidable result of divided government. I would support reforms to give the minority a bigger voice in legislative matters—committee structure, floor votes, and legislative process—but, as those reforms would have to be supported by the majority, they are unlikely.

A3: I do and I am a co-sponsor of the legislation.

It’s simple, the closer a district is to 50/50, the better those vying for the seat will consider the views of all sides. Gerrymandering, over time, causes elected officials to move further and further toward the extreme sides of their respective parties.

A4: What I’ve done for 12 years, identify issues faced by those with disabilities—from communication with my constituents or through proposed legislation—and act accordingly to address them. Whether it be a floor vote or acting as a conduit and advocate in dealing with state agencies, I work to ensure ALL Pennsylvanians have every opportunity to participate and succeed. I have authored resolutions recognizing Limb Loss Awareness and in 2017 the state House of Representatives unanimously adopted my resolution designating Monday, Jan. 30, as “Pennsylvanians with Disabilities Day.”

REPUBLICAN CANDIDATES Vote for ONE.

RICO ELMORE Biographical Info: County: Beaver Mailing Address: P.O. Box 103 Rochester, PA 15074 Education: BA Criminal Justice—Pennsylvania State University Qualifications: Military Leadership, Youth Mentor Attention to Detail Integrity Facebook: http://Elmore/202020 Answers: A1: In 2019, Pennsylvania took a major step in election reform by allowing voters to cast their ballots RICO ELMORE through mail, Extended the registration deadline from 30 days before election day to 15 days before election day, extended the deadline to return mailing absentee ballots to 8 PM on election day and passed funding for new and more secure voting machines.

These reforms are great strides in making very more convenient, safe and secure. We should allow time for these reforms to be implemented so we can see the areas we need to improve upon.

A2: I believe one person doesn’t know all. I

think it is important for our elected officials to surround themselves with and seek out people that have full knowledge of particular subjects.

This way they can learn and make an informed decision. While the legislative process is slow, I understand the purpose of vetting legislation to ensure it is what is best for Pennsylvania. As a reformer myself I am always open to ways to make government more proficient and effective.

A3: I am open to the idea of an independent commission for redistricting. I believe in free and fair elections, so I am going to support legislation that does so. However, with the proposed commission, there are accountability and transparency factors that need to be answered.

I will need to see legislation before I commit to anything.

A4: Protecting Pennsylvanians with disabilities is a must. I am willing to review and support any legislation that will help those with disabilities across the Commonwealth.

PENNSYLVANIA STATE REPRESENTATIVE – DISTRICT 19 DEMOCRATIC CANDIDATES Vote for ONE.

AERION ANDREW ABNEY Biographical Info: County: Allegheny Mailing Address: P.O. Box 99642 Pittsburgh, PA 15233 Education: MSW, University of Pittsburgh Qualifications: Statewide voting rights advocate fighting to end voter suppression. Former program officer responsible for granting over $1.2M in funds to nonprofit groups. Community organizer & champion of AERION ANDREW ABNEY voting rights, housing affordability, quality education, criminal justice reform, & environmental protection Campaign Website: http://www.voteaerionabney.com Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/AerionAndrewAbney Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/triplea2 Answers: A1: I would push for same day registration, automatic registration, vote centers, and the option for in-person early voting. These reforms have proven in other states to expand access to the ballot for voters. Additionally, I would advocate for open primaries to allow independents the chance to have their voice in the outcome of primary elections which in many parts of the state end up being the deciding election. With any of these reforms, proper implementation is just as critical as the legislation itself. When good legislation is not implemented correctly it can have the unintended consequence of disenfranchising voters. Thus I would work with state and county officials on implementations plans for all voting reforms.

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A2: The first step would be to push for campaign finance reform to reduce the amount of big money that influences the decisions elected officials make and makes it easier for incumbents to remain in office for decades. Additionally, I would work to get more progressive candidates elected to office across the state to help flip both the House and Senate. In the interim I would find ways to work with my colleagues to identify where mutual ground exists and push legislative proposals that benefits not only my district but all Pennsylvanians.

A3: People should choose their legislators not the other way around. The way that our districts are drawn will have lasting impacts on our state for decades to come. It is of the upmost criticality that the redistricting process be fair and data driven not driven by political motivations and deception. An independent commission should drive the redistricting process. The process must require full public transparency and accountability as well as seek public input prior to final authorizations.

A4: I will work with both national and in-state disability rights groups to develop legislation that is supported by the disability community.

Legislation would have an equity lens to ensure that the outcomes will improve quality of life factors. Voting is a fundamental right however for many voters with disabilities the barriers to the ballot box that still exist in 2020 need immediate change. Inaccessible polling places, untrained poll workers, separate and unequal voting equipment are all problematic issues that make it difficult for voters with disabilities from casting a ballot freely and independently.

JAKE WHEATLEY Biographical Info: County: Allegheny Mailing Address: PO Box 53044 Pittsburgh, PA 15219 Education: BA Political Science North Carolina A&T State University MPA University of Pittsburgh Qualifications: Decorated United States Marine PA State House Democratic Chairman of Finance Committee Community Organizer/ servant of the People Campaign Website: http://jakewheatley. com Facebook: http://Citizens for Jake Wheatley Twitter: http://@jakeJAKE WHEATLEY wheatleypa Answers: A1: Same day voter registration and voting.

Real early voting. Allow all citizens, even those incarcerated to participate in all elections. I would also continue to push the concept that every eligible citizen(when they reach the required age) is automatically registered as an eligible voter and they must make a request to be taken off the voter rolls. Also, Election Day is a paid official state holiday. Also, I would like to provide an incentive for those who participate to receive a sales tax break with the showing of their voter sub. It’s redeemable within a week of any election or something equivalent. The basic premise is to create an incentive for citizens to

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participate.

A2: Many in the general public only see or read about the negative or disagreements of our democracy, but I have been apart and witnessed many more positive of how bipartisanship has worked. In politics, by its very nature there will always be differences and disagreements but our process, when needed has worked. Where we need change is how and what our citizens support. Members reflect, in most instances, the areas that they represent. They carry the values and concerns of their districts to Harrisburg and are their citizens eyes, ears, and voice.

If change is needed, its in that process. I also believe that the 24/7 access and news or social media has brought both positive and negatives with it, as it relates to how we do the our work.

A3: I will not support any reform to how we draw our congressional or legislative districts that does not also include how we count our citizens who are incarcerated. There can not be fair districts that are still based on proportional and structural racism. The fact that many of our citizens from urban areas are being housed in correctional facilities in rural areas and those citizens for purposes of legislative apportionment are counted as citizens in those rural areas and not counted from their home counties is meant to dilute and political power of those individuals and their home counties. Thus, until that is change, I will not and cannot support any false concept of a fair and nonpolitical “independent commission.”

A4: I will continue to be a strong voice and advocate for breaking down all discriminatory practices, policies, and barriers. We have a very difficult and long road to create a truly equitable society, especially as it relates to our citizens who have disabilities. The fact that many of our skilled and talented citizens still high

PENNSYLVANIA STATE REPRESENTATIVE – DISTRICT 20 DEMOCRATIC CANDIDATES Vote for ONE.

EMILY KINKEAD Biographical Info: County: Allegheny Mailing Address: 1424 Beckham Street Pittsburgh, PA 15212 Education: B.S. Biology, B.A. Political Science, Bloomsburg University of Pennsylvania, 2009 J.D., University of Pittsburgh School of Law, 2016 Qualifications: Over 15 years of experience advocating for LGBTQIA+ equality, reproductive justice, disability rights, criminal justice reform, medical research fundEMILY KINKEAD ing, campaign finance reform, gerrymandering reform, immigrant rights, tenant rights, and other issues as both an attorney and policy advocate.

Campaign Website: http://www.emily4pa20. com Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/emily4pa20 Answers: Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/emily4pa20 A1: In college, I got involved with an organization that works on issues of good government reform—access to voting, campaign finance reform, and gerrymandering reform. We lobbied Harrisburg and Congress, held all-day educational dialogues, teach-ins, and lunch-andlearns to push for policies that ensure that our government works for the people and not wealthy special interests. If elected I will continue to champion the pro-democracy policies we need: automatic voter registration, early voting, same-day voter registration, an independent redistricting commission, and real campaign finance reform. While not all directly related to voting, each policy has a direct result on the ability of voters to confidently select their elected leaders.

