I was a member of the Borough of Pleasant Hills Council 2008-12. I enjoyed my time on council. It was a learning experience and I learned how government really works.  I was part of a team that balanced the budget and did not raise property taxes. I am the current 2nd Vice-President of the SEAD (a county-wide grassroots Democratic organization) and Treasurer of the Pleasant Hills Democratic Committee (11/2008).  I have attended numerous Democratic events over the past several years and volunteered with local candidate campaigns.

What sets you apart from the other candidates that are running?

I was downsized three years ago from a teaching position at a private school. I now currently work as an Instructional Assistant at McKeesport High School. During my job search I became familiar with the challenges facing many of our neighbors today. I also was one of the 43,000 that lost the AdultBasic coverage when Gov. Corbett and the Republicans cut the program. I know first-hand how the Corbett and Republican policies affect the working people of Pennsylvania.

How do you plan to improve the area for young professionals, college students, and the youth of the area?

We live in a great area, with many fun and interesting things to do.  There are sports teams, museums, the Science Center, great colleges and universities, restaurants and parks. The problems we have involves job creation and taxes.  There is no doubt that the latest property tax assessments are going to drive many from Allegheny County, and cause others to think if they want to invest in the area. I believe that eliminating the property tax, reducing the sales tax and applying that to more items would allow seniors, the middle-class and the working poor to remain in their homes and still provide the funding needed at the local level.  Home ownership would really mean home ownership.

What is your platform on public transportation?

We need public transportation. The Republicans want the poor to work, yet do not fund public transportation. Without affordable, reliable and convenient transportation members of our community can't get to work, shop for food or visit the doctor. Efficient public transportation helps the environment, reduces traffic and provides job in the region.  A tax on Marcellus Shale producers could not only fund infrastructure projects, but help fund public transportation.

What is your plan to create and keep jobs in the area?

We need to be at the forefront of green technology and job creation. It is important to transition from fossil fuels to green energy. I believe that the electric car is something that should be developed and manufacture in the region. By focusing on this type of project local colleges could help create the technology needed, the young people in the area that are geared more towards manufacturing could work in the electric car plant, and the new money pumped into the economy would create jobs for the young professionals in the area. I would suggest watching, "Who Killed the Electric Car?" to see what can be created.

What is your plan regarding the environment and sustainability?

We need to protect the environment and make sure those that seek to profit on Marcellus Shale are held responsible for the clean-up and repair of local municipalities infrastructure. I would favor a tax, as well as, an impact fee to guarantee that the Commonwealth can provide tax relief to its citizens, fund programs and protect the environment.

We need to protect the natural resources of the Commonwealth they are one of our greatest assets.