News & Issues: Candidate Interviews

PA House 162nd District (Delaware): Candidate Nick Miccarelli (R)

March 5, 2008

1. What do you hope to accomplish as a member of the Pennsylvania General Assembly?

   The number one issue on the table is taxes. Particularly in our area, we have senior citizens affected by this. Loss and abuse reform stand as another major issue. I would like to see some serious tort reform. The government regulation on business is a huge barrier. Delaware seems to have a more favorable business climate right over the border. To compete with that, Pennsylvania needs to create a more favorable climate for businesses.

2. What do you believe are the major problems facing the Commonwealth and your legislative district?

   See answer to question 1.

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?

   I would vote to abolish the realty transfer tax. I feel that it is a detriment to people who want to buy home. Homeownership, the American dream, is something that should be encouraged rather than discouraged.

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?

   Businesses are the best way to garner more revenue for our state. We are not going to get more revenue without this. The Homestead Act should help in the short term. In my district we used to have lots of manufacturing jobs. Bringing business will bring back the tax base that we need, and that’s the best way to resolve the issue.

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?

   I do believe local governments should have the ability to see whether or not there is not any significant value in a specific project. I am a Borough Councilman in Ridley Park. I fought to bring a CVS into the town. I thought that it was their right to do it. Had Borough Council blocked this project, I feel that we would have spent more in litigation afterwards. Private property belongs to the owner, and they can do what they want with it.

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?

   I feel that we should be aggressive with tenant neglect and absentee landlords. I see it increasing in the Eastern part of the 162nd district. I think that it is a real issue that a lot of these municipalities need to deal with. As a Councilman, I have been very diligent in pushing code enforcement to make sure that this is taken care of fairly.

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 went through a first time homebuyer program myself in the county. I think that is something that is very valuable to have available. Homeownership is the way to go. I think that homeowners have more invested in my community as a whole. There are a lot of people who are moving from buying to renting. I think that government assisted first time homebuyer programs play an important role in that transition. (When asked how he felt about employer incentives for workforce house opportunities) I am a proponent of work force housing. I feel that if that is something that could be worked, I would be all for that.

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?

   See answer to question 5.

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 feel like PACs should have the ability to support the ideas that they believe in. I do feel that PACs should be able to represent their member’s interests.

10. What are your views of the REALTOR profession and the role of your local REALTORS in this community?

    We have several REALTORS in Ridley Park. Namely in our area, Ken Adelsburg comes to mind. I think it is an important profession and like any business it is important for them to be good corporate citizens and involved in the community. REALTORS are a source of information.

11. Has your campaign been endorsed by any other state or local organization?

    Not so far. That will be in the future.

    
    

    ---

    *Interview questions were submitted to Candidate John DeFrancisco (D); however, the Suburban REALTORS Alliance staff did not recieve a response.