Letter to the Editor from Judy Hirsh: Tax position misrepresented

In an article (Oct. 21) on a forum between myself and my opponent, Sen. Jeff Piccola, I was quoted as having "defended property tax increases" at the event.

While I appreciate the correction The Patriot-News printed on Oct. 22, I wish to further clarify my views, particularly as my opponent has completely misrepresented my position.

I don't support property tax increases, despite Sen. Piccola's false claims through his campaign commercials. In fact, I support reducing our local property taxes by getting the state to meet its obligation to fund a 50 percent cost share for education.

Patriot-News: Newspaper's mistake used in campaign mailer

Monday, October 27th
Written by Carrie Cassidy of The Patriot-News

The use of a mistake published by The Patriot-News about a debate last week between foes in the race for the state's 15th Senatorial District is being used by one of the candidates in his latest campaign mailer.

Democrat Judy Hirsh's campaign is criticizing her Republican opponent, state Sen. Jeffrey Piccola, R-Dauphin, for using the inaccurate information to "mislead voters," but a spokesman for Piccola defended the use of the information, saying it accurately describes Hirsh's stance on property taxes.

"The property tax system doesn't exist without tax increases," Piccola spokesman Josh Wilson said today. "That's the fundamental reason Jeffrey Piccola is advocating an elimination of property taxes as a way to fund education because, historically, school boards don't decrease taxes.

"You can't be for the property tax system and not be for property tax increases."

At the debate sponsored last week by the Hershey Area League of Women Voters, Hirsh defended the role of property taxes in funding education but did not propose a tax increase.

Her position was inaccurately reported in a story published in the Oct. 21 edition of The Patriot-News, but a correction ran the next day.

Despite the correction, Piccola's campaign sent to his constituents a mailer that cites the Oct. 21 story. Under The Patriot-News logo and the date it ran is a quote from the articles which states, "Hirsh defended property tax increases saying they were necessary ..."

RELEASE FROM EDUCATION VOTERS: Education Voters PA Issues Endorsements

Wednesday, October 22nd

When most people are paying attention to the Presidential race, a new, independent organization that advocates for public education in Pennsylvania released endorsements for the state legislature today.  Education Voters PA is working to increase the focus on education issues, promote a more robust dialogue with elected officials and voters about the issues and hold leaders accountable for taking action to address the issues.   

"For too long, the legislature has failed to tackle important education policy challenges. The result has been underfunded schools across the Commonwealth, an over-reliance on property taxes, an inordinate focus on testing rather than teaching, and a collective throwing of hands in the air and hand-wringing when the issues get complex" said Susan Gobreski, the Executive Director of the bi-partisan independent group.  "We need to address numerous education issues, in Pennsylvania, including the difficult ones and we need elected officials going to Harrisburg committed to do that work."  

A critical step was made this year towards a more rational funding formula and a move to provide significant additional funding for Pennsylvania's districts, but getting it done required a Herculean effort by advocacy organizations and a few elected leaders; furthermore the changes were limited to a first step of a six-year plan.  "It shouldn't be so special that we expect government to do what it is supposed to do," said Gobreski.

Education Voters PA released the short list of endorsements, saying that for the issues that voters face every day, these candidates represent a major step forward.  "If you care about how we treat our kids, how we invest in our communities, our long term prosperity and whether or not we are prepared to shift the funding system away from property taxes and toward a sensible, stable funding method, then please make sure you vote all the way down the ballot and cast a vote for pro-education candidates."  Education Voters PA did not make endorsements in all races, choosing to focus on a small list of districts, targeting resources.  The group's Director noted that that there are a number of other legislators not on the list who are supportive of public education and even some who have made it a priority.  However, noted Gobreski, "This election is about the future, and we think these particular choices can help change what is happening in Harrisburg, strengthening the effort to do something and helping to combat inaction or obstruction." 

DERRY TWP. (Oct. 20) - In a packed municipal building Monday night, the major-party candidates for state Senate in the 15th district, Sen. Jeffrey Piccola, R-Dauphin, and Judy Hirsh, held a wide-ranging debate, criticizing each other for negative campaigning.

“I want to make sure that when I get into office, someone can’t send out mail that is so misleading and false,” Hirsh said, holding up a Piccola mailer that said, “Judy’s friends pull the strings.” Hirsh called the mailer “unconscionable.”