A2: As mentioned previously, I believe that we must have an independent redistricting commission. Elected leaders should not be in charge of selecting who gets to vote them into office. It is a conflict of interest that only the most cynical would dispute. Regarding partisan gridlock, I believe that we need to make systemic changes to the rules within the Legislature. For a start, committee chairs should be required to provide legitimate cause for refusing to bring proposed legislation to a vote. Amendments to bills should be fully debated before being accepted or rejected. Additionally, I believe that Harrisburg must be much more proactive in alerting citizens about the status of legislation and explaining what each bill does.

A3: Absolutely. I believe an independent redistricting commission is one of the most fundamental protections we can establish for our democracy to ensure that it works for the people. I would further require that this redistricting commission count prisoners as residents of their home municipality and not where they are incarcerated. The current system of prison gerrymandering disenfranchises already vulnerable communities and distributes representation unfairly.

A4: As a legislator, I would turn to the stakeholders within communities with disabilities to ensure that their needs are being properly addressed and considered as we make all of our decisions. As someone who used to work in a community for persons with disabilities, I know that the best people to advocate for persons with disabilities are those persons, themselves. I am privileged to live without a disability and for that reason it is my responsibility to listen to the people who are impacted most when we fail to consider accommodations for those with disabilities when we make our decisions. With their input, I would fight for the funding and resources needed to provide adequate accommodations in all areas for people with disabilities.

ADAM RAVENSTAHL Biographical Info: County: Allegheny Mailing Address: 117 Lily Ave Pittsburgh, PA 15229 Education: Graduated from North Catholic High School in Pittsburgh Graduated Magna Cum Laude from Robert Morris University with a degree in Business Management, 2007 Qualifications: Lifelong resident of the 20th District,

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Served as Representative since 2010, Former Democratic Committee Man, 10 years of experience as a State Representative Campaign Website: http://www.adamravenstahl.com/ Facebook: http://www. facebook.com/adamravenstahl/ Twitter: http://twitter. com/adamravenstahl ADAM RAVENSTAHL Answers: A1: Act 77 Made Historic Changes to the PA Election Code which allows more convenient voting. You can now vote by mail-in ballot. I voted in favor, to allow constituents a more accessible way to vote. I also support early voting, automatic voter registration, same day registration and any other measure that makes it easier to vote.

A2: I support government reform. I was a co-sponsor of a joint resolution proposing integrated amendments to the Constitution of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, deleting provisions relating to the Legislative reapportionment Commission: and providing for the Independent redistricting Commission. I’m not sure there is a legislative fix that will solve the current gridlock. I think elected officials need to work together, be willing to listen and compromise more to help get things done.

A3: Yes, I do support an independent Commission. I am a co-sponsor of House Bill 563, legislation that would amend the Pennsylvania Constitution to allow for a more open, transparent process when reapportioning and redistricting the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. Under this legislation, the independent commissions tasked to draw these lines would not be obligated to incumbent politicians or political parties. I am also a co-sponsor of legislation being introduced by Rep. Mary Jo Daley. This legislation would allow any Pennsylvania resident to submit reapportionment plans for legislative districts.

The Reapportionment Commission would be required to consider these plans. Also to assist Pennsylvanians in developing these plans, the Commission w A4: I take great pride in my record of always fighting for our most vulnerable. I am a current member of the Autism and Intellectual Disabilities Caucus, the Disability Caucus and the Cancer Caucus. As Chair of the Committee on Ethics for the Pennsylvania House of Representatives, I am honored to support my colleague, Rep. Dan Miller with his Annual Disability Summit. I have supported people with disabilities over the last 10 years in office and will continue to advocate for all individuals. I supported HR 543 honoring the 30th Anniversary of the ADA, HB 1189 that provides COVID 19 disability benefits for professionals in an emergency disaster, HB 2082 that provides our veterans with pensions and benefits for the blind and amputee’s. In 2015-

PENNSYLVANIA STATE REPRESENTATIVE – DISTRICT 21 DEMOCRATIC CANDIDATES Vote for ONE.

SARA INNAMORATO Biographical Info: County: Allegheny Mailing Address: PO Box 40393 Pittsburgh, PA 15201 Education: North Hills High School; BS in Business Administration with a major in Marketing from the University of Pittsburgh Qualifications: Founder, Innamo Co., a communica-

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tions agency for social good; Co-founder, She Runs SWPA, an organization encouraging women to run for office Campaign Website: http://www.saraforpa.com Facebook: http://facebook.com/SaraforPA Twitter: http://twitter. com/Innamo Answers: A1: I believe it should be easier to vote—Pennsylvania should have same-day voter registration, election SARA INNAMORATO day as a holiday and early voting. I’ve sponsored HB1556, which would would automatically register people to vote when they interact with PennDOT, the state departments of Health or Human Services, or any other state agency.

A2: I support a gift ban for legislators to build trust between them and the people they represent. I also support campaign finance reform, and my campaign does not accept corporate contributions. We must ensure that legislators represent the interests of their constituents, not powerful corporations.

A3: Yes, I support Fair Districts’ legislation to use a state constitutional amendment to form an independent commission to redraw voting districts. We need to strengthen our democracy at every level, which means eliminating the conflict of interest that comes with legislators draw their own districts.

A4: I support a ban on subminimum wages for all people, including persons with disabilities. I believe that any state and public dollars that go to corporations must come with caveats. Pennsylvania has the opportunity to prioritize incentives to companies that guarantee integrated workplaces that provide meaningful work for individuals with disabilities. In the short term, Pennsylvania should offer a consumer-directed care option in the waiver system so that assistance can be more specialized to an individual’s needs, so that more people can be supported. In the long term, Pennsylvania should not only pass a Medicare for All program, but also ensure that care for individuals with disabilities under such a program would be consumer-directed.

REPUBLICAN CANDIDATES Vote for ONE.

huge problem. I think Pennsylvania has a fairly good system for voter registration. The interface could use some improvements and I would like to see more programs to educate students in high school about the voting process and registering to vote.

A2: Pennsylvania has one of the most expense state legislatures in the country, yet it performs near the bottom of the spectrum. Reducing the cost of our government is a crucial first step. Unfortunately, in the case of elected officials, their power and status are usually tied to the size of the budget they have authority over. This dis-incentivizes reducing government spending. In terms of making the overall process more effective. What I would like to see is legislation that is targeted only at one issue and not a scatter shot of special interest issues that causes the type of gridlock that this question mentions.

A3: There is a lot of room for improvement with how our congressional and legislative districts are drawn. I feel that the more pragmatic approach to this issue is to form an independent commission without a constitutional amendment. The reason I say that is because when people start hearing constitutional amendment there is nearly always a large amount of backlash and effort to prevent it from happening. This would tie into the legislative gridlock mentioned in the previous question.

A4: One of my primary campaign platforms is mental health advocacy and de-stigmatization. In a perfect world physical health and mental health would not be separate conversations in our society. There are numerous barriers to care that could be eliminated or reduced in order to improve the lives of those that need access to these services the most. There has been a noted decline in the number of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities “IDD” who have competitive employment. They deserve the same opportunities to work and that includes the same quality that all Americans want.

PENNSYLVANIA STATE REPRESENTATIVE – DISTRICT 23 DEMOCRATIC CANDIDATES Vote for ONE.

DAN FRANKEL: Candidate Has Not Responded

PENNSYLVANIA STATE REPRESENTATIVE – DISTRICT 24 DEMOCRATIC CANDIDATES

JOHN WAUGH Biographical Info: Vote for ONE. County: Allegheny ED GAINEY Mailing Address: P.O. BOX 11081 Pittsburgh, PA Biographical Info: 15237 County: Allegheny Education: Indiana UniMailing Address: 6451 versity of Pennsylvania, Apple Street Pittsdouble majoring in acburgh, PA 15206 counting and finance Education: Morgan Qualifications: 5+ years State University as a state revenue auditor, Facebook: http:// 10 years experience in acwww.facebook.com/ counting.

RepEdGainey/ campaign website: Twitter: http://twithttp://www.JohnforPA.com ter.com/RepGainey Facebook: http://www.

Answers: facebook.com/johnforpa21/ A1: I believe that we Answers: took the first step A1: Voter records need to last year, but I believe be better maintained. Out that considering the of date voter rolls present a JOHN WAUGH ED GAINEY Covid-19 pandemic we

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need to ensure that every Pennsylvanian can cast a ballot no matter the situation. I am about to introduce a bill that will help achieve this by making it so that instead of requiring people to apply for a mail in ballot they will instead be sent a mail in ballot automatically by their counties.

