Anderson: Wiley's budget criticism 'regurgitation of talking points'

By Janet S. Anderson

I read with great interest Sean Wiley's op-ed column ("State budget fails, shifts burden to local taxpayers," Erie Times-News, Aug. 3).

I was disappointed to see that it was a regurgitation of talking points from partisans in Harrisburg, rather than a bipartisan approach to tackling Pennsylvania's challenges.

There is no doubt that we must invest more money in education, and I disagree with Gov. Tom Corbett and the state Legislature's decision to not invest more money in public education. Every child everywhere deserves a chance at a quality education, and investment is a part of that.

What my opponent fails to mention is that increased investment must also come with increased accountability. That means putting students first and reforming a system that has shown an inability to offer every child a chance. That's why I support reforms like expanding parental choice through scholarships, a charter reform bill that demands accountability, and reforms to our system of evaluating teachers.

When it comes to spending, my opponent seems to think that we can spend our way to prosperity. While I certainly don't agree with all of the cuts in the budget, it is time that our elected officials make tough decisions with taxpayers in mind. Our commonwealth was left with a $4.5 billion deficit and there were two ways for us to get out of it -- either raise taxes or make spending cuts. It is clear that Mr. Wiley believes state government doesn't spend enough money and therefore supports higher taxes. I disagree.

When it comes to economic development, Mr. Wiley has nothing to offer except the same partisan rhetoric about opposing tax relief for small business. As someone with 26 years of experience in helping small businesses create jobs here in Erie County, I know that tax relief is an important part of what we need to do to make us more competitive. We must couple this tax reform with reforms to our regulatory structure and legal system to create a competitive climate.

I do disagree with my party's slow approach to investing in transportation and infrastructure. Having almost three decades of experience in helping small businesses create jobs, I know that transportation is one of the cornerstones of commerce. I will fight hard to pass a bipartisan plan that makes key investments in a transportation system that allows us to retain and attract jobs. We simply can't wait.

This November, you are going to elect a new state senator for the first time in 16 years. The job is too important to leave to partisan politicians. Who we send to Harrisburg matters. We need an independent leader who will stand with their party when they are right, and stand up to them when they are wrong. That's what I will do as your next state senator.

JANET ANDERSON is the Republican nominee in the race for state Senate in the 49th District, vying against Democratic nominee Sean Wiley for the seat being vacated by the retirement of Sen. Jane Earll.