SMETHPORT -ðThere’s a lot of work to be done in both Harrisburg
and Washington, and three representatives are working to make sure
rural Pennsylvania ideals are considered.

That was the sentiment during the annual McKean County
Republican dinner Saturday night at the Smethport Country Club.

Two of the speakers of the evening were what C. Russell Johnson,
chairman of the McKean County Republican Party, referred to as the
“golden duo” – state Reps. Martin Causer, R-Turtlepoint, and Kathy
Rapp, R-Warren.

Causer said the upcoming year will be a challenging one in
Harrisburg, especially with Gov. Ed Rendell’s “tax and spend”
budget proposal, which includes a 1 percent increase in sales tax,
a move that would lower property tax.

“There’s seven different tax increases,” the three-term
representative said, referring to the Democratic governor’s
proposal. “A lot of folks in the media call it an ‘ambitious
agenda.’ I’d call it unrealistic.”

The 1 percent increase in sales tax would amount to $1.2 billion
in revenue. Causer said $800 million of that would go into the
general fund.

“Who gets to spend that,” Causer asked rhetorically.

Causer added the state should have a budget by the end of June,
but, as in past years, he doesn’t believe the state will meet that
deadline.

“We have quite a time ahead of us,” he said. “The state House is
pretty evenly divided … (it) makes every person a king. The issues
hinge on one vote.”

“All who sent me to Harrisburg did not expect me to vote for
seven different tax increases.”

Causer also noted that he and Rapp share an office in Harrisburg
and have maintained a good working relationship.

Rapp, in her second term, noted that many places yearn for clear
air and clean water.

“We have all that here,” she said.

Concerning the happenings in Harrisburg, Rapp noted the shift in
power has been interesting to watch.

The Republicans were expected to have the majority, but ended up
losing a seat at the last minute.

Then, there was a shift in the speaker position, which had been
held by Rep. John Perzel, R-Philadelphia. Rep. H. William DeWeese,
D-Waynesburg, was tapped to be the speaker of the House, but would
not win.

That paved the way for Rep. Dennis O’Brien, R-Philadelphia, to
become the speaker – a Republican speaker in a Democratic
House.

“It will be a very interesting year,” Rapp said. “It’s going to
be interesting how this all plays out,” including where the speaker
aligns himself in votes.

Rapp also concurred with Causer’s feelings on the budget, saying
“I support a lot of worthy items in the budget, but it’s too much.
I can’t put that burden on the taxpayers.”

There’s also a host of things to do on the federal level.

Rick Soloman, a legislative aide in U.S. Rep. John Peterson’s,
R-Pa., office, spoke in the congressman’s place. Peterson, who was
supposed to be the guest speaker, could not attend because his
basement was flooded.

Peterson continues to work on rural issues such as health care
and energy.

“The Democrats don’t have an energy plan. It’s a taxation plan,”
Soloman said.

Soloman also said the Democrats mainly oppose anything the
Republicans have done, but, in turn, propose a “tax and spend” plan
of their own.

Peterson has worked on expanding the domestic natural gas
supply.

Lastly, Soloman lamented the election of Democrat Bob Casey, who
Soloman referred to as a “ceremonial senator at best.”

“We abandoned him when we needed him the most,” Soloman said of
ousted U.S. Sen. Rick Santorum, R-Pa., who lost to Casey. Instead
of standing up for certain convictions, Soloman said Casey was the
type of senator who will “put his finger in the wind,” test an
opinion poll and “skate through to get elected again.”

Betty Comes announced the McKean County Republican Women will
hold a “meet the candidate” night April 17 at the Emanuel Lutheran
Church in Bradford where the candidates will have an opportunity to
talk.

Candidates for the upcoming primary election were invited to
attend Saturday’s dinner and were introduced to the crowd.