In their own words: Q&A with PA House candidates Rob Matzie and Rico Elmore

As the nation looks to Pennsylvania's federal elections, one race centered in Beaver County will present an important decision for voters at the polls.

A challenge is currently underway for Pennsylvania's state Senate as Republican candidate Rico Elmore is running against Democratic incumbent Robert Matzie. Both Beaver County natives, they have expressed their interest in making Beaver County a better place in their own ways.

Members of the 16th District are currently represented by 54-year-old Matzie, a Harmony Township native and Ambridge Area High School graduate who has been serving as the state representative for the 16th Legislative District since 2008. The local Democrat has been a common face around the county in the 14 years he has been in office, but Matzie may also be recognized from his work as a play-by-play announcer for high school sports around the Beaver Valley on WMBA Radio.

In addition to politics, Matzie pursued his higher education goals locally. The state representative has earned an associate's degree in high technology communications from CCBC and a bachelor of arts in journalism and communications from Point Park University.

As the longtime representative runs for reelection this year, he hopes to see voters and neighbors returning to the polls to support him once again.

"I am supported by a diverse group of individuals and organized labor including the Building and Construction Trades, the Fraternal Order of Police (FOP) and Professional Fire Firefighters as well as the PA Realtors and the National Federation of Independent Businesses," Matzie said. "I have been humbled to be elected every time my name has been on the ballot for state representative, and I ask for continued support to be the representative voice for Beaver County for another term."

Matzie's opponent is 32-year-old Elmore, a Rochester Council member and active member of the Air National Guard. While serving in the Air Force, he also pursued a degree in criminal justice and eventually graduated from Penn State's Beaver campus. Outside of politics, he is a father who enjoys traveling and family picnics.

Elmore hopes to bring change to the 16th District and inspire reform in the state House, saying that he hopes his work can make the area better for future generations.

"I grew up right here in Beaver County," Elmore said. "I went to our public schools, played in sports, the band and attended church here in our community. Unfortunately, when I was 16, I lost my mom. And going through that at that age was tough, but following my mom’s footsteps of helping others, my passion for serving and giving back to our community grew. I have the knowledge and real-life experience to represent my neighbors here in Beaver County and I look forward to continuing to serve my community."

When it comes to the issues affecting their community, where do the two Beaver County natives find common ground and where do the issues become split? Both politicians answered a series of questions relating to politics in the area, which are featured below in their own words.

(Responses have been lightly edited for clarity.)

Q: What do you believe are the biggest challenges facing western Pennsylvanians right now? 

Elmore: I believe the biggest challenges facing our region are three things: inflation, crime rates and family sustainability.

Matzie: The biggest challenge is how to properly develop our natural resource potential regarding energy production and expand manufacturing opportunities in that sector, while at the same time keeping the air clean and the water safe. We have a chance to be the energy hub of PA for the next century and we can do it cleanly — we can’t miss that opportunity.

Q: How would you address the needs of the region’s schools, including the ongoing teacher shortage? Are there other changes you would like to see in education?

Elmore: In the education sector, we as parents and government officials must put all our effort into what is best for our children. Our Legislature has made historic investments into education and that is something that I will continue to support.

Addressing the teacher shortage is two-fold, short-term and long-term. In the immediate, we must find a way to get teachers into our schools. For instance, allowing retired teachers to come back on a part-time basis to fill gaps. In the long term, we should explore programs that incentivize people to become teachers here in PA and want to stay here.

I also believe parents deserve more control over their children’s education, especially if the school they are attending is not meeting the standards of a quality education. Parents should have the opportunity to send their children to their schools of choice. I also think we need to bring in more financial literacy programs and other basic life skills, so our children are better prepared after graduation.

Matzie: Keeping our schools adequately funded is something that I fought for and voted for my entire tenure. We should pay teachers more and work with local school boards to improve working conditions and increase retention.

I’d also like to see an increased focus on trade and technical education, in partnership with the actual employers hiring in those fields. We’ve made great strides in that direction over the last few years, but much more needs to be done.

Q: What is your plan to address the region’s infrastructure needs, especially roads and bridges?

Elmore: There is no doubt there is a funding problem when it comes to our infrastructure. We need to focus our state budget on critical infrastructure projects and ensure the money that is designated for our roads and bridges is being used for our roads and bridges.

I also think we must look at how we build and maintain our roads and bridges. Clearly, the current path of band-aid fixes is not cutting it. We need to invest in technology, materials and methods that create durable, longer-lasting products.  Our infrastructure projects need to be addressed because they are the means of connecting goods and services for the people.

Matzie: We need to continue to push in Harrisburg, in conjunction with our local PennDOT district, so that Beaver County gets the infrastructure dollars and projects we need. There is an influx of money coming from the federal government over the next couple of years, so I’ll work tirelessly to see that we get our fair share and more.

Q: How would you support business and economic growth in Pennsylvania?

Elmore: Right now, Pennsylvania is not business-friendly. I applaud the work of cutting taxes on job creators from the highest tax in the nation and support making further tax cuts. We must also seek regulatory reforms. The process of starting and maintaining a business is hard enough. We don’t need government tape getting in the way.

I also think job training and retraining programs are important steps. We must ensure we have the skilled workforce required for the jobs coming into Pennsylvania.

