Billotte and Oberlander Share Views in LWV Debate

Ron Wilshire

Ron Wilshire

Published October 27, 2016 4:36 am
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CLARION, Pa. (EYT) — As reported earlier on exploreClarion.com, there was something unusual going on in the debate last Thursday night between the two candidates for 63rd State Representative.

Unlike the Presidential “debates,” these candidates actually engaged in a civil debate and discussion and concentrated on the issues.

Hosted by the Clarion County League of Women Voters and sponsored by the College Democrats and College Republicans of Clarion University in the Main Street Center, the event attracted a large crowd.

We had some requests for a more in-depth look at some of the questions and responses; thus, we have included a sampling in this article.

Incumbent Donna Oberlander and challenger Joe Billotte agreed on many issues, but managed to voice their different opinions on other issues.

Gun control and its many nuances was one of those issues that the two candidates agreed. 

Oberlander has a clear record on support of Second Amendment rights and open carry rights in Pennsylvania.

“I grew up in western Pennsylvania, and I love guns,” said Billotte.  “I just sponsored a Turkey Shoot in the district last week.”

Candidates were asked about their backgrounds

Oberlander said she attended local schools and earned a degree from Clarion University with a major in political science while working two jobs.

“I also have a blend of both private sector and public sector experience,” said Oberlander. “I worked for a private contractor in Washington, D.C., before moving home and worked for manufactured housing as well as the fiberboard plant.  I worked for my predecessor Fred McIlhattan, helping get him elected and then opening his district offices, before moving on to economic development where I was the business outreach manager.”

She was elected twice as a Clarion County Commissioner, serving one full term and leaving early in the second term after she was elected as state representative.  She is currently in her fourth term as representative and serves as majority secretary of the Republican Caucus.

Billotte also graduated from Clarion Area High School and Clarion University.

“I never imagined I would be standing here asking you to vote for me on November 8 for the House of Representatives 63rd District seat,” said Billotte.  “I’m a member of the API sales and management team in Clarion and have travelled throughout the territory getting involved with many organizations and activities.  Those activities are mainly community festivals.  They have taken me to places like Knox, New Bethlehem, East Brady, Rimersburg, and I also serve on the Clarion Chamber Board, Clarion Limestone Foundation, and the Jeff Tech Advisory Board. I’m committed to serve the community and bring back respect for government.”

An excerpt of responses to some questions follows.

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Considering that only California spends more money than Pennsylvania on elected officials, how would you start reducing the huge costs of salaries, pensions, and personal expenses that 253 full-time legislators charge to the taxpayers?

Billotte: “I will strongly advocate reducing the size of the Pennsylvania legislature, taking off at least 50 seats.  I’m also very interested in reviewing the pension program, and I’m not talking about teachers…I’m talking about all state pensions. Too many times we point figures at certain people and say they’re to blame, so we need to be a little fairer about the process.”

“Per diems are also an area that will save some money. We need to go to actual daily expenses style of reimbursement and have maximums on those.  I think we need to stop spending money on needless events like paper shredding and ice cream socials.  Legislators should stay in touch wither their constituents by doing town hall gatherings and such.”

Oberlander: “We have passed a bill one time, and it has to be passed in another session and then you voters will make that decision.  The concern I have in reducing the size of the legislature is not necessarily about a number that we would reduce it to, but what would happen to the rural voice for our representation.  We are already outnumbered by Pittsburgh, Philadelphia, Erie, and such.  We have implemented many changes in lodging and expenses and we have under Republican control had a 40 percent reduction.  Also have combined secretarial support and other measures.”

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State funding has dropped drastically in recent years, and Pennsylvania now ranks near the bottom in funding for public higher education.  What can you do to improve this situation?

Oberlander: “I am a supporter of Clarion University.  I am an alum and have fought with Democrats and Republicans and in the PASSHE Conference for more funding.  Governor Corbett was going to cuts 50 percent, but we fought back and were able to restore some of that money.  In terms of increasing that as a former appropriations member, we do have the opportunity to talk to our appropriations chairman and get more money for the universities.”

Billotte “I would support getting more funding for higher ed.  I do believe that there have been significant cuts that we need to address…what level to restore.  I would need to look at those numbers and compare the need and what is there for possible distribution.”

What is your position on natural gas extraction tax?

Billotte: “I do believe this is something we should explore.  There is a deficit in the budget process, and next year it is projected even higher.  We need to look at all opportunities to raise revenues, and this is an opportunity to raise revenues. I am also in favor of developing our resources as much as possible, but I really don’t think Beaver County will do too much for Clarion County. The project is a little too far away to make any impact here. We definitely need to look at all energy sources out there and make sure we are using every resource possible. I think coal is also a possibility and think that there are places that coal could still be used.”

Oberlander: “I do not support the Marcellus Shale tax.  I did however support the impact fee that has brought millions of dollars to the communities that are impacted by the drilling.  These are good paying jobs, and we need to encourage the industry and development of the industry.  For example, the Shell Cracker Plant in Beaver County will create tens of thousands of jobs.  We all know that in Clarion County, we need good paying jobs, and this is an opportunity. ”

Are you in favor of an increase in the state income tax?

Billotte: “With a deficit of $600 million and the possibility of $1.3 billion for next year, we need to look at any and all funding streams. Estimates that a .01 percent increase in the tax would raise $500 million and recover a good amount of the deficit this year. I’m not saying I would do it, but those are things we need to have conversations about in the future.”

Oberlander: “Pennsylvania is required to have a balanced budget, so when we vote for a budget, it has to have the revenues and expenses balance.  I’m not sure where this $600 million deficit is that he is talking about.  We do have increased expenses each year.  I have fought hard over the past eight years to keep the taxes as low as possible because it’s money out of your pocket. I’m not in support of a sales tax increase, and I’m not in support of a personal income tax increase.”

Would you consider sharing School superintendents and principals between districts?

Billotte: “With the education resources we have, we do need to look at those possibilities.  There are many areas that have a single superintendent for an entire county.  I believe that is something that we should look at.”

Oberlander: “I believe it’s a local issue, and I would absolutely support them if that’s want they chose to do.  If they want to combine their schools, that’s also a local decision.  Recently the legislature did approve a study of the consolidation of schools, and we’ll address some of those ways to make it an easier transition for schools districts.”

Why do you believe you are the most qualified to represent us?

Billotte: “I am a community member who is completely dissatisfied with what’s going on in government. I don’t think it’s working effectively for us.  I would love the opportunity to see if we could do something about changing the effectiveness of government.  Also, making sure that the district is always first and it’s never a political line is why I’m the correct person to choose.”

Oberlander: “I believe I have the education, the experience, and I’m doing the job.  I believe that over the past eight years, I have demonstrated my ability to represent this district.  The majority of this district is certainly difficult to represent — 65,000 people and all of their different issues.  For the vast majority, I do represent them and I represent them well. Because of those issues, I believe I am most qualified and would certainly ask for you vote for me on November 8.”

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