Published Wednesday, October 16, 2002
Herald Staff Writer
Incumbent Republican state Sen. Robert D. "Bob" Robbins and Democratic challenger Kyle Klaric faced off Tuesday evening in Hermitage in a 50th District debate sponsored by the League of Women Voters of Mercer County.
Robbins, seeking his fourth term, sought to assure voters that he's achieved a position of prominence in the legislature and developed contacts over the years to help solve just about any problems that constituents may have.
"I can move items forward," Robbins said.
Klaric, who said he would only serve two terms if elected, vowed to improve economic conditions in the district and promised change if elected.
"He's an insider... but I'm an outsider. When I go to Harrisburg they're going to listen to me or I'll yell," Klaric said.
Questions from a panel and the public covered a broad range of issues including school funding, property taxes, gambling, job creation and the death penalty.
Asked if they favored a proposal to have the state cover 50 percent of the cost of educating children, the candidates differed.
Robbins said most of the school districts in the 50th District, which covers all of Mercer and Crawford counties and parts of Butler and Lawrence counties, receive 55 percent to 70 percent from the state now. Guaranteeing school districts in the eastern part of the state, which now get as little as 16 percent, more money means less will be spent here, Robbins said. The 50 percent solution would cost taxpayers $5 billion to $7 billion, he said.
Klaric said he favors the plan. If schools in the district are doing so well under the current subsidy scheme, why are school taxes going up, Klaric asked.
Both said education was their number one priority.
On solving the state's property tax dilemma, Klaric and Robbins offered different takes on the issue.
Robbins said he supported "responsible" property tax reform, but offered no specifics. He mentioned a bill offered in the special session on property tax reform that would force school districts to get voter approval before raising taxes beyond the annual wage increases.
Klaric said the problem requires "hard decisions" and the will to make them. He said he would consider raising the state income tax to provide revenue that now comes from property taxes. "I don't see any other solution."
Klaric -- who described himself as "president, CEO and founder" of Premier Hydraulics, Farrell, and Klaric Forge, Atlantic -- and Robbins -- a 20-year veteran of the state house -- were asked if a politician can lay claim to creating jobs as a businessman can.
Klaric showed off some forging materials that were made in Farrell and said he didn't think so.
"Unless you've been there and done it, it's hard to speak about it," Klaric said.
Klaric said government should play a big role in business and said as a businessman, it would be easier for him to find out what the economic needs are.
Robbins said the role he plays is to try to get the government out of the way of business. He said he's supported tax cuts to provide other businesses the opportunity to come in.
"The government can do many things. We've put the tools out there so that small businessmen like Mr. Klaric can take advantage of them." Robbins said.
On expanding gambling to slot machines at the state's horse racing tracks, which has the support of both major party candidates for governor, the candidates were again at odds.
Robbins said he opposed any expansion of gambling, saying it would provide needed tax revenue but would end up causing more harm than good, citing negative social effects like gambling addiction.
"Gambling in many ways affects the poor among us ... we need to look at the social costs," he said.
Klaric said he feels the state is going to allow gambling whether he or Robbins agrees with it. And as long as the state controls it, much like it controls liquor sales and the lottery, it's another solution to look at.
"If we had jobs we wouldn't be looking to gambling," Klaric said.
Asked if he would vote to expand gambling if elected, Klaric offered a qualified yes. He said he would support "a responsible bill" that takes the social costs into account.
In closing, Robbins said his record speaks for itself. He said in the last four years he's brought more than $158 million to both Crawford and Mercer counties, voted to reduce the inheritance tax and increased prescription drug assistance for the elderly.
Klaric said the election is about change. Klaric said voters who want change should vote for him and if they don't, they should vote for Robbins.
"Times have changed. Things have changed ... If you elect me things will change," he said.