Matzie: As my record shows, by being instrumental in bringing the Shell plant to Beaver County, I understand that creating a competitive business environment is key. I recently voted for a reduction in the Corporate Net Income tax and have consistently supported the creation of “opportunity zones” or and certain tax credits for new businesses if specific, PA-first employment conditions are met.

Q: Can (or should) Pennsylvania transition to renewable forms of energy? Do you support fracking locally?

Elmore: I am a jobs first candidate and I support any industry that will bring family-sustaining jobs into our region. The energy sector has done wonders for our local economy. Things like the Shell cracker plant have brought thousands of jobs to the area, from direct work on the plant to secondary jobs such as the trucking industry, hotels, restaurants, and other small businesses. I think we can continue to find ways to utilize renewable energy sources, but we must do so in a way that secures our electricity grid and doesn’t drive up utility bills.

Matzie: As Democratic Chair of the House Consumer Affairs Committee (which oversees the energy industry in PA), I’m on record supporting an “all in” energy portfolio. That means clean energy as well as traditional forms. We are a net energy exporter as a state, and I firmly believe that we should remain so. Our region is uniquely positioned to lead or at least participate in nearly all forms of energy extraction/production. That is a blessing, not a curse.

Q: Do you support further petrochemical buildout in western Pennsylvania?

Elmore: Yes, I support these projects as long as the proper precautions and maintenance procedures are utilized to protect our environment and those living in the community.

Matzie: Yes. As an elected official who was crucial in bringing the Shell plants here, the construction of the plant was only a short-term benefit. And while that project — the largest industrial build in western PA in nearly 100 years —spurred unprecedented job creation and economic opportunities, the longer-term, sustainable benefit will come from the establishment of those ancillary businesses that will want to be near the plant and their product. That is the real win.

Q: Do you support criminal justice reform? How can Pennsylvania and Beaver County both address crime and reduce recidivism rates?

Elmore: Absolutely. I am a huge advocate for criminal justice reform and have worked to create the Pardon Program right here in Beaver County. Those who deserve help and need a second chance deserve one. This does not mean we neglect to enforce the laws we have on the books. If you break a law, you still need to be held accountable.

The problem in our system is that the dollar amount determines who is sentenced to jail or prison. If you have the money to afford a good lawyer versus getting a public defender, then you as an individual will face a lesser sentence than the individual with the public defender. Beaver County and Pennsylvania need to put more money into helping an individual with reintegration into society. We also need to focus on the rising mental health crisis and make sure we are making access to mental healthcare professionals affordable.

Matzie: Yes, there are several ways to support this reform. We need to treat addiction as an illness, not a crime. We need to determine the proper sentencing guidelines for non-violent — I repeat, non-violent offenders. It costs over $50,000 per year to incarcerate a person in PA. It’s an economic as well as a moral issue.

Recidivism is a tough hill to climb. I would say just to make sure the educational and vocational programs are available and easy to access, and to partner with and incentivize businesses willing to give folks a second chance. I supported clean slate legislation and actually introduced racial bias in sentencing legislation long before criminal justice reform became mainstream and more bipartisan.

Q: How can the nation best address gun-related crimes? Do you support stricter gun control laws in PA?

Elmore: We have a rising mental health crisis in our nation and community. It is important that we address this issue by increasing the amount of mental health professionals available and ensuring people have access to these professionals. We must also enforce the laws we have on the books.

Matzie: In a free society, there will always be unfortunate firearm tragedies. As an elected official, it’s my duty to consider any and all ideas that may serve to mitigate that and improve public safety. I could consider common-sense reforms like ending gun show loopholes, universal background checks or short waiting periods.  However, any debate or bill should only be brought forth if it doesn’t infringe upon the right of any law-abiding citizen to bear arms as enumerated by the Constitution.

Q: What is your stance on the U.S. Supreme Court’s recent Roe v. Wade decision? Should these rights be protected in PA?

Elmore: I look at the Supreme Court decision as an opportunity for the people to decide what is best for their state. Personally, I believe an abortion should only occur in the case of rape, incest, or if the life of the mother is in danger. And when an abortion is necessary, I hope they are safe and rare.

Matzie: I believed that Roe was settled law and that PA’s current law strikes a balance between permitting abortion to a date certain up to when a fetus becomes viable outside of the womb, with later term only allowed under the direst of circumstances. While I am personally pro-life with exceptions like rape, incest and saving the life of the mother, I support a person’s right to make individual healthcare decisions for themselves under the parameters of the law.

Q: What do you feel makes you the best candidate for this office?

Elmore: I believe I’m the best candidate for office because your issues are my issues. I know what it is like to go to the grocery store and see my bill going up but my shopping list is getting shorter. I know what it is like to try and find jobs in our area to get by. I am the best candidate for you because I am you. I have dedicated my life to serving our community and I look forward to continuing my service.

Matzie: My experience, my performance and my record of getting things done are why I believe I am the best candidate. Experience is a virtue, not a detriment. I’ve brought hundreds of millions of taxpayer dollars back to our county, passed vital legislation even though I’m in the minority party, protected local entities from state overreach, helped to create thousands of jobs and helped secure unprecedented education funding for our children. In short, all the things my opponent claims to want to do, I’ve already done and continue to do.

This article originally appeared on Beaver County Times: Q&A with PA-16 candidates Robert Matzie and Rico Elmore