A2: The one reform that I feel that we need is ensuring more transparency in our campaign finance system. We need to know how much private money is influencing public policy.

A3: Yes, I believe that an independent council would be fairer. It would take redistricting out of the hands of politicians and put it in the hands of the people; as long as it reflects the diversity of the state.

A4: I believe that one of the best things we can do is increase pay for care workers. Better pay will mean better care in the long run. I would also like to see it made so that it is easy as possible for those who can live alone to do so, but still get the support they need.

PENNSYLVANIA STATE REPRESENTATIVE – DISTRICT 25 DEMOCRATIC CANDIDATES Vote for ONE.

BRANDON J. MARKOSEK: Candidate Has Not Responded

REPUBLICAN CANDIDATES Vote for ONE.

JOHN RITTER: Candidate Has Not responded

PENNSYLVANIA STATE REPRESENTATIVE – DISTRICT 27 DEMOCRATIC CANDIDATES Vote for ONE.

DAN DEASY: Candidate Has Not Responded

PENNSYLVANIA STATE REPRESENTATIVE – DISTRICT 28 DEMOCRATIC CANDIDATES Vote for ONE.

EMILY SKOPOV Biographical Info: County: Allegheny Mailing Address: 105 Archberry Dr. Wexford, PA 15090 Education: Bachelor of Arts in English Literature from Columbia University; Master of Fine Arts in Screenwriting and Film from the University of California Los Angeles Qualifications: Before starting her own arts & environmental nonprofit, No Crayon Left Behind, Emily had a successful screenwriting & directing career. She is an active volunteer in her community & schools, & serves on the Mar-

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VOTERS GUIDE 2020

2016. B.S., Public Policy & Economics, Middle Eastern & Islamic Studies, NYU Stern School of Business, Class of 2013. North Allegheny Senior High School, Class of 2009 Qualifications: Lifelong member of the community I seek to represent, child and brother of NA teachers since 1979, experience working within the Capitol, for the House MIKE HECKMANN Republican Caucus, on crucial issues including education, redistricting, and the public pension crisis.

Campaign Website: http://mikeheckmann.com Facebook: http://facebook.com/MikeHeckmannPA Twitter: http://twitter.com/MikeHeckmannPA Answers: A1: I absolutely support an election day holiday to expand the number of citizens who participate in our democratic process. At the same time, I think there are countervailing concerns that weigh against widespread use of early or mail-in voting, included in our “modernization” (although this year obviously is exceptional); those include events that occur after early voters have sent ballots but before election day, the difficulty in providing an election result night of or even day after, with widespread vote by mail, and the potential to increase undervoting, especially for down-ballot races like my own, with the lack of in-person advocacy at the polls- thus the potential to advantage candidates with more money to reach voters at home.

A2: I have to say that I find this question a bit leading, and I’m not willing to concede that PA’s government is dysfunctional; although in some ways, “partisan gridlock” could be seen as the recent will of the voters, having chosen a Democratic Governor and Republican legislative majorities, to keep either side from altering too much. In a closely divided swing state like Pennsylvania, I don’t think that it is fair to consider a lack of major legislative changes to be dysfunctional.

A3: I am unconvinced—I am not opposed to changes to our current system, but I have equal concerns with the model proposed by the League of Women Voters’ project group Fair Districts, as well as theories advanced by the LWV’s attorneys in their successful suit to change our Congressional districts. Proportional representation, or the maximization of voter efficiency, are metrics that in Pennsylvania overwhelmingly accrue to the partisan benefit of Democrats- and to the disadvantage of communities like Wexford (the 28th District). This is true to such a degree that, in the model created by 538’s Atlas of Redistricting, the best possible Democratic gerrymander is the same as the approach that maximizes proportionREPUBLICAN CANDIDATES al representation.

A4: I think if there is one thing we have learned Vote for ONE. from the current COVID-19 shutdown, it is that MIKE HECKMANN: many more jobs are able to be done from one’s Biographical Info: home than was previously the norm. I hope that County: Allegheny that leads to a permanent change in the approach Mailing Address: 10595 Landau Drive Wexford, taken by employers in every sector, but I think it PA 15090 would be appropriate and beneficial for state and Education: J.D. - Vanderbilt Law School, Class of national legislatures to incentivize this flexibili-

shall Township Parks & Recreation Board, as well as the board of Northland Public Library.

Campaign Website: http://electemily4pa.com Facebook: http://www. facebook.com/ElectEmily4PA/ Twitter: http://eskopov16 Answers: A1: Recent efforts to modernize our elections are commendable, but we can do more. i will work to open PA’s primaries to all votEMILY SKOPOV ers. Our process excludes thousands of Independent, third-party and unaffiliated voters, and there is no excuse for this kind of disenfranchisement. We should emulate other states by instituting in-person early voting, in addition to mail in ballots. Mail in ballots are a huge step forward, but people experiencing homelessness or others who may not have a mailing address for whatever reason are still excluded from that process. Early in-person voting expands the franchise to the folks most in need of representatives who will be advocates.

A2: Redistricting reform is paramount for a properly functioning democracy & I’ll work to achieve that from day one. I’ll put in place policies that promote transparency & hold true to my mission of representing all of HD28. My campaign is releasing an Accountability Pledge outlining my commitment to: 4 Town Halls a year; all calls & emails will receive a response within 48 hours; my calendar will be public; I will declare all real or perceived conflicts of interest; I will have a user-friendly legislative tracker on my website; I will seek public comments on legislation; if budget negotiations extend beyond the deadline, I will not take a salary until the budget is passed; I will not leave Harrisburg until the budget is passed.

A3: Absolutely. We can not rely on the State Supreme Court as a backstop to ensure that our legislators don’t continue to run roughshod over our democratic process.

If a truly independent commission is not enshrined into law, we have seen first hand what enemies of free and fair elections are willing to do to put partisanship over people and permanently enshrine their majorities through any means necessary.

A4: The ADA is civil rights legislation that has never gone far enough to make our society truly accessible to all. We treat people with disabilities as people requiring accommodation, rather than recognizing that the culture & constructs we’ve created must be changed to have a society that is accessible to all. People with disabilities aren’t an afterthought & we must move toward crafting legislation in line with the principles of Universal Design. I support establishing independent commissions or agencies on the state level to ensure proper enforcement and oversight of ADA regulations. I will work with all parties to bring stakeholders to the table, and allow those stakeholders to lead on their issues, so that democracy works for everyone.

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ty- something that would be to the great benefit of disabled Americans, as well as many other groups.

I also think it is vital to recognize the widespread termination of pregnancies with a diagnosed disability as a “barrier” for people with disabilities, to seek to prohibit such terminations, and to offer real assistance to these families.

ROB MERCURI: Candidate Has Not Responded LIBBY BLACKBURN Biographical Info: County: Allegheny Mailing Address: 1015 Woodland Road Pittsburgh, PA 15237 Education: Kenyon College Qualifications: I am the only elected public official running, who has actually voted on public issues. I have had to make tough decisions, and made them. I have been on dozens of boards and committees dedicated to our community. I have lived in the 28th District for 50 years, and am the only experienced candidate. campaign website: http://www.peoplewithlibby.com Facebook: http://facebook.com/peoplewithlibby Answers: LIBBY BLACKBURN A1: I like the new mail-in ballot option and foresee a future when we can do everything online. Right now, you may go online to request the Absentee or Mail-In Ballot, but you still have to wait for the paper ballot to arrive via USPS, then return the paper ballot via USPS. We should be able to actually vote online.

A2: I believe we still have too many legislators and not enough positive action. I would like to have one item in legislation bills that could be passed or voted against. Currently, if you don’t like item A, but like item B, often the legislation has both A and B together so if you want the one, you have to pass the other one.

A3: Yes. Everything seems to be based on which political party is in the majority. Districts should be drawn fairly, without politics. Of course, the next problem will be arguing over who is on the “independent commission,” and that will likely be politically based too.

A4: So many signs are in places that do not allow for the handicapped to be able to see the sign safely. For instance, many bathroom signs are on the door. The sign should be placed beside the door, out of the way of a swinging door.

Signs need to be at a lower level and Braille should be on signs. There needs to be a more accessible ramp and railings to all buildings.

Sometimes the ramp is too steep. It is amazing that some places pass code with these flaws. We need to hold businesses accountable to making sure their buildings are even more accessible than current code. They can be designed better for the handicapped. Doors should not be as heavy as some are, and the door handles should never be round. There are a ton of possible improvements.

