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October 29, 2010

Onorato returns to ‘2nd home’

Dem governor hopeful, whose wife is from Mountain Top, campaigns in Wilkes-Barre.

By Bill O'Boyle boboyle@timesleader.com
Times Leader Staff Writer
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WILKES-BARRE – Visiting his “second home,” Allegheny County Executive Dan Onorato discussed his economic development policy and told a small gathering at the downtown Innovation Center why he should be Pennsylvania’s next governor.

Onorato, 49, called Northeastern Pennsylvania his second home because he is married to a Mountain Top native – the former Shelly Ziegler – and his in-laws live here. Shelly is the daughter of Bill and Sue Ziegler.

“I’ve been coming here for more than 22 years,” said Onorato, a Democrat. “I see new buildings and I see great potential. If I’m elected governor, this area will always have a friend in Harrisburg.”

Wilkes-Barre Mayor Tom Leighton has supported Onorato’s candidacy for two years. He said he knows what Onorato has accomplished.

“In Allegheny County he has reduced spending and created new jobs,” Leighton said.

Onorato said he did streamline government in the western Pennsylvania county and consolidated offices – reducing the number of row offices from 10 to four.

“We haven’t raised property taxes in nine years,” he said. “I stand on my track record of reforming government because I have done it. I’m the only candidate with the experience of running government efficiently.”

Onorato said Northeastern Pennsylvania has a strong network of colleges and universities. He said we need a state government that will engage local government to work together.

Onorato said he would work to make Pennsylvania more “business friendly.” He said the state has the second highest corporate tax structure in the U.S. and that, he said, has to change.

“And I will see that we get that change quickly,” Onorato said. “We need to create partners in state government.”

Onorato said he would accept federal stimulus money, something other candidates have opposed. He also wants to expand the state’s education system to ensure that students are prepared for the “workforce of the future.” He specifically identified the Marcellus Shale natural gas business as an area in which endless opportunities exist.

In the May 18 primary, Onorato is opposed by Democrats Jack Wagner, Joseph Hoeffel and Anthony Hardy Williams. Running on the Republican ticket are State Attorney General Tom Corbett and Samuel Rohrer.

Onorato’s platform includes:

• Reforming the state legislature so it is more ethical and accountable.

• Improving education by advocating for more access to quality early-childhood education, improving schools and making college more affordable.

• Keeping taxes low and fixing the property tax system.

• Promoting policies that encourage energy efficiency while protecting the environment.

Onorato and his wife reside in Pittsburgh’s Brighton Heights neighborhood with their children, Kate, 17, Emily, 15, and Danny, 12.

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