News & Issues: Candidate Interviews

PA House 156th District (Chester): Candidate Shannon Royer (R)

1. What do you hope to accomplish as a member of the Pennsylvania General Assembly? There are many issues that come up every session, but there are a few cornerstone issues which are especially impact this area. Open space preservation—bonds for open space are stretched over the next thirty years, but decisions will be made over the next four years. Transportation improvements—traffic congestion is increasingly becoming a problem. Chester County is the fastest growing county. Education funding is also a key issue, as state funding has steadily declined over the years. Driving down taxes locally.
2. What do you believe are the major problems facing the Commonwealth and your legislative district? See first question.
3. Initially instituted as a temporary tax, the realty transfer tax has evolved into a large source of revenue for PA. Would you support or oppose legislation which would increase appropriate monies from the realty transfer tax to fund programs such as open space preservation, urban revitalization and the like? No. I do not support increasing the transfer tax. It’s a real disincentive to homebuyers and especially first time homebuyers.
4. The General Assembly and the Governor’s Office are discussing ways to reform property taxes. What do you believe is the best way to reform this issue? One billion dollars in Act 72 funds. That money has to be used to reduce property taxes. I am opposed to increasing the sales tax or expanding it to service providers. Could be in favor of including things like junk food and dry-cleaning in the sales tax.
5. Pennsylvania’s Municipalities Planning Code provided local municipalities authority for comprehensive planning and zoning. What sort of authority do you believe local governments should have in this area? Municipalities should have authority over zoning issues. You need to allow them to update codes. On borough council, I was able to look at issues and was able to make some recommendations. The allows people to update for the changing times.
6. Many properties in Pennsylvania suffer from blight as a result of tenant neglect and/or absentee property management. What role do you believe government should play in this area? It’s a local issue—you have a zoning officer to enforce zoning codes. West Chester is a 60% rental community. West Chester had some bad apple landlords and it hurt quality of life. The community needed the ability to enforce policies that directly impacted the area and addressed the problem.
   
7. States are struggling with the issue of providing affordable housing to its residents. What do you feel are the necessary components to address this issue? I again feel Regional Planning is the way to go. Communities working together and looking at the big picture, present a front and a better understanding to developers and investors of what the area is in need of and not in need of. Another word, what will and will not be approved with a Regional Plan.
8. Do you favor or oppose legislation that would require the state to consider the impact of proposed regulations on the rights of individuals to use their private property? Eminent domain has been abused. There is some legislation in Harrisburg that will hopefully ensure that it is used as originally intended.
9. What is your position on campaign finance reform in PA and to what extent do you believe PACs should be restricted in state legislative campaigns? I view campaign donations as freedom of speech. I do not believe businesses should be able to donate to campaigns, but individuals and PAC should be able to do that. I would support efforts to make the process more transparent.
10. What are your views of the REALTOR profession and the role of your local REALTORS in this community? REALTORS® do a great job of showing what a great place Chester County is to live.
11. Has your campaign been endorsed by any other state or local organization? Chester County Republican Committee endorsement.