Drobac and Hart differ on most issues

Both count economic development as a high priority if elected.
By LAURE CIOFFI
VINDICATOR NEW CASTLE BUREAU
NEW CASTLE, Pa. -- The fact that Democrats outnumber Republicans in the 4th Congressional District about 58 percent to 34 percent doesn't worry Republican U.S. Rep. Melissa Hart.
"I think once the people in the communities I now represent realize that my goals were in line with theirs, I don't think people were really interested in what party I am as much as what work I am doing," said Hart, who is seeking her second term in office.
Her Democratic opponent, Stevan Drobac Jr., however, feels Hart's party affiliation is important. He called her part of the "Republican leadership committee," while describing himself as a more in tune with the district's Democratic constituents.
"I have 30 years of public service. I worked as a police officer, in education, and as a flight attendant. I know their wants, their needs and their concerns," Drobac said.
Both count economic development as a high priority if elected.
Drobac said he will work with lobbyists in Washington, D.C., to bring jobs to the region. But the real problem is property taxes, he said.
"We lack employment and we can't attract big technology in Pennsylvania because our real estate taxes are gigantic," he said.
Though Congress has no control over real estate taxes -- they are a function of schools, municipalities and counties -- Drobac said he would use his influence as a member of Congress with state officials to change real estate tax laws.
Proposal for Route 60
Hart said she would continue her efforts to have Pa. Route 60 named a federal highway. She believes that designation would attract more business to the region.
"If somebody is looking at our area from California or out of the country and the see it's an interstate highway, they will be more likely to locate here," she said.
Hart said she's also wants to continue redeveloping brownfields or former industrial sites into new business or industrial parks.
Both want to shore up Social Security.
Hart said she wants to look at different types of long-term investments for Social Security and believes people should be allowed to privately invest some of their money from Social Security.
"If people choose not to, then they should not have to [privately invest]. We ought to continue to provide for them," she said.
Drobac said he's interested in making sure Social Security is solid for the future, but would not support investing any of it in the stock market.
Less on foreign aid
He believes the government should spend less on foreign aid and put that money into Social Security.
"We are spending billions of dollars for foreign aid and not helping people in this country. This is our family. Take care of you homeland first. What's left over can go to foreign aid," he added.
Drobac opposes war with Iraq, something his opponent voted to support earlier this month. Instead, he believes the government should spend more time and money on homeland security.
Hart said war may be the only answer to deal with terrorism.
"The only way the United States can help and defend ourselves, since we are likely their target, is to step up to the plate ourselves. By passing that resolution [to authorize a military strike if necessary to disarm Iraq and remove Saddam Hussein], we are saying we are serious and will be not be toyed with like the [United Nations]," Hart said.