Wolf pledges to work with GOP lawmakers

MANCHESTER, Pa. - Gov.-elect Tom Wolf said Wednesday that education would be a priority as he assumes office and that he hoped to reach across the aisle to the Republican-led legislature.

"I'm hoping that we can figure out ways to work together," the Democrat told reporters after an afternoon stop at a cafe north of York. "There are good people on both sides of the aisle up there. I worked with them back when I was secretary of revenue. I know this is different. But I'm looking forward to working with anyone who wants to work with me up in Harrisburg."

Wolf spoke hours after voters swept him into office, dumping Gov. Corbett after one term. On the same night, the GOP strengthened its control of both houses of the legislature, setting the stage for partisan showdowns next year.

Wolf, a multimillionaire businessman, said he would forgo his salary or donate it to charity. He also said that after taking office, he would split his time between Harrisburg and his home in Mount Wolf.

He said it was too early to discuss cabinet appointments but intended to work full-time on planning the next administration. Corbett, he said, had pledged to "help me through the transition process."

Looking relaxed and refreshed and wearing one of his trademark gray sweaters, Wolf arrived to little fanfare at the cafe in the old Jeep that in some ways carried him to the Democratic nomination. It was the focal point of commercials early in the year, when he pulled away from his party's pack of candidates.

Wolf was driving with an aide and security guard in tow. He parked in the back lot and made his way to the front entrance, where a group waited for him. Wolf kissed a few women on the cheek and was then approached by a boy, age 5 or 6.

"Can I have your autograph?" the boy said.

"Sure," Wolf said.

"Do you have a pen and piece of paper?" the boy said.

Wolf smiled, and his aide pulled a few scraps of paper and a pen out of his jacket.

"How's that for being prepared?" Wolf said.

Then he signed two autographs, one for the boy and one for the boy's teacher.

In brief comments to reporters, Wolf said he intended to pursue his campaign agenda, including the imposition of a 5 percent severance tax on natural-gas drilling companies in the state. He also said he wanted to review charter-school reimbursements, part of a larger look at education.

"Education was hugely important to voters in this election, and it's really important to me," he said. "We have to make this a priority, that's not just a political slogan. I intend to make that a priority."

At the restaurant, Wolf shook hands with patrons and posed for photos with a few children. Although only four tables were occupied, Wolf went from table to table.

"Hi, Governor," a few people said. "We've been waiting for you."

He did not order anything to eat, and aides said he intended to spend the rest of the day at home.

He said he fielded congratulatory calls Tuesday night from members of both parties, including President Obama and U.S. Sen. Pat Toomey (R, Pa.).

Wolf was still basking in the win, but said: "I'm the same guy I was yesterday. This is a really wonderful honor, and I feel humbled by it. But [voters] will never let me forget where I came from."