Published: April 02, 2008 11:31 pm            

71st district candidates address brain drain

Steve and Lorene Yuran of Brownstown already knew which candidate they were supporting when they decided to attend a political forum Wednesday.

But at least one issue discussed by those vying for the state House 71st district struck a chord with the Yurans: The steady stream of young people exiting Cambria County to seek jobs.

“We had two sons who had to leave town,” Lorene Yuran said.

The couple was among more than 150 people who listened to six candidates answer questions during a forum sponsored by The Tribune-Democrat and WJAC-TV.

Steve Ettien of Richland Township was the lone Republican taking the stage at Richland High School.

Five Democrats participated: Bryan Barbin of Westmont, Tom Chernisky of Geistown, Denny Conahan of Ferndale, J.J. Livingston of Ferndale and William Stasko of Westmont.

Democrat Benny Britt of Johnstown said he was unable to attend because of a family obligation. Republican Jim Rigby may appear on the April 22 primary ballot but has said he no longer is pursuing the GOP nomination.

The candidates fielded questions on a variety of topics including educational funding, state spending, municipal consolidation, job creation and highway privatization.

All six candidates spoke about the need to bring more jobs into the district, which includes the financially distressed city of Johnstown.

Proposed solutions included tax breaks for businesses and lowering the corporate income levy.

Several candidates also said they support a House bill that would redistribute proceeds from a state liquor tax to cities with a high percentage of tax-exempt property. About half of Johnstown’s assessed property value is not taxable.

A question about gay marriage drew the fewest answers from candidates, with only three responding. All three said they were against legalizing marriage for homosexuals.

The race for the 71st district has attracted a large field of candidates due to the pending retirement of state Rep. Ed Wojnaroski, a Democrat who has held the seat since 1997.

John Gelles of Conemaugh Township, Cambria County, said he had not been sure what to expect from Wednesday’s forum.

But he said he is concerned about several statewide issues including taxes and road construction.

“I’m interested in seeing what’s going on,” Gelles said.

Elyse Rizzo of Westmont was one of a group of about 20 students who sat in on the forum.

They are enrolled in a local program that allows them to earn a bachelor’s degree from California University of Pennsylvania.

“I really enjoyed it,” said Rizzo, who is pursuing a degree in social work and hoped to hear more about social issues.

        

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