TodaySentinel Focus On: Pat Vance talks the budget, the bay and former Sentinel reporters
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The beginning of a new year brings a new budget from Gov. Ed Rendell and a fresh batch of complaints from Republicans.
Helping lead the criticism is state Sen. Pat Vance, R-31.
Opposition to Rendell’s budget is nothing new for the county’s only state senator, who has been a frequent critic of "The Guv’s" affinity for borrowing and spending money.
Vance, a former nurse and state representative, joined the state Senate in 2005 after serving 14 years in the House.
She faces her first re-election test in the Senate when she faces Democratic challenger and political newcomer Susan Kiskis this fall.
She also employs former Sentinel reporter Tracy Polovick as her coordinator of communications and outreach.
Sen. Vance sat down with The Sentinel to talk about, among other topics, Rendell’s budget, surging municipal sewer fees the ability of ex-reporters to adapt to life outside the newsroom.
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Q: You’ve been an outspoken critic of the Chesapeake Bay Tributary Strategy and have continued to fight it in the Senate. As local municipalities already begin upgrading their sewer system, are you optimistic about providing them relief, or is it too late to help? And how much might my sewer bill increase?
Vance: It’s not too late to provide financial assistance, but first we have to ascertain the true cost of these upgrades. DEP has used estimates as low as $190 million, while most municipalities estimate it will exceed $1 billion. My Senate Resolution did pass this week, which called for the Legislative Budget and Finance Committee to come up with an accurate impartial figure. The other states involved in the Chesapeake Bay Compact all provided funding for upgrades, but the administration has been unwilling to do so in any significant way. The areas affected by these upgrades are in the 31 counties that border the Susquehanna River — the so-called “T” in Pennsylvania. We will continue to raise the awareness of the public about this unfunded mandate. There is no way to know how much sewer bills will increase, as each municipality’s costs will vary, and we continue our efforts to obtain funding.
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Q: Governor Rendell unveiled his new budget for this year, and you and other county Republicans have already balked at the combination of increased spending and borrowing. Do you foresee another budget showdown with the Governor?
Vance: The General Assembly and Governor need to achieve a timely adoption of the budget. An extended impasse is always possible when you have a Governor who wants to spend more money (especially a proposed 30 percent increase in borrowing) and the Senate who is intent on holding the line on spending.
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Q: Your history as a nurse puts you in a unique position to evaluate health care reform. If you were queen of Pennsylvania, what health care reforms (if any) would you make? How does this differ from the Governor’s proposals?
Vance: The Governor’s plan does not adequately address the essential element of cost control. Access is a problem for some people, but Pennsylvania has a relatively low percent of uninsured residents. One of the problems is the escalating cost of insurance. One way to reduce this cost is to focus on preventive medicine and the early treatment of chronic diseases, such as diabetes and asthma. By keeping these disease in check and preventing flare ups, we can reduce costs overall.
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Q: John McCain — good for the Republican party?
Vance: Whether John McCain is good for the Republican Party depends on personal perspective. He certainly has the ability to broaden the base and attract independents as well. I do not agree with all of his policies, but no one can question his personal courage and strength. He certainly will have the ability to deal with foreign leaders from a position of inner strength.
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Q: Finally, do you ever regret hiring former Sentinel reporters?
Vance: No regrets at all in hiring (Tracy). I find her to be dedicated, hard working with a great nose for news.
