Democrat Rep. Tony DeLuca and Republican Lawrence Paladin are both running unchallenged in Tuesday’s primary to represent the 32nd District, a position DeLuca currently holds—and has held since 1983.

The 32nd District represents parts of Allegheny County, including Plum, Verona Penn Hills and Blawnox.

DeLuca answered a few questions that we thought were important to voters and
Plum-Oakmont Patch readers.

Patch: You've been a representative since 1983. Why would you like continue your position?

Rep. DeLuca: I'm not done with some of the issues for which I'd like to continue to fight. Health care has been a major concern nationally and right here in our own western Pennsylvania backyard with the Highmark and UPMC debate. In addition, we need to focus on providing solid paying jobs and economic development both locally and statewide.

Patch: What priorities do you feel are most important to voters that you'd like to fulfill?

Rep. DeLuca: Locally, I am concerned about the effects that state funding and charter schools are having on the public education system. The Republican administration has cut funding for public education so deeply it may never recover. They are bankrupting not only our school districts, but also many others throughout the state. In Penn Hills, the charter school numbers have jumped to a level that is just not sustainable. Our children deserve a good public education system, not one that is devastated. That is unacceptable to me and our Caucus.

Patch: What do you know about your opponent, Lawrence Paladin?

Rep. DeLuca: I don't know anything about my opponent except that he is an
attorney.

Patch: Is there anything else you'd like the voters to know?

Rep. DeLuca: My experience in the state capitol has put me in a position to help both my district and the state. I presently serve as the Democratic Chairman of the House Insurance Committee. Over the years, I have served on a variety of House Committees including: Appropriations; Local Government; Consumer Affairs and Finance. As a result of my committee work, I have traveled all over the state where I have met many citizens and taken the time to listen to all of them—just as I do with the residents in my district. I have a vast knowledge of how the Legislature works. I am one of the few representatives who have earned the respect of both my own party, and the Republicans. It is certainly time we stop clinging to party lines and work together. The petty bickering is unproductive and has to stop. I enjoy working for the people and as long as they want to keep hiring me I'll keep working for them.

Paladin, owners of Paladin Law Offices, couldn’t be reached for an interview. Learn more about him here.

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