Politics PA - "An Interview with Congresswoman Melissa Hart"
Interview
Politics PA - "An Interview with Congresswoman Melissa Hart"
-What is the latest on your work investigating ethics complaints against Majority Leader Tom DeLay? How did you end up with this thankless job?
The Speaker of the House asked me to be a member of the Ethics Committee, and I am honored to serve my colleagues in this manner. Being assigned to the Ethics Committee is a responsibility that I take very seriously. The Committee plays an integral part in maintaining the trust of the American people in their elected representatives, and my pledge is to evaluate the facts of each case faithfully, regardless of an individual's party affiliation.
The Committee is in the process of selecting staff, a process that has, unfortunately, been bogged down by politics. I believe the people we represent deserve more than members playing politics with the ethics process, and my main charge is to treat this assignment with the respect and diligence it deserves. Once the staff matter is settled, the chairman and ranking member will determine how to proceed on investigations, including any possible proceeding involving Mr. DeLay.
-What is the endgame on Social Security reform? Is there a compromise to be had and what will it look like?
The main goal of the latest proposal, to stop the raid of the Social Security surplus, is an objective that has the potential to draw a wide base of bipartisan support. The best way to address this crisis is to take a comprehensive approach to retirement security. As a member of the Ways and Means Committee, I am working with my colleagues to protect the surplus from being spent, examining ways to shore up the long term solvency of the program and reforming the pension system so that there is more transparency in pension fund management. The Committee is also looking at ways to make long-term care more affordable, making it easier for Americans to save for retirement and simplifying the tax code.
-How much money will it take to win re-election?
I know that it is popular to gauge someone's electability by the amount of money they have raised, but I believe that it is more about what people have accomplished, what they stand for, and how hard they have worked to make life better for their constituents. Having said that, candidates need to raise money so that they can deliver their vision to voters, and I will raise the necessary amount to ensure that my vision for southwestern Pennsylvania's future is heard.
-In 2010, will Melissa Hart be most likely running for Congress, Senate, Governor or retired?
Hopefully not retired, but beyond that I am really just concentrating on serving the communities of the Fourth District. I really enjoy my job - I get up every day and go to work fighting for the ideals and values that my fellow southwestern Pennsylvanians care about. It's a great way to spend your time and to make a difference for the people and places you care about. If at some future point I believe that I can best serve Pennsylvanians by running for a different elected office, I will cross that bridge when I come to it.
-Imagine you are stuck on a desert island with one Democrat from our delegation who would you choose and why?
It would have to be Jack Murtha. Although being stuck on an island may give me enough time to convince Mike Doyle to switch back to the Republican Party.
-How is your brother, Jason Altimire's friend and neighbor, dealing with this campaign? Speaking of, who do you think wins the Democratic nomination to challenge you?
It's kind of weird, isn't it? Don's kids play with the Altmire girls and the neighborhood seems pretty close-knit. I think anyone who wants to run should be able to do so, and Jason seems pretty ambitious and must think this is his opportunity. Whether that's realistic or whether Jason has really thought this through, I can't answer.
As far as which opponent makes it through the primary, that's up to Democrat primary voters. Regardless of who it is, I look forward to running on my record of success and service to the district and learning about their competing visions on how to best help our region. And I count on winning Pine Run! [Jason Altmire's Street]
-Of course you don't want to be critical of a colleague (especially of the same party) but what's with Congressman Tim Murphy's staff turnover? You two are more or less dealing with the same pool of staffers and folks never want to leave your office.
I think that statement is a little exaggerated - for example, a staffer who got married and changed her last name was counted as a departure, which wasn't the case. Turnover, especially during your first few years in office, is pretty normal. I know that I enjoy working with him and our current staffs have built some great ties, so we're really united and focused heading into a congressional session. I've also been very fortunate in putting together my staff - they're a very hardworking bunch.
-What are your priorities for the remainder of the 109th Congress?
Primarily, I want to ensure that the federal government is doing everything it can to spur economic growth in Southwestern Pennsylvania. Removing bureaucratic red tape for small businesses, expanding the growth of jobs to our region and Brownfield restoration are all an integral part of this effort.
I also want to make sure that we remain vigilant in the war against terror. Adequately supporting our troops is a critical part of our success in Iraq and Afghanistan and essential to ensuring that we get our men and women in uniform home as soon as possible.
Another issue close to my heart is assisting programs that work to expand victims' rights and helping to reduce incidences of domestic violence.
-We ask this of everyone tell us something interesting about Melissa Hart that nobody else knows.
Well some folks know, but I do play for the Republican team in the annual baseball game we play against the Democrats.
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