Endorsement | Pennsylvania candidates

Casey for Congress
Incumbent Bob Casey Jr. is a seasoned legislator who has demonstrated his understanding of the economy and the environment since taking office in 2006. A moderate Democrat, Casey would further bipartisan measures. He has championed laws to better address sexual assaults on college campuses and supports the use of alternate energy. His opponent — Tea Partier Tom Smith — has no experience with national politics and holds problematic doubts about man-made global warming. Smith opposes abortion under all circumstance, including rape, and wishes to drastically cut government spending as a percentage of GDP, making Casey the clear choice.

Kane for Attorney General
Both David Freed and Kathleen Kane are qualified for attorney general — the distinction between the two is in their values. While we appreciate Freed’s commitment to crack down on cyber crime, we are concerned that someone supported by the NRA will not stem gun violence successfully. In a city that has the highest homicide rate among America’s 10 largest cities, Kane’s promise to curb the illegal ownership of guns is a welcome solution. We also appreciate Kane’s dedication to the environment, civil rights protection (regardless of sexual orientation), and preventing crime, rather than just increasing the incarceration rate.

McCord for State Treasurer
Over the last four years, Democratic candidate Robert McCord has put his experience as a venture capitalist and business leader to use by carefully managing the state’s investments. McCord — who earned an MBA from the Wharton School in 1989 — has generated $1.4 billion in revenue and strengthened the state’s hallmark PA529 College Savings Program while ensuring that pension funds remain solvent. Pension reform is a large concern for his opponent, Republican Diana Irey Vaughan, who also has an impressive record on the county level. But the results that McCord has produced since 2008 earns him another four years.

Eugene DePasquale for Auditor General
Penn knows the value of investing in infrastructure — think Steiny-D, the ARCH, Penn Park and Locust Walk last year. Eugene DePasquale knows that at a state level, infrastructure is crucial for the economy. In a similar vein, DePasquale is committed to actively ensuring that Pennsylvania is successful at creating jobs and that economic development programs are efficient. On the opposite side of the ticket, we are concerned with “John Maher”:http://www.repmaher.com/’s lack of a coherent vision. Where DePasquale offers specific and targeted solutions, Maher rests on vague promises of accountability and equity, while resting on his experience as an auditor to propel him to victory.

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Ballot Measure #4

Should the City borrow $123,670,000 to improve transit, streets and sanitation, municipal buildings, parks, recreation and museums as well as increase economic and community development?

While this measure would add to Philadelphia’s debt, it would provide much-needed improvements to the city’s infrastructure. The amount the city would borrow has been clearly defined and may only be changed by ordinance through the City Council. The University has done its part to develop the city through Penn Park and the South Bank, but more needs to be done to improve transportation and public spaces. Answer “Yes” to this ballot question.

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