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VOTERS GUIDE 2020

PENNSYLVANIA STATE REPRESENTATIVE – DISTRICT 30 DEMOCRATIC CANDIDATES Vote for ONE.

LISSA GEIGER SHULMAN Biographical Info: County: Allegheny Mailing Address: PO Box 107 Allison Park, PA 15101 Education: BA University of Pittsburgh; MA in Education University of Missouri-St. Louis Qualifications: Teacher.

Advocate. Leader.

Campaign Website: http://lissaforpa.com Facebook: http://facebook.com/LissaforPA Twitter: http://twitter. com/LissaforPA Answers: A1: Pennsylvania’s recent addition of mail-in voting is welcome and necessary.

LISSA GEIGER SHULMAN Now voters do not have to choose between their health and their civic duty.

I am glad that Allegheny County will be mailing ballot applications to all voters, including pre-paid return envelopes. I would like to see this expanded across our state.

Furthermore, I support public awareness campaigns to publicize and grow vote-by-mail in the future. In addition to vote-by-mail, I support same-day voter registration which would further expand voting rights to all eligible voters in our state. I also support automatic voter registration anytime an individual interacts with a state entity with the default being that individuals are registered as opposed to an opt-in system.

A2: Too many of our constituents have a negative view of politicians, and this loss of confidence in elected officials will slowly erode our democracy. Therefore, I am in favor of reforms including ending gerrymandering, campaign finance reform, and ending the “old boys” culture in Harrisburg. Specifically, I support campaign contribution limits, a gift ban for elected officials, more transparent and searchable campaign finance reports on the state’s website, addressing sexual harassment in the state Capitol, professionalizing legislative staff, and replacing per diems with an expense reimbursement system. My full government reform platform is available at lissaforpa. com/govreform A3: Politicians on both sides of the aisle are guilty of working to craft districts that benefit themselves and their friends. This also creates districts that are safe for one party, benefiting candidates who are more partisan.

We need competitive districts so that our elected officials work together to solve problems and effectively govern, not score political points by holding radical positions. I support an independent redistricting committee who can use data and technology to craft districts that meet the constitutional requirements of being compact and contiguous, respecting municipal boundaries, and keeping communities of interest together.

A4: I am proud of my work to develop Rep. Dan Miller’s annual Disability and Mental Health Summit. The event always includes a legislative panel to discuss relevant state policy issues. As a state legislator, I will engage with the Autism & Intellectual Disabilities caucus and advocacy groups to keep informed on current issues in the disability community. Initial priorities include: addressing waiting lists for waiver services, growing

community-based services, passing paid family leave, and increasing access to early intervention by expanding quality early learning programs. Additionally, I would engage with local and municipal officials to address physical accessibility issues, particularly in relation to transit, within House District 30.

MARCO ATTISANO Biographical Info: County: Allegheny County Mailing Address: 1496 Butler Plank R. Glenshaw, PA 15116 Education: Pittsburgh School of Law Allegheny College Qualifications: US Navy —Seabees AmeriCorps —The Pittsburgh Project Knowledge of both sides of the law, having served as both a defense attorney and prosecutor for the Allegheny County District Attorney’s Office. Business owner Union family MARCO ATTISANO Campaign Website: http://www.marcoforpa. com Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/MarcoforPA Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/MarcoforPA Answers: A1: I support passing reforms to expand access to safe, secure, and private voting. I support expanding opportunities for voter registration. Additionally, I support Pennsylvania mailing all registered voters a Mail in Ballot Application.

A2: Pennsylvania’s campaign finance system is broken, and this contributes to partisanship in Harrisburg. I support campaign finance reform. Pennsylvania is one of only a few states in the entire country that does not have campaign contribution limits for state elections.

I support campaign contribution limits and increased transparency around campaign finance reporting. I was the first candidate in this election to post my Campaign Finance Reports on my campaign website and I will continue to hold myself to the higher standard I believe Harrisburg should hold itself.

A3: Yes. I believe this will improve Pennsylvania and restore citizens’ trust in government because doing so will mean that voters can pick their legislators, not the other way around. This will make representatives more responsive to all of the voters in their district. It is time to act on this, rather than continuing the political posturing currently happening in the legislature with ‘co-sponsorship’ of bills that will never receive a vote. I brought forward a resolution in support of fair Congressional and legislative districts at an O’Hara Township Council meeting in November of 2019. I am proud that my own municipality took up and passed this resolution, but resolutions are not enough. We need action from the legislature.

A4: I am interested in expanding opportunities for persons with disabilities. It’s been 30 years since the Federal Government passed the Americans with Disabilities Act, and we must continue to build on that and restart anew an effort to ensure that people with disabilities are valued equally. Harrisburg must ensure the laws providing accessibility and opportunity for persons with disabilities are effective and can be enforced. This will help create equality for Pennsylvanians with disabilities.

Legislators must always be aware of the barriers that persons with disabilities must overcome to gain economic independence and work to help create an economy and society where persons with disabilities can thrive.

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LORI MIZGORSKI Biographical Info: County: Allegheny County Mailing Address: P.O. Box 354 Glenshaw, PA 15116 Education: B.A., Hood College, Frederick, MD Qualifications: Chief of Staff to former State Representative Hal English, served nine years on the Shaler Township Board of Commissioners and North Hills Council of Governments, currently serve on the Shaler North Hills Library Board of Directors and Port Authority of Allegheny County Board of Directors. campaign website: http://lorimizgorski.com Facebook: http://Lori Mizgorski for State Representative Twitter: http://Lori4PA LORI MIZGORSKI Answers: A1: In 2019 I voted “yes” to an historic election reform bill that made the most significant improvement to elections in more than 80 years. Act 77 of 2019 gives all registered voters the option to vote by mail without needing to provide a reason for doing so. The bill extends the deadline to register to vote to 15 days before the election instead of 30. The deadline for returning an absentee ballot has also been extended until 8:00 pm on Election Day. Additionally, voters with permanent disabilities may request to be placed on a permanent absentee voter list. Finally, the Act provides $90 million in funding for new voting systems which will improve voting integrity and provide a paper trail.

A2: I work with people, not political parties. When I was a local elected official, I collaborated with my fellow township commissioners to serve the residents of my community without regard to political affiliation. I have continued my record of bi-partisan leadership in Harrisburg. My first bill, House Bill 318 Changes to Do Not Call List, was voted unanimously in the House and Senate and was signed into law by the governor last October. I also introduced House Bill 1970 PA Local Solar, and Senator Jay Costa introduced similar legislation in the Senate. I continue to demonstrate my willingness to find common ground and work with House and Senate members on both sides of the aisle.

A3: I have supported the initiative to create an independent commission for redistricting. Although, I do not believe a commission of appointed members will completely remove politics from the process, I believe it would provide a layer of protection. Creating an independent commission is a viable option for consideration and deserves further consideration by the General Assembly.

A4: From my late mother who utilized a wheel chair, to my former co-worker with autism, to the many constituents I helped receive human services when I worked for my predecessor, helping others overcome challenges has always been a priority for me. That’s why I was honored to co-sponsor House Resolution 543 Recognizing the 30th Anniversary of the Americans with Disability Act with State Representative Dan Miller. I am proud of voting for increased funding for human services with focus on help for individuals with disabilities. As legislators we must continue to work to provide inclusive education and expanded work opportunities so more Pennsylvanians can utilize their abilities and lead fulfilling lives.

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VOTERS GUIDE 2020

PENNSYLVANIA STATE REPRESENTATIVE – DISTRICT 32 DEMOCRATIC CANDIDATES Vote for ONE.

ERIN VECCHIO: Candidate Has Not Responded TONY DELUCA: Candidate Has Not Responded

PENNSYLVANIA STATE REPRESENTATIVE – DISTRICT 33 DEMOCRATIC CANDIDATES Vote for ONE.

FRANK DERMODY Biographical Info: County: Allegheny, Westmoreland Mailing Address: P. O. Box 274 Tarentum, PA 15084 Education: B.A., history, Columbia University; J.D., Indiana Univ. School of Law (Bloomington) Qualifications: Attorney in private practice, public defender, prosecutor, district justice. Elected to represent the 33rd District and currently serving fifth term as Democratic Minority Leader of the House of Representatives.

Campaign Website: http://frankdermody.com Facebook: http://RepFrankDermody FRANK DERMODY Twitter: http://@RepFrankDermody Answers: A1: I support changing state laws to make it easier for all citizens to vote. This includes same-day voter registration, having more days to submit your mail-in or absentee ballot, encouraging counties to set up central sites for early voting before election day, and allowing workers to take unpaid time off if necessary for them to cast a vote on election day. The state government also needs to provide sufficient resources and lead time to county boards of elections to properly implement mandated changes in voting systems.

