Throughout the past year Allyson Schwartz, Tom Wolf, Rob McCord and Katie McGinty have all made their way to the 90.5 WESA Community Broadcast Center to talk about why Southwestern Pennsylvanians should choose them to be the 2014 Democratic gubernatorial candidate.
On Tuesday polls open for the Democratic primary election, so we've rebroadcast portions of those candidate conversations.
Tom Wolf: The Leading Candidate
Tom Wolf has been the leading candidate going into the this Tuesday's Democratic Primary. He talked with Essential Pittsburgh about some of the characteristics that make him more favorable than his competition.
“I think [people are] looking for someone who’s a little bit different, but who has a record of getting something done...has done them in the right way, and I think that’s what I bring to this race.”
In 2008, Wolf began a run for governor, and dropped out to step in and rescue a business he had started and sold previously. He said he plans to bring that experience to the Governor’s office. He also says he’s interested in using state revenue from natural gas to develop more renewable energy plans.
"I agree with the critics that there’s no perfect approach to fracking," he said "But we could do it better."
The full interview with Tom Wolf can be heard here.
Katie McGinty: Has an Edge in Environmental Issues
Katie McGinty was the first of the Democratic gubernatorial candidates to go on air with a statewide advertisement this year, and hopes to be the first female Governor of the Keystone State.
As a former State Secretary of the Department of Environmental Protection, she has a unique perspective of the environmental issues facing Pennsylvania, as well as a plan for addressing education, tax credits and manufacturing in the commonwealth.
“I think there’s an economic opportunity for us. And here’s where when you push tough regulations that are smart, you can create new businesses. What’s the business? Well what if Pennsylvania got in the lead of building the new tanker cars…Let’s get in front of this. Safety first, but let’s be smart about it. The locomotive industry had been a big part of Pennsylvania’s manufacturing, a new generation of cleaner, safer trains could put people to work.”
McGinty says she has a vision for a more economically competitive Commonwealth, where incentives would be used to bring more large corporations, while still keeping them accountable to those living and working in the state.
The full interview with Katie McGinty can be heard here.
Rob McCord: State Treasurer Believes Experience is his Advantage
Rob McCord, an Ardmore, PA native, said he is fortunate to have a useful blend of knowledge when it comes to running the Commonwealth.
His financial cognizance along with his desire and ability to communicate with constituents statewide will set him apart from the other candidates according to McCord.
During his time as State Treasurer, McCord said he's been able to create programs and incentives for families and businesses that reduce the carbon footprint and ultimately save Pennsylvanians money. These innovations pay for themselves rapidly and ensure a very low default rate.
“I intend to be the governor that loves Pittsburgh back,” said McCord, who enjoys working with Pittsburgh's politicians including Mayor Bill Peduto.
“What’s exciting about Mayor Peduto is he reminds us that the business world needs smart government. Honest government that’s also high energy and innovative can make a big difference.”
The full interview with Rob McCord can be heard here.
Allyson Schwartz: Looking to replace "Failed Leadership"
Allyson Schwartz, a US Representative and Gubernatorial candidate, said Pennsylvania is looking for someone with a proven track record to replace Governor Tom Corbett and his “failed leadership.”
According to Schwartz, the private sector creates jobs, but the government can help, too.
“What the government can do is to make sure we create the environment for job creation, and it’s a competitive environment, and the world is changing on us a little bit, so we need to be able to be competitive,” Schwartz said. “What that means is investing in education, it’s making sure that a skilled workforce is a truly skilled workforce for the jobs of the future.”
She proposed building on apprentice programs and providing incentives to private companies to bring on apprentices.
Schwartz said she also believes the commonwealth’s workforce could benefit from Marcellus Shale, but only if it is used safely.
The full interview with Allyson Schwartz can be heard here.
