PA 3rd District State Representative Candidates Talk on Several Issues
By: Kim Thomas
Updated: June 7, 2012
(Erie, PA) Five months until you head to the polls for the general election.
Tonight, we're focusing on the race for PA State Representative in the 3rd
district.
It's democrat Ryan Bizzarro versus republican Jason Owen.
Bizzarro has worked in the Erie County District Attorney's office as well as the Erie School District and now in business development.
Owen, a local attorney, has focused on the save the 814.com petitions as well as funding for the Flagship Niagara League.
So, what can you expect from these candidates if elected? A leader in Harrisburg? Or a follower?
"You need to lead by example and work hard and show others this is the right way to be a legislator and this is the right way to work hard for Erie County," said Jason Owen (R) PA 3rd District Rep. Candidate.
Bizzarro notes he's always been a team player professionally, but understands in politics there has to be some give and take.
"As a state representative, I plan on representing the best interest of all my constituents, republican, democrat, independent and everyone in between. So, if that is going to require me to work with the other side of the aisle, I absolutely am going to do that," said Ryan Bizzarro (D) PA 3rd District Rep. Candidate.
As lawmakers prepare to vote on the Governor's proposed budget, some are concerned with various areas of cuts.
Bizzarro says as of right now, he doesn't particularly like what he sees.
"Constitutionally, we have to support education, we have to properly fund education and infrastructure and we're taking severe hits in those two right now, I just don't know how many more cuts we can afford," said Bizzarro.
Owen, also unhappy with education cuts, believes the state needs to invest in the youth, but also spend responsibly.
"Investing appropriately and the right things that are going to be right for Pennsylvania today and tomorrow. It's also about making sure the right priorities are there and there's some things I disagree on with the current budget, but there's other things, in reality, we can't spend more than we take in," said Owen.
Owen says by prioritizing education, we can provide a workforce for better family sustaining jobs.
So, is it the government's responsibility to create jobs?
Owen says, "government creates an environment that provides for more family sustaining jobs... and that's exactly what we need to do. Make the processes of the Commonwealth more competitive so more folks want to come here, invest and start their businesses."
Bizzarro agrees saying, "it's government's responsibility to promote a climate where entrepreneurs and businesses can grow and flourish so they can create jobs."
When we asked each candidate why he's the best for the job, here's what each had to say...
Owen says, "we need a strong, independent leader fighting for us in Harrisburg, and I bring a breadth of leadership and experience working with the Flagship Niagara League and the Save the 814 area code. Those are examples I can point to for my leadership and experience with the state not even being a representative and fighting hard for the folks in Erie County."
Bizzarro says, "I feel I'm in this race for the right reasons. There's no self-serving reasons here. Again, I have a genuine interest in this community and the people and I plan on effectively representing them as state rep. I'm going to work with the other side, roll up my sleeves and get the job done."
The winner in November will replace John Hornaman who is not seeking re-election.
It's democrat Ryan Bizzarro versus republican Jason Owen.
Bizzarro has worked in the Erie County District Attorney's office as well as the Erie School District and now in business development.
Owen, a local attorney, has focused on the save the 814.com petitions as well as funding for the Flagship Niagara League.
So, what can you expect from these candidates if elected? A leader in Harrisburg? Or a follower?
"You need to lead by example and work hard and show others this is the right way to be a legislator and this is the right way to work hard for Erie County," said Jason Owen (R) PA 3rd District Rep. Candidate.
Bizzarro notes he's always been a team player professionally, but understands in politics there has to be some give and take.
"As a state representative, I plan on representing the best interest of all my constituents, republican, democrat, independent and everyone in between. So, if that is going to require me to work with the other side of the aisle, I absolutely am going to do that," said Ryan Bizzarro (D) PA 3rd District Rep. Candidate.
As lawmakers prepare to vote on the Governor's proposed budget, some are concerned with various areas of cuts.
Bizzarro says as of right now, he doesn't particularly like what he sees.
"Constitutionally, we have to support education, we have to properly fund education and infrastructure and we're taking severe hits in those two right now, I just don't know how many more cuts we can afford," said Bizzarro.
Owen, also unhappy with education cuts, believes the state needs to invest in the youth, but also spend responsibly.
"Investing appropriately and the right things that are going to be right for Pennsylvania today and tomorrow. It's also about making sure the right priorities are there and there's some things I disagree on with the current budget, but there's other things, in reality, we can't spend more than we take in," said Owen.
Owen says by prioritizing education, we can provide a workforce for better family sustaining jobs.
So, is it the government's responsibility to create jobs?
Owen says, "government creates an environment that provides for more family sustaining jobs... and that's exactly what we need to do. Make the processes of the Commonwealth more competitive so more folks want to come here, invest and start their businesses."
Bizzarro agrees saying, "it's government's responsibility to promote a climate where entrepreneurs and businesses can grow and flourish so they can create jobs."
When we asked each candidate why he's the best for the job, here's what each had to say...
Owen says, "we need a strong, independent leader fighting for us in Harrisburg, and I bring a breadth of leadership and experience working with the Flagship Niagara League and the Save the 814 area code. Those are examples I can point to for my leadership and experience with the state not even being a representative and fighting hard for the folks in Erie County."
Bizzarro says, "I feel I'm in this race for the right reasons. There's no self-serving reasons here. Again, I have a genuine interest in this community and the people and I plan on effectively representing them as state rep. I'm going to work with the other side, roll up my sleeves and get the job done."
The winner in November will replace John Hornaman who is not seeking re-election.
