8th CONGRESSIONAL DISTRICT Candidate would donate part of salary if elected
The political newcomer said the state has failed to approve grants to aid volunteer fire departments.
By HAROLD GWIN
VINDICATOR SHARON BUREAU
GROVE CITY, Pa. -- Mark A. Lauer said he'll donate $1,000 of his annual salary to help a local volunteer fire department in his district if he wins Pennsylvania's 8th District House seat Nov. 5.
The Democratic political newcomer from Butler is challenging incumbent Dick Stevenson, a Republican from Grove City, for the post Stevenson has held for two years.
Lauer said one of his priorities is making sure emergency services have the financial resources they need. The state Legislature voted against grants that could be helping local fire departments, Lauer said, explaining his desire to offer some personal assistance in the district, which covers portions of Mercer and Butler counties.
He has a personal interest in the issue. He's the fire chief of Unionville and a trustee of the Butler County Fire Chiefs Association.
Incumbent's platform
Stevenson, seeking his second term in the House, said he's voted to control state spending in the past and will continue to do so, but he's also looking for a way to provide consistent financial support for firefighters and emergency service personnel.
He's also interested in tax reform legislation. A main focus of that effort is seeking lower taxes for businesses.
Improving the business climate in Pennsylvania helps to create improved employment opportunities, Stevenson said, explaining that allowing businesses to keep more of their earnings is the best way to create jobs.
Stevenson said he's seeking re-election to continue serving the needs of the people in the 8th District. Lauer said he's running because people are looking for a representative who will listen to them and do what is best for the people, not just the party.
Qualifications
Stevenson said his experience in elected office, serving as a Grove City councilman and a Mercer County commissioner before winning election to the state House, as well as his experience as a small business owner give him the qualifications needed to handle the House post.
Lauer said he's helped a lot of people in both his job as director of public works for Center Township and as fire chief. He said he has worked with budgets and planning for growth, and that makes him a good choice to serve in the legislature.
Both candidates agree that property taxes are a major issue for voters.
Lauer said current legislators seem to be incapable of handling tax reform and played "hocus-pocus with a joke they called a one-day session to discuss our property taxes in September."
Stevenson said tax reform is important, but improvements in school funding as well as fostering economic development and controlling state spending are just as important.