Meet the candidates for Pa. House District 44 Valerie Gaydos vs. Debbie Turici
1. Q. Who are you and why are you qualified to run for PA House District 44?
Gaydos: I am qualified to re-election to the State House of Representatives because I went to Harrisburg in 2018 to put the interests of our communities first with a strong and rational voice, and I am happy to say that is exactly what I have done — bringing your hard-earned tax dollars back to the community, protecting taxpayers from reckless government spending, fighting for fiscal responsibility, health care affordability and stronger communities.
I spent 25 years in the private sector as a successful results-oriented entrepreneur and have taken that same value to Harrisburg. As an elected official, I am not afraid to tackle the big challenges facing our Commonwealth. I believe in the three basic tenets: lower taxes, less government and more freedom — because more government is never the answer to bad government; more transparency and accountability in government is.
Turici: My name is Debbie Turici and I am a retired teacher and labor leader. I taught 33 years in the West Allegheny School District, located in the 44th District. As an elementary art teacher, I taught thousands of students, know the children and their families. I served over two decades as the union president, worked with the community leaders and their issues of concern. The citizens of the 44th want to see a representative that will preserve our public schools, protect women’s rights, stand with our working men and women in labor, and strengthens our public safety.
2. Q. Why are you running for PA House District 44?
Gaydos: In 2018, I made the decision to leave the business world to run for state representative because we need more “real people” with real world experience in government solving real problems. My life experiences show that I am prepared for this important job. In addition to starting and running my own company for 25 years, I served as a caregiver and patient advocate for my late husband who passed away from lung cancer and an aging mother who struggled with Parkinson’s disease. Through this, I learned that life has enough challenges — and government shouldn’t be one of them. By working together with residents from every corner of the 44th District — and listening to the ideas and concerns of people from every walk of life — I am making a positive difference in Harrisburg by standing up to special interests and focusing on common ground solutions. Now I want tocontinue.
Turici: I was inspired to run when women’s rights and the constant threats to our democracy by the loud voices of the Right. This outrageous minority of self-righteous know-nothings has me and thousands of others in the 44th alarmed. Our Team Turici have knocked on over 6,000 doors and they want me to be a leader that will listen and respond to their needs. My opponent has been a rubber stamp for her party’s leadership. I am also concerned about mental health, sensible gun regulation, election integrity, LGBQT rights, climatechange and much more.
3. Q. Why should voters pay attention to this race?
Gaydos: Voters should pay particular attention to local races such as this one to ensure that they don’t elect people who will implement the same failed inflationary policies in Pennsylvania as they have in Washington.
Turici: The 44th District is one of the fastest growing areas in Western Pennsylvania. As the airport corridor grows and continues to attract industry, we need a leader who can work with everyone, not just the extremists. I’m a respected, hard-working labor leader who knows how to negotiate with both sides to get things done. I have a 40-year record of service — I can do a better job!