Thread: PA-Rivals for House battle on tackling broad agendas

Rivals for House battle on tackling broad agendas
By Rick Wills
TRIBUNE-REVIEW
Thursday, October 2, 2008



Republican Rep. Daryl Metcalfe of Cranberry never shies away from hot-button national issues.

John Olesnevich of Middlesex, his Democratic opponent in the Nov. 4 election, says Metcalfe's interest in social issues and illegal immigration have been pursued at the expense of roads and public transportation in the 12th District, which stretches from Cranberry west to Clinton and north to Forward.

"Immigration and same-sex marriage are not issues a state representative should be concentrating on," said Olesnevich, 60, a substitute teacher. "These laws cannot be enforced because they are usually struck down in court."

This year, Metcalfe's Republican primary opponent, Robin Redding, expressed similar views. She received 38 percent of the vote in the primary.

Entrenched in his district, Metcalfe has never received less than 62 percent of the vote in a general or primary election. And he defends his involvement in issues that reach beyond southern Butler County.

"My opponents are running for mayor of the district. They act like you are in the state Legislature to represent township and county officials and school board members," said Metcalfe, 45, who is seeking a sixth term. "The job of a state legislator is to say yes or no to policy initiatives."

Olesnevich wants more focus on bread-and-butter issues.

"We need to invest in the future. The biggest issues in southern Butler County are related to roads and lack of public transportation," he said. "Rep. Metcalfe has not been going after funds for either."

When the Westinghouse headquarters in Cranberry opens in two years, 2,000 to 2,500 extra cars each day will be using roads such as Route 228. Although Cranberry officials are pushing to expand the road, improvements and renovation are on hold due to inadequate funding.

In a recent survey of the community, Cranberry residents identified lack of public transportation as one of the township's biggest problems.

Olesnevich would like to see a light rail built between Cranberry and Downtown.

But Metcalfe faults the state for bailing out the Port Authority of Allegheny County and SEPTA in Philadelphia, mass transit agencies that he says are wasteful.

"These agencies are not meeting the demand of consumers who use the service," he said. "They do not serve Cranberry well and have been bailed out at the cost of neglecting the state's roads and bridges."

Metcalfe has defended gun rights, opposed abortion and gay rights and worked to curb illegal immigration.

He is an avid supporter of Lou Barletta, the Hazelton mayor and anti-immigration crusader who led the effort to outlaw hiring of or renting to illegal immigrants in the Luzerne County city and is running for a seat in Congress.

Metcalfe founded State Legislators For Legal Immigration, a national coalition of legislators frustrated with what they say is inaction by the federal government.

"It's clearly a federal responsibility to protect states from invasions. Illegals join street gangs, become drug runners or take jobs from Americans," Metcalfe said.

He is working to outlaw teacher strikes in Pennsylvania, one of 13 states that allow them.

Last year, Seneca Valley teachers staged a five-week strike. This year, South Butler Area teachers -- also in his district -- are working without a contract.

Metcalfe has found himself targeted. During the summer, a white supremacist group announced it planned to award him a Christian National Soldier Award.

Metcalfe said the group and its publicity about the award, which is being investigated by postal inspectors and Butler County's district attorney, was likely orchestrated by political opponents, but he does not know who.

Olesnevich said he was not involved in the group or its award, and that he too had received a mailing about it and turned it over to authorities.

http://www.pittsburghlive.com/x/pittsbu ... 91052.html

I guess re-election might just depend on how he voted for this bailout.

I would vote for Micky Mouse. At least he spreads smiles and good feelings.

Originally Posted by agrneydgrl

I guess re-election might just depend on how he voted for this bailout.

I would vote for Micky Mouse. At least he spreads smiles and good feelings.

Metcalfe is a Rep for the PA General Assembly, not the House of Representatives. He didn't vote in the bailout issue ..

BTW, I've spoken to Daryl on the phone. He's a cool guy, very down-to-earth, very excited about doing important things for our state, and he's interested in finding new ways to deal with old problems.

He's an ally!!