News & Issues: Candidate Interviews

PA House 149th District (Montgomery): Candidate Tim Briggs (D) and
Lynn Lechter (R)

July 31, 2008

1. What do you hope to accomplish as a member of the Pennsylvania General Assembly?

   Tim Briggs: I will be a leader, a fighter and a strong representative for all residents of the district. I will work to earn the public's trust towards public service and will bring real reform to the General Assembly. Based on my experiences as a parent, husband, attorney and citizen, the major issues I want to tackle include: Access to healthcare; quality and safer schools for our children; affordable higher education and ethics in government. I am also very interested in issues regarding regional planning and growth management.
   
   Lynn Lechter: I hope to eliminate wasteful spending, improve Pennsylvania’s economic output, promote responsible development, and push for open and transparent government.

2. What do you believe are the major problems facing the Commonwealth and your legislative district?

   Tim Briggs: I believe that two of the main problems facing the Commonwealth are regarding Public Education and the rising costs of healthcare. In addition, Pennsylvania must create a positive business climate by addressing the burden of certain taxes which will help businesses grow and create jobs and economic opportunity, which is best for our citizens and our economy, and will consequently create a healthy revenue stream for our state budget.

   
   Lynn Lechter: Pennsylvania businesses are overtaxed and we are spending too much in Harrisburg.
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?

   Tim Briggs: I would oppose. I do believe that a dedicated funding mechanism for mass transit as well as infrastructure improvements need to be made but I would not link this to increasing realty transfer taxes.

   
   Lynn Lechter: I would oppose any increases in the realty transfer tax.
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?

   Tim Briggs: A quality education for our children is a high priority for our community and a high priority for me. We must maintain and improve our public education system while working to control costs, including costs of health care, in our school systems. High and rising property taxes impose a burden on homeowners, particularly senior citizens on fixed incomes. In order to reduce the burden imposed through the property tax, while maintaining a quality public school system, I support the recent state budget which increased funding for basic education more than in any other year in a generation. I also support creating a more equitable state funding formula for education.
   
   Lynn Lechter: This is perhaps the most complex issue facing all of us. The ultimate solution must be based on factors of fairness and equity to the taxpayers. Reducing wasteful spending would be a good start.

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?

   Tim Briggs: I think that municipalities should work with county governments to better plan by using a regional approach to planning and zoning decisions.

   
   Lynn Lechter: I agree with providing local municipalities with authority which will maintain area quality and will maintain property values.
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?

   Tim Briggs: I believe that the government has a responsibility to protect the health, safety and welfare of its residents. Rental property owners who do not maintain their properties should be held accountable and I think that inspections should be made on a regular basis and not just at the time of occupancy of a new tenant.

   
   Lynn Lechter: Government should maintain inspection codes for dangerous and unhealthy conditions like LMT rental. They should also maintain inspection codes for sidewalks and buildings upon sale.

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?

   Tim Briggs: The state must be a partner in our need to provide affordable housing alternatives to Pennsylvanians. We must continue to invest and offer incentives to builders to build affordable housing, because of the infrastructure of our older communities we must focus on revitalization of our older communities by improving public safety and taxes. We should also help lower and middle income  homeowners to rehabilitate their homes with below market rate loans.

   
   

   Lynn Lechter: We could explore the possible expansion of tax benefits for the development of well-designed housing options, especially low-income housing.

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?

   Tim Briggs: Oppose.

   
   Lynn Lechter: I oppose this type of legislation with the exception of an absolute need for infrastructure in certain situations.
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?

   Tim Briggs: Pennsylvania needs an overhaul of our lobbying and campaign finance system so that citizens have confidence in their government. I would support full disclosure of campaign finance information and would support enacting contribution limits by using the federal limits as a model.

   
   Lynn Lechter:Existing campaign reporting laws seem to adequately govern all contributions.
10. What are your views of the REALTOR profession and the role of your local REALTORS in this community?

    Tim Briggs: I have relatives and friends that are Realtors and they are all very knowledgeable of the community as well as on real estate issues. I have had the opportunity to work with many people involved in real estate at all levels. When elected I will continue to consult with and get advice from many realtors regarding how issues in the General Assembly will effect their profession as well as the district.

    
    Lynn Lechter: Highly professional individuals who play important community-building roles both in residential and commercial.
11. Has your campaign been endorsed by any other state or local organization?Tim Briggs: Yes - Democratic Party, Pennsylvania AFL-CIO, Planned Parenthood, Pennsylvania State Education Association.