Guv hopefuls address concerns of coalition

A group of Philadelphia community groups last night heard four of the candidates running for governor say, at varying levels, that they supported early-childhood education, wanted to reduce prison recidivism and backed the rights of union workers.

In the first of several forums ahead of the May primary, three Democrats and one Republican took questions from a crowd of about 200 at Arch Street United Methodist Church, Broad and Arch streets.

Sponsored by the Philadelphia Coalition for Essential Services and Philly Neighborhood networks, the forum allowed representatives from nine co-sponsoring groups backing issues such as education, prison re-entry, casinos, unions, health care and others to ask a question each candidate would ask.

Addressing the candidates before the questions began, Sherrie Cohen, of the Philadelphia Coalition, said the candidates should remember that the next governor should work to create opportunities for everyone.

"We have the power to demand that you build a state of economic and social justice," she said, "and you are hereby on notice that we intend to demonstrate that power."

In attendance were Democrats Joe Hoeffel, Montgomery Councy commissioner; Dan Onorato, Allegheny County executive; state Auditor General Jack Wagner, and Republican state Rep. Samuel Roher, of Berks County.

Danny Santos, of Youth United for Change, an education-advocacy group, asked the candidates whether they would continue the way the state distributes education funding, which weighs enrollment and the number of poor students, among other factors.

"I'm committed to fully funding the new school education formula, Hoeffel said.

Onorato said: "The best government program I have ever seen in my life are the early-childhood programs."

Rohrer spoke of the need to fix the way public education is funded; Wagner also spoke of the importance of funding early-childhood education.

Lily Cavanaugh, of Casino Free Philadelphia, asked the candidates if they would pledge to veto any legislation that would lower taxes on Pennsylvania casinos and work to eliminate predatory tactics.

"I am absolutely adamantly opposed to legalizing gaming," Rohrer said, to applause from the audience.

Wagner acknowledged some disadvantages to casinos but said he supported them in the state, while Hoeffel said he wouldn't support tax breaks for the gaming industry. Onorato said he would veto any bill that would allow what he called predatory practices by the casinos.