A2: I am prime sponsor of a comprehensive bill to limit the impact that special interests with deep pockets can have on elections. It would limit how much any person or political committee can donate to a candidate in an election, and strengthen requirements for reporting such contributions. Too many bills are passed with little or no public notice. I support using our House committees to air issues in advance at hearings with more public input.

A3: Districts should reflect and respect communities of interest as well as municipal borders. A constitutional amendment is required to change how state legislative districts are drawn and there’s insufficient time to complete the process before 2021. Moving to an independent commission to draw Congressional districts only requires changing state law, without amending the con-

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I support making Election Day a state holiday so more people can have the day off of work. Adopting early voting periods as many other states already have would also make it easier with multiple jobs and with busy schedules to participate in elections.

I would vote for same-day registration because arREPUBLICAN CANDIDATES tificially imposing deadlines disenfranchises votVote for ONE. ers. Additionally, I would CARRIE DELROSSO support moving to all-mail CHRIS ROLAND Biographical Info: elections as Colorado, HaCounty: Allegheny waii, Oregon, Utah, and Mailing Address: 662 Washington do.

7Th Street Pittsburgh, PA A2: One of the main reasons we see so much gridlock 15139 is that entrenched incumbents feel they are in no danEducation: University of ger to lose because of Pennsylvania’s warped campaign Pittsburgh finance laws. There are currently no limits on financial Qualifications: Elected contributions. I support strict limits on campaign conOfficial Oakmont Countributions to level the playing field for those who are cil Small business owner challenging incumbents. I would also support requiring Mother of 3 the legislature to fall under Pennsylvania’s right-toCampaign Website: know laws so voters can access more information about http://carrieforpa.com how their legislator is conducting the people’s business.

Facebook: http://@carA3: Partisan gerrymandering has been a cancer on rieforpa Pennsylvania politics. I strongly support a constitutionTwitter: http://@carrieforal amendment to create an independent commission pa to redraw legislative and Congressional Districts. The Answers: CARRIE DELROSSO Republicans in Harrisburg have shown they cannot be A1: The best way to vote is trusted to redraw districts in a manner that benefits in person. I would support voters. Democrats in other states have been no better. better access to the polls The only way we can guarantee that fair districts are and communication on voting. drawn is through the creation of an independent comA2: Continued education on the legislative process to the mission. voters as well as transparency.

A3: Yes. I am running for a seat that has been held for 30 SUMMER LEE years by an incumbent who essentially drew the lines.

Biographical Info: A4: I think PA has done a good job following ADA in County: Allegheny terms of accessibility(both our infrastructure and our Mailing Address: 2233 Woodstock Ave Pittspopulation is aged) . I would continue to support accessi- burgh , PA 15218 bility for projects that way the generations to come can Education: Woodland Hills High School Pennhave accessibility. sylvania State University Howard University stitution, and I support this change as it applies to Congressional districts.

A4: Many protections that exist in the law are poorly understood and poorly enforced due to insufficient resources in state agencies. I will continue fighting to secure more funding for this important work in each year’s state budget. That includes workplace protections, public accommodations, housing opportunity, educational equity and, most broadly, protection from all forms of discrimination and prejudice against people with disabilities.

PENNSYLVANIA STATE REPRESENTATIVE – DISTRICT 34 DEMOCRATIC CANDIDATES Vote for ONE.

CHRIS ROLAND Biographical Info: County: Allegheny County Mailing Address: 200 Osborne St. Turtle Creek, Pennsylvania 15145 Education: Community College of Allegheny County Qualifications: 10 years on N. Braddock Borough Council. 2016 Frank Lucchino Distinguished Service Award for efficiency, teamwork, cost savings initiatives and productivity. campaign website: http://www.rolandpa.com/ Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/RollinWithRoland Twitter: http://twitter.com/Chris_RolandPA Answers: A1: The job of our legislature should be to make it easier to vote, not to make it more difficult. The reforms passed that allowed voting by mail and extending the deadline for registering to vote was a good first step, but more can be done to make it easier for people to vote.

School of Law Qualifications: Summer L. Lee is a lawyer, a community organizer, and the Democratic representative for the 34th district of the Pennsylvania House of Representatives. campaign website: http://www.summerforpa.com/ Facebook: http:// www.facebook.com/ SummerForPA/ SUMMER LEE Twitter: http://twitter.com/SummerForPA Answers: A1: While I think the updated election codes are a step in the right direction, we should be working to automatically provide access to voter registration at DMV and other local state agencies, at high schools for graduating seniors, as well as same-day registration on election day. Eventually I’d like to see us reach a standard of automatic, universal registration for eligible adults in the Commonwealth. During the unprecedent-

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ed and ongoing crisis we are currently facing with COVID-19, it has become especially important to automatically provide mail-in ballots for residents, and I am proud of this county’s efforts to ensure Allegheny voters all receive such a ballot. I hope to see this effort replicated through the Commonwealth.

A2: Improved standards for reporting on executive programs by departments, agencies, and commissions coupled with changes to the rules of procedure that would increase legislator’s access to relevant information and streamline the legislative duties of each legislator can greatly increase the efficacy of the legislature. I also believe an extension in legislative terms from two to four years would allow legislators more time to actually legislate rather than to exist in a constant state of campaigning A3: I do, with the understanding that such a commission and a general push towards fair districts would allow an even playing field and remove one layer of partisan electioneering from the efforts of our state government allowing us more freedom to actually govern.

A4: I support automatic mail in ballots and guaranteed accessibility standards for voting equipment statewide so that those with disabil

PENNSYLVANIA STATE REPRESENTATIVE – DISTRICT 35 DEMOCRATIC CANDIDATES Vote for ONE.

AUSTIN DAVIS Candidate Has Not Responded

PENNSYLVANIA STATE REPRESENTATIVE – DISTRICT 36

will increase the electorate. I’m particularly excited to fight for election day voter registration, automatic voter registration, and more opportunities for early voting.

A2: One reason why partisan gridlock exists is because of the role of money in politics. Elected officials become beholden to lobbyists or corporate PACS instead of working for their constituents. I support limits on gifts to elected officials and stricter reporting guidelines. I also support limits on contributions to the campaigns of PA state candidates and limits on independent expenditure campaigns as well. Partisan gerrymandering also contributes to partisan gridlock in Harrisburg, as more polarized districts make it so that elected officials are answerable only to members of their own party. Expanding the electorate is also a solution to partisan gridlock because it holds elected officials accountable to more of the people they represent A3: I do. Partisan gerrymandering denies voters fair representation and increases gridlock in Harrisburg.

Currently, legislators can manipulate the boundaries of districts in order to keep themselves in office, resulting in Pennsylvania being the most gerrymandered state in the country. An independent citizens commission increases the transparency, fairness, and accountability of the process.

A4: As a person with a disability myself, I know well the many barriers to accessibility that exist in Pennsylvania.

I support increased state funding for: accessible early childhood programs, special ed, school therapists & counselors, Medicaid waivers, living wages for service providers, paid family & sick leave, employment programs for students w/ disabilities, Office of Voc Rehab, incentives for businesses to hire PWDs, diversion & community-based treatment to decrease incarceration of PWDs, among other programs. Pennsylvanians w/ disabilities have the same desires and rights as those without disabilities, and I will do everything in my power to ensure that the rights of people like me are upheld.

ED MOELLER Biographical Info: County: Allegheny DEMOCRATIC CANDIDATES Mailing Address: 2821 Waterman Avenue Pittsburgh, PA 15227 Vote for ONE. Education: Baldwin High JESSICA BENHAM School B.S. Degree - AcBiographical Info: counting St. Vincent ColCounty: Allegheny lege Mailing Address: PO# 42398 Pittsburgh, PA 15203 Qualifications: ConEducation: MA, Healthstable 17th Ward—6 care Ethics BA, Political years Baldwin Whitehall Science BA, CommunicaSchool Board—2006-2009 tion Baldwin Borough CounQualifications: A union cil—2010-2013; 2016-2019 organizer and community (last two years as Council leader, Jessica Benham President) has been an advocate for Campaign Website: people and neighborhoods ED MOELLER http://edmoeller.com across our district. She has Facebook: http://Ed Mofought for and won fair eller for State Representatreatment for people with tive disabilities at the PittsAnswers: burgh Center for Autistic A1: I think we need to take a look at polling places as Advocacy. an area of reform. We need polling places that are easily Campaign Website: accessible for all, clearly defined, which will help reduce http://www.benhamforpa.

