Op/Ed: Hays talks background, positions

By Mike Hays, Guest Columnist, The Times

My name is Mike Hays, and I am running to be your next state representative in Harrisburg.

I decided to run against 20-year Republican incumbent Tim Hennessey because Mr. Hennessey’s values and record no longer represent Coatesville, or the other communities within the 26th District.

But first, a little bit about me: Raised by blue-collar parents, I was the first in my family to attend college. My experiences at Widener University, where I graduated with a business degree, led me to community journalism. I worked for two daily newspapers after college – including The Pottstown Mercury – where I held elected officials accountable.

In 2009, I left the news business to run for borough council in Spring City, Chester County. I beat a long-time Republican councilman through hard-work and a smart campaign. For the past three years, I have helped lead efforts on revitalization and good government.

Since joining council, Spring City has launched its first ever municipal website. We are now investing in our aging wastewater treatment system, which had become an obstacle to new development. And council has hired a new proactive police chief who will instill needed leadership in the department.

In Pennsylvania, we are moving in the wrong direction under Gov. Tom Corbett and a Republican Legislature. My vision for this state includes greater opportunities for people to enter the middle class. I support:

A strong education system – I promise to work to restore the deep cuts to our K-12 and higher education systems. As a Commonwealth, we must continue to support future generations of students and teachers. I support public schools, not vouchers or further privatization.

Accountability and fairness for natural gas drilling – Marcellus Shale in Pennsylvania has been good for the economy and energy independence, but it must be done the right way. Corbett and Hennessey have given too much away to the industry. As a legislator, I will work for an extraction tax comparable to Texas and Louisiana. These funds will help maintain critical infrastructure and put the watchdogs (DEP) back on the beat.

Transportation systems of the future – Forward-thinking state lawmakers invest in their highways, bridges, and mass transit not because they like to spend money, but because it helps attract quality employers and pave the way for future success. This will be one of my top priorities in Harrisburg.

Reform – It is no secret that Pennsylvania has one of the largest and most expensive Legislatures in the country. I support a reduction in the size of the General Assembly, as well as term limits. Pennsylvania needs new ideas and an ethic of service, not a career track for career politicians.

Women’s rights – Harrisburg must cease its recent preoccupation with women’s reproductive health decisions. Not only are there many pressing matters facing our state, but government has no business butting into these private decisions.

If elected to serve the 26th District, I will stand on my own two feet and answer to no one but the voters. It is no secret that Democratic candidates are supported by labor unions. I too support organized labor; however, I recently lost the endorsement of the Pennsylvania AFL-CIO because I refused to change my position on state liquor store privatization.

I do not think state bureaucrats ought to be in the liquor business. The private sector would improve customer service and selection. Labor disagreed and pulled their support of my campaign. My independence means more than any campaign contribution. It was not an easy decision, but I think it was the right one.

I ask for your consideration and support on Tuesday, Nov. 6th.

Mike Hays is the Democratic candidate for the 26th District in the Pennsylvania House of Representatives, which includes Spring City, East Vincent, East Coventry, North Coventry, Warwick, Wallace, East Nantmeal, West Nantmeal, Elverson, Honey Brook Township, Honey Brook Borough, Coatesville, Valley, and West Caln.

The Times invites any and all candidates for public office to submit topical columns and op/eds to better help inform our readers of their positions and backgrounds. They can be submitted, with a digital photo head shot to mike@chescotimes.com