Yewcic gets nod for eighth term

In 1992, then-candidate Tom Yewcic told voters the size of the General Assembly should be reduced and that term limits should be imposed.

As a representative, he said, he would work to accomplish both.

Neither has happened in now-veteran Yewcic’s seven terms in office, but we still think he is the better choice in the Nov. 7 election and we endorse him for an eighth term. His 72nd Legislative District covers parts of Cambria and Somerset counties.

Yewcic’s Republican opponent is a young bundle of energy, and if enthusiasm and hard work translates into votes, 23-year-old Scott Hunt should pull a large number.

He has a tough mission though – Yewcic won by a landslide in 2004, grabbing victory by a 3-to-1 margin.

Yewcic has a strong reputation for voting his conscience.

He’s no rubber stamp for the governor or for Democratic Party leaders. In fact, he says his “no” vote on the controversial 2005 pay raise cost him the minority chairmanship of the subcommittee on economic development.

In June, Yewcic also voted “no” on Gov. Ed Rendell’s property-tax-relief bill. We congratulate him, but we also urge him to be a prime mover in pushing for real tax relief in the commonwealth.

The Jackson Township Democrat also deserves plaudits for his recent roles in working with Jackson Township on a new industrial park and on trying to ease the tensions over coal-bed methane drilling, an issue especially important for farmers.

Yewcic, a graduate of the University of Pittsburgh, serves on the House’s Commerce, Professional Licensure, Consumer Affairs and Veteran’s Affairs and Emergency Preparedness committees.

Meanwhile, Hunt shocked political observers in the primary by knocking off Upper Yoder Township Supervisor Joseph Veranese by 400 votes.

Hunt is also an Upper Yoder resident and 2006 graduate of Indiana University of Pennsylvania, where he received a degree in political science. For five years, he has volunteered with Cambria County Association of Retarded Citizens and Greater Johnstown Community YMCA programs.

Ironically, he’s campaigning on some of the same issues Yewcic touted in 1992: A Legislature that’s too big and term limits. He also would like to see the voters decide on any pay raises for lawmakers.

Despite his young age, Hunt is knowledgeable about state government, and his goal was to knock on the doors of 5,000 homes during the campaign.

His enthusiasm for and interest in politics is evident.