Meet the candidates for Pa. House District 33 Mandy Steele vs. Ted Tomson
The Post-Gazette submitted a series of three questions to candidates running for state office in Western Pennsylvania. 1. Q: Who are you and why are you qualified to represent the 33rd House District?
Tomson: I am a small business owner and life-long resident of the A-K Valley. I feel I am qualified to be the representative because growing up and living in the district, I will always have its best interest at heart. Secondly, being a successful small business owner you acquire skills that allow you to reach your goals using limited resources. I will bring that skill set to my seat in the General Assembly.
Steele: I am a Fox Chapel councilperson, founder and operator of two nonprofits, mom of four and graduate of the University of Pittsburgh. Born and raised not far from where I live now, I’ve seen this district change over time — have lived its struggles and see its opportunities, so I have dedicated my adult life to serving the people in it. During my time on council I have worked to ban pollutants from our air and water, fully fund public safety, and become an early adopter of solar installations that will save taxpayers money. And, in my spare time, I have been able to work with over 20 municipalities in the region to pass bipartisan legislation to make our communities safer. I have a record of listening and bringing everyone to the table to set goals and reach solutions. I want to bring this experience to Harrisburg. Working with my
Democratic and Republican colleagues, we have been able to accomplish tangible things to benefit the people of this region. I will take this experience to Harrisburg to provide the support District 33 needs.
2. Q: Why are you running for the 33rd House District?
Tomson: I decided to run because like so many people, I grew concerned with the rising cost of gas and groceries. We need to ensure that Pennsylvania remains a great place to live, work, and raise a family. I believe this can be achieved by continuing to safely develop Pennsylvania energy to help lower costs and help companies, directly and indirectly involved with the energy sector, provide high paying jobs.
Steele: There is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to rebuild the vibrant economic hub that once put District 33 in the heart of energy production in this nation. This time, we can do that with clean energy. There is a lot of money earmarked for PA to be spent on green energy initiatives — it’s got to go somewhere. Let’s make sure that’s here. We have the infrastructure, historical energy know-how and the workforce that is required. I will work with union leaders, local elected officials, and community members to bring back good-paying jobs and provide training opportunities. With new industries that focus on what’s best for the people in our district, we will see reinvestment in our main streets and infrastructure. We have also recently seen a national attempt to revoke the ability of women and their doctors to make critical health care decisions. I am the prochoice candidate in this race. Without autonomy over our own bodies, women are not able to be full participants in society. I believe that women should always be allowed to make medical decisions about their bodies and not politicians and judges in Harrisburg or Washington. I will fight tirelessly to ensure women’s rights are protected in Pennsylvania.
3. Q: Why should voters pay attention to this race?
Tomson: The cost of supporting a family has gone up so much and is continuing to rise. Voters need to consider someone who has the skill set to help combat these economic pressures. I feel with my education and professional experience, I can deliver the help the voters need.
Steele: District 33 can be restored to the vibrant economic hub it once was — union jobs in our communities, bustling main streets, and thoroughly resourced schools. There is money being poured into Pennsylvania to develop green energy initiatives and invest in infrastructure. I know one thing to be true — if we send a representative to Harrisburg who is singularly focused on coal and natural gas, the opportunity for revitalization presented by that funding is not coming here. I have the experience, expertise, and understanding of this nuanced proposition to put the Valley at the center of the conversation. We have a choice in November. Stick with the status quo that has been failing so many of us for too long or look toward the future to restore our communities and develop opportunity. We can do this together.