Politics & Government
Voters to Choose Orie Successor Tomorrow
Polls will be open from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. Pennsylvania's new voter ID law will not be in effect.
Tomorrow, voters in the 40th Senatorial District will choose a candidate to fill the remaining term of former Sen. Jane Orie, who was to 2 ½ to 10 years in prison after her March conviction of using her legislative staff to perform political work.
Democrat and Republican are the two endorsed party candidates. Wexford automotive dealer Don Bindas is running as a candidate.
Recently, the readers of the North Hills, Cranberry and Pine-Richland Patches were asked to submit questions to the candidates. The three editors of those Patch sites assembled those questions, and added a few of their own, for the candidates. Their answers were published in a earlier this month.
Find out what's happening in North Hillswith free, real-time updates from Patch.
As voters go to the polls tomorrow, we asked each candidate to briefly summarize why they are qualified, and why they deserve to be elected.
Dr. Sharon Brown: "It is time for a new voice for the district – ethical, moderate, and principled – and a senator who will listen to the needs and issues of the citizens. As a nurse practitioner, educator and small business person, I have the background and real world experiences to create solid policies for the entire region.
Find out what's happening in North Hillswith free, real-time updates from Patch.
Rep. Randy Vulakovich: "I’m for integrity in government, reasonable balanced budgets, and for creating a business friendly environment for our job creators."
Don Bindas: I am a locally known businessman in the Wexford area since 1992. I am running for the Pa Senate because the 40th District can do a lot better when our elected officials, who seem to be more interested in the party politics of national agendas, than addressing our local issues in Harrisburg, are not ignoring us.
--
No matter who wins the Aug. 7 race, they may not get the chance to run again for the 40th District.
A revised legislative map approved moves the territory to the other side of the state.
Under the plan, Orie’s former territory—which encompassed parts of northern Allegheny County and southern Butler County—moves to Monroe and Northampton counties on the eastern half of the state to reflect growth near the New Jersey border.
--
Secretary of the Commonwealth Carol Aichele said that the new voter ID requirements are not in effect for the Aug. 7 special election.
"The voter ID law officially takes effect Sept. 17," said Aichele, whose department oversees elections in Pennsylvania. "So, voters casting ballots to fill the vacancy in the 40th state senate district Aug. 7 will not be required to show photo ID."