JESSICA BENHAM wait times and confusion. We need to make sure that com voters are made aware of changes as early as possible Facebook: http://www. and we take steps to reduce wait times. I would also like facebook.com/Benhamforto see the possibility of same day registration as long it PA/ is done in a secure manner and look into making elecTwitter: http://twitter.com/jessicalbenham tion day a holiday. Since this is the first election where Answers: A1: A whole slate of voting reforms was recently passed mail-in ballots are being used extensively, I want to take in Pennsylvania, which significantly expands access to a look at the process and figure out where we can imthe ballot. In general, I am in favor of all reforms that prove, both on the voter and election department ends.

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We should be continually trying to build upon the progress accomplished.

A2: Compromise has become the anathema to the legislative process. This is not to say you compromise on your core values or the democratic values that we all cherish.

Despite the ideological differences between parties, I feel there is still common ground that can be reached. However, that ideological gulf can’t be breached unless there is a willingness to com HEATHER KASS Biographical Info: County: Allegheny Mailing Address: 1515 Celtic Street Pittsburgh, PA 15210 Education: Western School of Health 2 Associates degrees CCAC/University of Pittsburgh program Bachelors in Health Information Management (Continuing) CPC for Coding Qualifications: Worked in Healthcare and Health insurance over 25 years, 2 years Democratic Committee woman and was exposed to Law and HEATHER KASS government training 4 years through Highschool at Oliver Law Magment Campaign Website: http://heatherkassforpa. com/ Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/DemocraticCandidate36thDistrict/?eid=ARBL3oAJXYs_WQ6ijry8CD9e5hvv0wUUPq2e7lfnJZTO3nZ3XKXKLzVdaktf704QGBpp8Hpk2lH_ Op52 Answers: A1: I believe we need to come up with safe voting via the internet as a start. I would like to start in the schools teaching our youth what voting is about and what a privilege we have to be able to do this. I would like to explain indetail what all parties are about so they may make and educated choice of what party they want to belong to. I also think we should allow independents to vote in the primary because as of right now their voices are not heard.

A2: When a bill is up for vote we may want to stop riders being added to a bill. This in theory may curb some of the gridlock lock we see.

A3: I believe yes that we should have an independent commission to draw the lines and maintain those lines so there will be no more gerrymandering to favor one political party.

This would then give a fair representation of the voter’s voice.

A4: We have made great strides in with this, but I believe we should do better. When Governor Wolf wanted to close Polk Center and Whitehaven the elected officials never met with the families to discuss how this would really affect the longtime residents that have lived there for almost their lives. I personally know one of these facilities and the residence and know how detrimental this would be for them. I think before we would do anything drastic, we as officials should visit, talk to families and to the residents to further make and educated decision of their future. I believe we could make some

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small changes for some residents that have not resided in a public facility for long period of time. I believe we have to be their voice.

MARK JOHNSON Biographical Info: County: Allegheny Education: Juris Doctor Qualifications: Eagle Scout US House of Representatives Experience campaign website: http://markjohnsonforpa. com/ Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/pages/category/Politician/Mark-Johnson-forPA-110258800540941/ Answers: A1: I support same day registration. We should make access to the polls easier, not harder. I support open primaries.

This question was written before a few things happened as a result of COVID-19. Since then the state has committed to sending out paper ballots to every voter in the state. This is the right move to ensure that as many voters can MARK JOHNSON vote in PA as possible and I support it.

A2: When I was younger I worked in Washington D.C. in the U.S. House of Representatives. And during that time I saw many of the tricks and procedural elements that made government unaccountable. Did you know that in PA there is no restriction on gifts given from lobbyists to legislators? Additionally, all kinds of proposed bills never reach a point of a vote, they simply ‘die in committee’ and that leaves Pennsylvanians with no idea how their representative would have voted on any issue. We need to remove this inertia of incumbent re-election in a two party system. Where gerrymandered districts mean that once a person is elected to office they stay there forever without any real challenge just because they are a member of a party.

A3: Yes. An independent commission is the only fair way to put an end to gerrymandered districts.

The PA Supreme Court has said explicitly that it will NOT break up gerrymandered districts, even if it is being done specifically for political gain. That puts the duty on the legislator and we should create and independent commission. However the Independent Commission needs 3 important features: -Tranparency -Decisions based sole on DATA from the Census -Accountability A4: I’m an attorney who has represented disabled people in suits under the ADA, so I am intimately aware of some of the flaws and shortcomings.

Currently, because of the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA), it is legal to pay disabled people below minimum wage. It’s an exploitation of our most vulnerable citizens to allow companies to profit on the disabled in a time where the minimum wage isn’t even considered a livable wage, and they get less than that. The protections of the ADA should also be extended to pregnant women. Currently pregnant women are only protected from discrimination by the Pregnancy Discrimination Act of 1979 (PDA). We should codify some of the requirements of the “interactive process” and “reasonable accommodation”.

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the League has proposed, I support the constituREPUBLICAN CANDIDATES tional amendment, however, any attempt by the General Assembly to influence the selection of Vote for One. commission members would undermine the enAJ DOYLE: tire process. While political gerrymanders are Candidate Has Not Responded not new to our nation, the sophistication of new technology and the ubiquity of big data makes it PENNSYLVANIA STATE easy to pinpoint voters to their very homes and district lines that include an incumbent’s REPRESENTATIVE – DISTRICT 38 draw supporters. When politicians can choose their voters, they become less moderate and willing to compromise - forgoing an essential requirement DEMOCRATIC CANDIDATES of effective governance. Any legislation aimed at reducing the effects of partisan gerrymandering Vote for One. has my support as long as its independent.

A4: Ensuring that the spirit of the law codified NICK PISCIOTTANO: in the Americans with Disabilities Act continBiographical Info: ues is a job that is never complete and an efCounty: Allegheny Mailing Address: PO Box 338 West Mifflin, PA fort that requires continuous progress to ensure that the most vulnerable among us are not left 15122 Education: West Mifflin Area School District behind. The rights of individuals with disabiliB.A. in Accounting, Washington & Jefferson Col- ties need to be protected, their access to policy makers is extremely important, and their voice lege B.A. needs to be heard in Harrisburg and throughout in History, Washington the Commonwealth. As a state legislator, I will & Jefferson College ensure that individuals with disabilities have a M.A. in Government seat at the table to provide their perspective on Analytics, Johns Hopall legislation and have the opportunity to advokins University cate for their need.

Qualifications: Certified Public Accountant Certified Information PENNSYLVANIA STATE Systems Auditor REPRESENTATIVE – DISTRICT 39 campaign website: http://www.nickforpa. com DEMOCRATIC CANDIDATES Facebook: http:// www.facebook.com/ Vote for One. nickforpa Twitter: http://www.

SARA-SUMMER OLIPHANT: NICK PISCIOTTANO twitter.com/nickforpa Biographical Info: Answers: County: Allegheny A1: Act 77 was historic Mailing Address: legislation that brought Pennsylvanian election 3572 Falmouth Dr law out of the Dark Ages and provided funding South Park, PA 15129 to help counties implement more accessible and Education: Bachelor’s secure ways of voting. The current COVID-19 of Art in Mass Commucrisis has delayed our Primary Election and the nications, Point Park reform allowing no excuse vote by mail-in bal- University 2003 lot turned out to be extremely timely given the campaign website: current restrictions on public interaction. While http://www.sso4pa.

Act 77 was a big step in the right direction, I com/ believe that there are more reforms needed to Facebook: http:// extend the vote to all Pennsylvanians. I am sup- www.facebook.com/ portive of election law reforms that help our cit- SSOforPa39 izens register, make it easier to vote by mail, Answers: adopt curbside voting for disabled persons, and A1: In addition to the provide funding to protect the integrity of our measures already tak- SARA-SUMMER OLIPHANT elections. en, election day should A2: There are a number of parliamentary rules be a statewide paid that could be changed to ensure more effective holiday. In reality, this communication between caucuses, the branch- is a measure I would like to see nationwide, es of government, and representatives to create however as a State Representative hopeful, I a more stable and reliable legislative schedule. realize the scope of my reach. I also believe we Politically, there are barriers to entry that pro- need to expand early voting. Early voting is a tect incumbents to the point that some are no great method in reducing wait times and accomlonger representative of their constituents. By modating those who have child care, transporenacting reforms that create a more stable body tation or work schedule issues. Typically, these (i.e. longer, staggered terms), while increasing issues are more likely to impact the financially political accountability (i.e. campaign contri- disadvantaged. Early voting needs to not just bution limits, electoral cycle contribution max- be a 9-5 option, but also available in the eveimums, etc.), we can carve out space for repre- nings and on weekends. Finally, as an advocate sentatives who are more willing to compromise for equal accessibility, we need to ensure that and more accountable to voters that would re- polling places are able to accomodate people of sult in a more functional legislative process. every ability level.

