News & Issues: Candidate Interviews

PA House 143rd District (Bucks): Candidate Larry Glick (D) and Candidate Margaritte Quinn (R)

1. What do you hope to accomplish as a member of the Pennsylvania General Assembly? Larry Glick: I would like to focus on tax and healthcare reform. I am committed to truly representing the people in my district in an effort to improve their quality of life.
   
   Margaritte Quinn: I hope to represent constituents taking all aspects of life into consideration-quality of life, environment, education, taxes.
2. What do you believe are the major problems facing the Commonwealth and your legislative district? Larry Glick: I believe the major problem facing the Commonwealth is finding a balance between issues facing rural and urban populations. I believe the major problem facing my district is development and the disconnect between growth and resources.
   
   Margaritte Quinn: I believe that the major issue facing the Commonwealth, and the Nation, is Social Security. I believe that the major issue facing the 143rd District is the management of development and sustainable growth. We have to consider the effects of development on resources while attracting and retaining businesses and doctors.
3. Initially instituted as a temporary tax, the realty transfer tax has evolved into a large source of revenue for PA. Would you support or oppose legislation which would increase appropriate monies from the realty transfer tax to fund programs such as open space preservation, urban revitalization and the like? Larry Glick:I don’t believe that the money being collected is being properly allocated to the local governments and school districts. I think it is more important to review where the money is going before attempting to increase any tax.
   
   Margaritte Quinn: The Realty Transfer Tax already places a heavy burden on homebuyers and any increase would further limit the affordability of home ownership.
4. The General Assembly and the Governor’s Office are discussing ways to reform property taxes. What do you believe is the best way to reform this issue? Larry Glick: I believe the initiation of an earned income tax to help distribute the responsibility of paying taxes to everyone. I also think it is important to meet with School Boards to see where they are spending money.
   
   Margaritte Quinn: I think we have to first look at the funding sources and levels for school board versus the mandates which they face from both the Federal and State governments. I would be interested in looking at the possibility of an earned income tax, which would generate funds that would remain local.
5. Pennsylvania’s Municipalities Planning Code provided local municipalities authority for comprehensive planning and zoning. What sort of authority do you believe local governments should have in this area? Larry Glick: I believe that in many cases the responsibility of local elected officials exceeds their knowledge and experience creating a disservice for everyone involved. I think it would be beneficial to have professionals involved in creating a plan that would work across many local municipalities, which could combat many problems.
   
   Margaritte Quinn: I think it is important for these decisions to be made locally, however local municipalities should work with their neighbors to create a cohesive plan.
6. Many properties in Pennsylvania suffer from blight as a result of tenant neglect and/or absentee property management. What role do you believe government should play in this area? Larry Glick:I think it is important for local municipalities to involve zoning and code officials with the local law enforcement to help improve property maintenance. I do believe there are problems for which the owner of a property must be held accountable, but there are also problems the tenant should address.
   
   Margaritte Quinn: The local governments should encourage developers to re-establish those areas. Regarding landlord/tenant issues, the local governments should review what is on their books to maintain safety and property values.
7. States are struggling with the issue of providing affordable housing to its residents. What do you feel are the necessary components to address this issue? Larry Glick: I do believe that the government has the responsibility to provide affordable housing. I think that many of the stipulations local municipalities place on builders and property owners drives up the cost of owning a home. I think that some of these stipulations could be addressed and minimized without eliminating safety standards.
   
   Margaritte Quinn: I think it is important to look at and re-evaluate local taxes as a way to make home ownership more feasible.
8. Do you favor or oppose legislation that would require the state to consider the impact of proposed regulations on the rights of individuals to use their private property? Larry Glick: Competition for property often restricts the time which a buyer may use to research regulations. I do believe that the seller should disclose the true conditions of the property so that the buyer is doing so in good faith. However, an owner should be fully compensated and taken into consideration, on any decisions that would adversely affect their property value.
   
   Margaritte Quinn:
9. What is your position on campaign finance reform in PA and to what extent do you believe PACs should be restricted in state legislative campaigns? Larry Glick: I believe that if campaigns are open and honest there should be no problems with PAC contributions. However, I believe it is more important to receive the votes of interested parties rather than financial contributions.
   
   Margaritte Quinn: I think that PAC contributions are helpful for funding the rising costs of campaigns; however, I do not feel that a contribution should secure votes for the interested group.
10. What are your views of the REALTOR profession and the role of your local REALTORS in this community? Larry Glick: I believe that REALTORS are necessary for the buying and selling of homes. As professionals, REALTORS offer the expertise and experience necessary to understanding the economic and quality of life issues that home buyers require.
    
    Margaritte Quinn: Both my husband and I are practicing REALTORS® and I understand the important role that members of our profession play in building communities and helping clients solve problems.
11. Has your campaign been endorsed by any other state or local organization? Larry Glick: Yes, the 143rd Democratic Committee.
    
    Margaritte Quinn: Yes, the Bucks County Republican Committee.