If elected, Emenheiser, the Republican candidate in the 95th state House District, says he will refuse a legislative pension, COLA pay raises, and taxpayer-paid vehicle. He challenges DePasquale to give up the perks her currently enjoys.
More from a press release from the Emenheiser campaign:
Reform candidate Lon Emenheiser is challenging his opponent and government insider Rep. Eugene DePasquale to match all 13 of his reform promises and sign the same three reform pledges as candidate Emenheiser. Emenheiser also urges Rep. DePasquale to repay any unconstitutional funds he may or may not have received while in office. Candidate Emenheiser stated, "I am the only reformer in the 95th house race. I pledged that I will not accept any perks, legislative pension, or any unconstitutional pay raises. I will impose a 10 year term limit on myself, pay for my own healthcare at the same rate as other state employees, and use my own personal car to drive to work. Rep. DePasquale's taxpayer funded car has cost us $7,758 over his two-year term. I've pledged to vote NO to increasing any taxes, tolls, or fees while in this office. I promise to remain in this office and will not take another appointment or resign just because I may lose a future election. I promise to repay to the general fund the 2005 unconstitutional pay raises of Rep. Steve Stetler and the 2008 unconstitutional COLA pay raise of Rep. Eugene DePasquale out of my own pocket over a 2 year term. These two pay raises total $11,738."For more on Emenheiser, visit his campaign Web site, www.emenheiser95.com
Emenheiser would like to commend Rep. DePasquale for posting some of his office expenses online even though he was not the first to promise this if elected. Other candidates in the 2006 election prior to DePasquale's candidacy also promised, if elected to share all expenses online and promote complete transparency in government. Emenheiser said, "If elected, I will share all expenses online and make them available to anyone who wishes to review them. I would like to improve upon Rep. DePasquale's current postings, by including everything that involves tax dollars that runs through that office. It is not private money to play with, but rather hard earned tax dollars that should be disclosed in all cases."
Emenheiser believes in term limits, making the legislature smaller with remaining members on a part time status with part time pay. He supports a Constitutional Convention to make all these reforms and others that are needed permanent. Emenheiser will not accept any PAC or special interest campaign contributions. Emenheiser will fight for property tax elimination and both individual as well as business tax reductions so working families can keep more of what they make. Tax reform will start with reductions in spending. The right budget priorities will lower taxes for working families and businesses. This will grow our economy, businesses, and jobs promoting higher pay and better benefits for all Pennsylvanians. We need to grow the economy, not our government.
Emenheiser wants to end future legislative pensions and the “golden parachutes” by shifting legislators to a 401K plan modeled after similar plans in the private sector, and stop all legislative COLA pay raises. All legislative members should have to pay for their healthcare at same rate as other state employee. Candidate Emenheiser stated, "I support fair and equal 3rd party ballot access. Third party candidates should have the same requirements as other major party candidates. I will fight against government corruption." Emenheiser said, "I am the conservative, reform minded, blue collar working class candidate in this race. I just don't talk about reform. My actions will speak louder than others shallow campaign promises."