A3: If the commission is truly independent as A2: The role of government is to move a state

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forward, and if every action is tied up in gridlock, clearly this cannot happen. However, gerrymandering in Pennsylvania has created maps that protect the interest of the legislation rather than the interest of the citizen. By redistricting in a manner that is both transparent and impartial, we can create a fair system that will reduce the unacceptable amount of gridlock that has recently been found in our state’s capital.

A3: As stated in my previous answer, not only do I support a constitutional amendment, but I believe a nonpartisan, transparent redistricting is the only way we can ensure a fair and productive legislation for Pennsylvania. The current gerrymandering strips citizens of their voice and power in the process. To truly be a government of and for the people, we need to make it our mission to create legislative districts that guarantee that every vote has equal value.

A4: Equal accessibility does not mean everybody gets the same, but that everybody is equality entitled to their individual needs. I wish this was a simple advancement, however with the plethora of needs in an unlimited number of situations, this is a much larger issue than any single act. Starting in childhood, the majority of playgrounds are not wheelchair accessible. It is time to reexamine what the Americans with Disability Acts promises and how we can ensure that every American of every ability level is promised the quality of life they deserve. While this starts at the swingset, it carries over to classrooms, to the workforce, and even to their local polling place. One important step is to enforce the law already in place.

REPUBLICAN CANDIDATES Vote for One.

TOM KIRSCH: Candidate Has Not Responded MIKE PUSKARIC: Candidate Has Not Responded

PENNSYLVANIA STATE REPRESENTATIVE – DISTRICT 40 DEMOCRATIC CANDIDATES Vote for One.

SHARON GUIDI Biographical Info: County: Washington Mailing Address: PO Box 1161 McMurray, PA 15317 Education: Masters in Education Qualifications: As a life long resident of the South Hills, retired educator, and devoted parent I understand the issues that concern the constituents of the 40th District. I have spent my life in service to others and want to continue serving in Harrisburg; I’m ready to listen, work, and serve the 40th District. campaign website: http://www.sharon4pa.com Facebook: http://www. facebook.com/SharonGuidi4PaHouse40/ Twitter: http://twitter. com/@Guidi4PA40 Answers: A1: I fully support accessibility for all voters SHARON GUIDI to receive a mail-in bal-

lot. Knowing that whether you are sheltering in place during an illness, a pandemic, or bad weather; or job responsibilities prevent you from reaching your polling place on time you should feel confident that your vote matters and will still be heard. Your vote is your opportunity to select the type of representation and government you want in Harrisburg and Washington DC; it is your voice and if you are not able to go the polls it is important that you are still able to vote. Voting is your civic responsibility, which protects you and your loved ones now and in the future.

A2: The self-interests of partisan politicians to remain in power through gerrymandered Congressional and Legislative Districts cannot be allowed to continue.

Pennsylvania is one of the worst gerrymandered states in our nation and allows party leadership the ability to enforce votes along strict party-line ideology. If an elected individual votes against the party they can be punished with gerrymandered districts with the potential for more extreme voices to be elected. Gerrymandered districts exacerbate the partisan gridlock we see in Harrisburg today. When districts are drawn more fairly the opportunity for moderate voices will be heard and elected. A non-partisan, independent citizens review board should be in place after the 2020 census.

A3: Yes, I would support an independent commission to redraw Congressional and Legislative Districts because politicians should not continue the practice of picking their voters.Your vote is your voice and if fair districts are not achieve after the 2020 census we will have missed the opportunity for every voice to be heard until 2030.We cannot wait to fix our fractured government; it is the voter who should be selecting the politicians and not the other way around.The self interests of partisan politicians to remain in power through gerrymandered Congressional and Legislative Districts cannot be allowed to continue.The creation of an independent citizen review board will begin the process of a fair and more representational form of government.

A4: While Mail-in ballots will help eliminate some barriers for voters with disabilities, making sure that all polling places are selected with Universal Design elements in place will also help to promote a welcoming place for all voters. When voting machines and polling places are designed to increase accessibility for one voter, that design will convey the importance that all voters should have availability to the polling place. As legislators we must protect the voting rights of all Americans; everyone must be a part of the process with easy access to voting whether at home through mail-in ballots or in person at their polling place.

REPUBLICAN CANDIDATES Vote for One.

NATALIE MIHALEK: Candidate Has Not Responded

PENNSYLVANIA STATE REPRESENTATIVE – DISTRICT 42 DEMOCRATIC CANDIDATES Vote for One.

DAN MILLER Biographical Info: County: Allegheny Mailing Address: PO Box 13421 Pittsburgh, PA 15243 Education: BA History, BS Secondary Education, JD Qualifications: Previous Mt. Lebanon Commissioner, 14 year veteran of the Mt. Lebanon Fire Department, Finishing 4th term campaign website: http://VoteDanMiller.com

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Facebook: http://www. facebook.com/VoteDanMiller/ Twitter: http://twitter. com/votedanmiller Answers: A1: I have a bill that would increase voting accessibility for citizens who are blind, deafblind and otherwise physically unable to manipulate our current voting devices without assistance. Currently most people with those disabilities cannot vote securely, DAN MILLER privately and independently in Pennsylvania. This bill first requires a software program to be available to voters that would allow them to apply independently for mail-in and absentee ballots and fill them out independently as well. The bill additionally requires an accessible voting machine with software and hardware capabilities that allows everyone to vote independently, securely and privately alongside their neighbors (if they so choose) at ever voting center in the state.

A2: While partisanship has been with us almost since our founding, hyper-partisanship is limiting our nations future. I think a big part of the problem is extreme gerrymandering. The more partisan our districts get the more difficult reaching a compromise seems to be. The reality is that rules of the House itself hasn’t changed much in a generation—our districts have. Districts now can be drawn by a computer to divide a street and calculate wins and losses before candidates have even been announced. This process pushes both parties further apart.

While it is good to offer distinct differences for people to consider in an election, it is not healthy to never compromise on any of them. I believe ending gerrymandering would help end gridlock.

A3: Yes I support an independent commission to redraw our legislative districts in Pennsylvania. There have been a couple different versions of ideas floated as to how best to do that, but I believe that our state would be well served by taking this process out of the direct hands of the legislators. I think a fair and independent commission would help rebuild public confidence that their government works for them and that their vote is important in elections, hopefully leading to greater turnout and participation.

A4: The Americans with Disabilities Act was one our nations most important civil rights bills, but its mission is not yet completed. Most pressing is the fact that in the majority of our states over 60% of people with disabilities are not engaged in the workforce. Despite the gains we have made in providing more inclusive education, we still have yet to see this make sizable differences in employment opportunities for people with disabilities. My hope is to continue to prioritize this issue, as it was the main focus of my Disabilities and Mental Health Summit this past March.

PENNSYLVANIA STATE REPRESENTATIVE – DISTRICT 44 DEMOCRATIC CANDIDATES

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A4: I work with young children, ages birth to three MICHELE KNOLL years of age, with disabilities and delays so this is Biographical Info: an issue I work on in my job on a practical and daiCounty: Allegheny ly basis. Many children have barriers in schools evMailing Address: 157 Toms Run Road Pittsburgh, ery day that they must overcome in order to learn.

PA 15237 Adults have physical and intellectual barriers to Education: Graduated from Montour High School functioning on an equal footing within their homes, with Honors and National Honor Society. Graduat- community, and while accessing services. Some of ed these barriers are as simple as providing access to votCum Laude from The ing in the downstairs of my own polling place but many University of Pittsburgh cause individuals to be unable to exercise their right as with B.S. in Elementary citizens to vote at all, work at chosen job, or access adeEducation, Earned Masquate health care. Pennsylvania has an aging population ter’s of Education from so we must enact legislation today.

The University of Pittsburgh in Early Intervention.

REPUBLICAN CANDIDATES Qualifications: Resident of the 44th District Vote for One. for 37 years. Former BOB DODDATO: School Board Director of Candidate Has Not Responded Avonworth S.D. Parent of 3 daughters, all gradPENNSYLVANIA STATE uates of Avonworth S.D. Current elected member REPRESENTATIVE – DISTRICT 45 MICHELE KNOLL of Just Harvest Board.

