News & Issues: Candidate Interviews

State House 153 Interviews - 2004

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

   Josh Shapiro:

   Lower property taxes and allow slot machines to create an increase in revenue. Increase the state?s portion of funding for education. Work on legislation that would make it easier for individuals and small businesses to create coalitions for group healthcare, also work to protect Pennsylvania doctors from frivolous lawsuits and escalating insurance rates. The protection of open spaces.

   John Fox:

   We need to keep students and businesses in Pa through tax incentives and a reduction in over-regulation. Help students find jobs while they are in school to get them to stay in the area. Work towards stopping lawsuit abuse and keep doctors in the state.

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

   Josh Shapiro:

   Property taxes, education, and open space.

   John Fox:

3. The general Assembly and the Governor?s Office are discussing ways to reform property taxes. What do you believe is the best way to resolve this issue?

   Josh Shapiro:

   The real reason local taxes go up is because state share of education money is going down. Slot machines are the way to resolve this problem. It is estimating that there is $1 billion on the table in this venture. I do not favor increasing the income tax to pay for the decrease in property taxes.

   John Fox:

   Property taxes are a real burden on senior citizens. I would be okay with the state helping to reduce the property tax burden.

4. Initially instituted as a temporary tax, the realty transfer tax has evolved into a large source of revenue for Pennsylvania. Would you support or oppose legislation which would appropriate monies from the realty transfer tax to fund programs such as open space preservation, urban revitalization, and the like? Would you support or oppose legislation that would increase the real estate transfer tax?

   Josh Shapiro:

   Opposed any tax increase. Money spent on taxes is money that is not being spent at in our local communities and businesses to stimulate the economy. Money from this tax should only be used for real estate issues.

   John Fox:

   I don?t want to do anything that will hurt real estate. I come from a real estate family.

5. Pennsylvania?s Municipalities Planning Code provides local municipalities authority for comprehensive planning and zoning. What role should local government play in land use decisions, and what powers do they need to adequately address issues that are presented with?

   Josh Shapiro:

   Local governments know best however we don?t do enough regional planning or have enough cooperation. I would like to look into creating an office that fosters regional planning. Growth is good, but it needs to happen in a coordinated manner. Instead of a local level perhaps a regional approach would be better.

   John Fox:

   Municipalities know best but should seek advice from the County Planning Commission.

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 regulating property maintenance and use?

   Josh Shapiro:

   The government should have a role when government money is involved. Generally the government should not get involved in private property issues.

   John Fox:

   Perhaps abandoned properties should be turned over to non-profits who can absorb the properties, rehab them and create a place for a new homeowner. I would also like to work with the REALTORS and see if they can get involved in this.

7. Do you favor or oppose legislation that would require the state to consider the impact of proposed legislation or regulations on the right of individuals to use their private property?

   Josh Shapiro:

   Yes, in Abington there is a cluster of development ordinance. There is a lot of talk about the impact of the land in regards to open space; but little talk about owners? value. The government needs to take that into consideration before they act. The government needs a stronger appreciation for the true impact of the issues.

   John Fox:

   I would generally oppose legislation or regulation that attempts to limit owners? ability to use their property.

8. Many municipalities impose resale inspection requirements upon sellers of real property as a condition of transfer, though each municipality has different requirements. Would you support efforts to provide more uniformity and consistency in the application of point of sale inspection requirements?

   Josh Shapiro:

   This issue goes back to the view of regional planning. Buyers and REALTORS should know the rules of the game going into the deal.

   John Fox:

   There should be more uniformity.

9. What is you position on campaign finance reform in Pennsylvania and to what extent do you believe PACs should be restricted in state legislative campaigns?

   Josh Shapiro:

   Campaign finance issues should be about disclosure, not about how much a group can give. Put the onus on the candidate to explain why they accepted the amount of money they did. There are better ways to hold candidates accountable rather than limiting citizens? speech.

   John Fox:

   PACs are simply a way for a group to get together and support candidates, however, there does need to be full disclosure.

10. What are your views of the REALTOR profession and the role of your local REALTORS in this community

    Josh Shapiro:

    I have had very positive experiences with REALTORS and believe they provide a valuable service. They tend to be very active in the community.

    John Fox:

    Most REALTORS I know are supportive of me and my campaign. I don?t like ?For Sale by Owner?, REALTORS bring a value to the transaction. They bring an acquired knowledge to the process. REALTORS need to do a better job of selling themselves.

11. Has you campaign been endorsed by any other state or local organization?

    Josh Shapiro:

    Democratic Party including Ed Rendell and the local party.

    John Fox:

    I have been endorsed by the local Republican Committees. I expect to raise between $300,000 and $500,000.