Rydal-Meadowbrook Civic Association

Rydal-Meadowbrook Civic Association (RMCA) presented a forum that enabled members of the local community to meet candidates for the State House and Congress. The event was held at Penn State Abington. The event opened with remarks by Pamela Smith of Penn State and RMCA Vice President Jim Egbert, who asked audience to submit questions. Click here to see a gallery of event photos.

Overview of Candidates and Districts

13th Congressional District of Pennsylvania
United States House of Representatives
Visit Profile and Map of 13th Congressional District
Allyson Schwartz (incumbant)  Read Full Bio
Dee Adcock  Read Bio

153rd Legislative District, PA State House of Representatives
Visit Profile and Map of 153rd Legislative District
Josh Shapiro (incumbant)  Read Full Bio
Tom Bogar  Read Full Bio

Each candidate provided introductory remarks and responded to questions from the audience, moderated by Jim Egbert. He asked the audience to remain silent. There were many familar faces in the crowd as well as a number of volunteers and staffers who acccompanied candidates, some of whom were disruptive and did not respect the intent of the event.

Josh Shapiro (D) differentiated himself from many of the State House Democrats by describing how he has challenged the status quo with legislative reforms. He emphasized the need to eliminate waste, such as three state departments that are involved in health services for state residents. He is advocating a merger down to one department, which may save money and more effectively implement federal health mandates by 2014.

Tom Bogar (R) expressed concerns that the entire state government has been corrupt for many years and that it is time to make a change. He likened the state to a ship that is  going down because of budget excesses and WAMs (an acronym for "walking-around money"). He did have postive comments about constituent services by Mr. Shapiro's staff and predecessors dating back to Jon Fox.
     

Dee Adcock (R) highlighted his record as a business man and experience and frustrations with health insurance policies for his staff. He expressed his disappointment with the health care bill and the overall direction of the federal goverment. In particular, he highlighted the growing deficit over the past four years under democratic leadership and offered specific programs that could be cut. He did support the status quo on government entitlements such as social security and medicare. He repeatedly criticized his opponent for not holding town tall meetings with constituents and showing up late and leaving early on this particular evening.

Allyson Schwartz (D) noted that all the candidates are residents of Abington. She reflected on her upbringing as the child of a halocaust survivor and how that influences her efforts in Congress. She emphasized that healthcare reform will have an impact on the lives of real people, such as an uninsured Penn State student who has $7,000 in debt from one visit to the Emergency Room. She clarified the difference between federal deficit and debt and suggested that the growing deficit pre-dates a democractic Congress and was not the case at the end of the Clinton Administration.

RMCA is a non-partisian community organization that encourages a civil dialgoue around issues that matter to the citizens of Abington Township. As part of that mission, this site will enable life members to post comments. Please click here to become a member or register to use this site. Please click here to provide feedback on the event. We encourage your participation on ongoing conversation about the best interests of our community, county, state and federal government.