Former board member of North Boros YMCA. DEMOCRATIC CANDIDATES Volunteer in Ohio Township, Avonworth S.D., and Allegheny Ct. Vote for One. Campaign Website: http://www.knoll4pa44.com ANITA ASTORINO KULIK Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/Michele- Biographical Info: Knoll44/ County: Allegheny County Twitter: http://twitter.com/micheleknoll44?lan- Mailing Address: 121 Lorish Rd McKees go=en Rocks, PA 15136 Answers: Education: B.A. and J.D. from Duquesne UniA1: Mailing a Vote By Mail application to every vot- versity er would help seniors, individuals with disabilities, Qualifications: State and people with poor access to polling places to have Representative, 45th a voice in our elections as well as enabling voters Legislative District with unusual working situations, like shift workers, since 2016 Commisworkers called on to work overtime in emergencies, sioner, Kennedy Townand occupations like long haul truckers or corporate ship 2003—2016 Manworkers that frequently travel to have ballots ac- aging Partner, Kulik cessible under any circumstances. It would also be Law Offices Past Preshelpful to have drop off sites other than just polling ident, Parkway West places. Registering all of Pennsylvania’s voters au- Rotary Club Former tomatically removes barriers for voters. Providing Law Clerk for PA Suthe most up to date methods of voting for all voters perior Court and Alis essential for all Pennsylvania’s voters. legheny County Court A2: Preventing gerrymandering from skewing dis- of Common Pleas tricts therefore disenfranchising voters and causing Campaign Website: unfair representation for hundreds of thousands of http://www.anitaasANITA ASTORINO KULK voters is a personal goal of mine. Although my op- torinokulik.com ponent went to Harrisburg saying she would work Answers: across the aisle, she doesn’t. Her record is clear and A1: I was proud to vote in favor of the recent other representatives report she is unwilling to election reforms. With the modernization of our work with the other party. Good leadership means society, it is only logical that we improve voter putting Pennsylvanian’s first not political ambi- accessibility. One further reform that I would tions. Former lobbyists should not be allowed to run support would be early in-person voting. for State Representative for at least 10 years after A2: In my time as a legislator, I have consistentthey have worked for corporations as a lobbyist. ly worked across the aisle to help move bipartiA3: Yes. This is the key piece of eliminating gerry- san legislation. I continue to reach out to all my mandering. I have met young voters on door who colleagues, because I believe the best ideas come say they vote, going through the motions, but feel from vibrant discussion, even with those who their votes do not count. Disenfranchising voters is may have different views on issues. A producdeadly to Democracy. Gerrymander fosters being tive reform that would help alleviate partisan concerned about issues that have little importance gridlock would be to give equal consideration to but help legislators in a gerrymandered district re- bills from both the minority and majority sides. tain their seats while serious issues like funding A3: I support the formation of a commission to education, infrastructure, and our Department of redraw congressional and legislative districts. I Environmental Protection adequately get pushed believe the commission should be comprised of aside. These legislators in gerrymandered districts independent citizens and officials from all levneed not address burning issues since they are as- els of government. Any redistricting plan should sured of reelection. be subject to public comment from across the Vote for One.

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Commonwealth, with a process in place to give genuine consideration to the public input.

A4: In my time as a legislator, I have supported and voted for initiatives on behalf of persons with disabilities. Whether through educational opportunities and access opportunities, I will continue to support the needs of persons with intellectual or physical challenges. Our “nation of opportunity” must provide equally for all its’ citizens.

REPUBLICAN CANDIDATES Vote for One.

M. FRANCIS Biographical Info: County: Allegheny Mailing Address: 230 Waterford Dfrive Robinson Twp, PA 15136 Education: College graduate Civil Engineering Qualifications: Malek Francis is not a politician. He is a public servant who served as a Civil Engineer at the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation for more than 33 years. He is known for fighting waste and corruption at the department, Campaign Website: http://malekfrancis.com Facebook: http://malek.francis.56 Twitter: http://@ MalekFrancis Answers: A1: Election Day should be a State Holiday Open Primary Eligible Citizen should be register and vote on Election Day Voting by mail A2: Hold Legislators accountable Downsizing the Legislature and limiting terms and campaign contributions Part Time LegM. FRANCIS islature A3: Yes. To eliminate the gerrymandering that manipulates the Boundaries of a voting district as to favor the party in power A4: Increase State Funding Encourage Employers to hire people with disabilities

DANNY DEVITO: Candidate Has Not Responded

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PENNSYLVANIA STATE REPRESENTATIVE – DISTRICT 46 DEMOCRATIC CANDIDATES Vote for One.

BYRON TIMMINS Biographical Info: County: Washington Mailing Address: 1019 Mayfair Drive Canonsburg, PA 15317 Education: B.S. Business Economics, Miami University Qualifications: Working father, community leader, and advocate for working families looking to bring opportunity to the 46th District Campaign Website: http://www.TimminsForStateRep.com Facebook: http://Facebook.com/ByronForStateRep Answers: A1: Current policies disBYRON TIMMINS proportionately disenfranchise the poor, people of color, and people with disabilities. Our nations technology is unparalleled and should be employed to enhance participation in our elections. I am a proponent of automatic registration with secure online access to update voter information. We have the data and infrastructure to register any eligible citizen who has interacted with the government. These measures are simple, cost effective, and long overdue. We should also add early voting to make it easier for working Pennsylvanians to make their voices heard. We fought for democracy, not a plutocracy. We need to make voting easier, not harder.

A2: Elected officials are employees of the people, but this is a fact that too many of them have forgotten.

When elected I will always put the interest of the people of the 46th first. I will hold in person town halls in every municipality in the district so the people can hold me accountable and I can inform them of what is going on in Harrisburg.

A3: I fully support the implementation of an independent redistricting commission to help guarantee the protection of fundamental constitutional rights.

Representatives, and their special interest allies, have chosen their voters for far too long.

A4: The Americans with Disabilities Act was an important piece of legislation helping to reduce barriers for people with disabilities, but more still needs to be done to improve accessibility for people with disabilities across our Commonwealth.

NEW PITTSBURGH COURIER

com REPUBLICAN CANDIDATES Facebook: http://Bob Brooks for PA Rep Answers: Vote for ONE. A1: I was a supporter of the election reforms we JASON ORTITAY: made this year in PA. We extended the registration Candidate Has Not Responded period and allowed mail in ballots without requiring a reason. Voter registration when obtaining a drivPENNSYLVANIA STATE er’s license is also extremely helpful. I am pleased REPRESENTATIVE – DISTRICT 54 that registration two weeks prior to voting is good for those who want to vote and it allows the state adequate time to ensure integrity in elections. I look REPUBLICAN CANDIDATES forward to this primary election as a test on the integrity of the mail-in ballots. It is important to me to Vote for ONE. maintain fair and honest elections.

BOB BROOKS A2: I see gridlock in Washington D.C. In Harrisburg Biographical Info: I see disussions but not gridlock. My committees County: Westmoreland all have members from both sides of the aisle and Mailing Address: Po Box 213 Murrysville, PA all issues are discussed. That does not mean that 15668 everything we all desire is approved. Whilte it can Education: B.A. Math, Franklin & Marshall Col- be frustrating, that is how democracy functions. My lege M.B.A Corporate Finance, Wharton Grad, Uni- job is to convince 101 other Representatives that my versity ideas are good even after I have to modify them to of Pennsylvania obtain the necessary amount of votes to accomplish Qualifications: Bob the goal. served as the Chief FiA3: I have listened to several different approaches nancial Officer of Westto redrawing Congressional and Legislative Disinghouse Air Brake tricts after the completion of the census. I am in faTechnology vor of creating a committee that is a proportional Company (Wabtec), and representation of our constituents. I plan on listenserved on the Board of ing to all proposals and will consider ones that balDirectors through 2019 ance logic with independence and politial expertise. where he helped to A4: Persons with disabilities deserve inclusion significantly grow the wherever and whenever possible. It is our job in company. He has also Harrisburg and in our districts to work to make been involved in several that happen. They also deserve a choice and a voice. successful businesses as I support people with disablilites. In addition I am the Director of Brooks a strong supporter of Anti-bullying which can often Sports Group. impact those with disabilities.

BOB BROOKS Campaign Website: http://electbobbrooks.

Voters Guide Primary Election June 2, 2020