Roxborough-Manayunk Patch - Republican Hellberg Pushing for Congressional Change

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By Sam Fran Scavuzzo

To say if a Republican captured the 2nd Congressional District in Pennsylvania would be historic is a fact not an opinion. The GOP hasn't held the Western Philadelphia district, which includes Roxborough and Manayunk, since 1949.

Though competing in a historically Democratic region and against incumbent Rep. Chaka Fattah, who has held the seat since 1995, Republican candidate Rick Hellberg remains optimistic, and realistic, about his chances--especially given the anti-incumbent backlash perceived for the 2010 midterm election.

"This could be the right place and the right time. This year may be the best we can ever," he said from his Wissahickon home with son Alex, his campaign manager, and dog, Bentley, looking on. "But is it enough to carry me through? I'll say we need to pick up new voters every day, and we'll be fighting until Election Day."

The CEO and found of his own financial planning firm, Hellberg hits the streets every morning, getting his name out there and shaking hands. Daily he visits area train platforms for one-on-one interaction with voters. What has he heard so far?

"Out there, I'm surprised at the level of dissatisfaction... People want to be involved, want to interact. The fact is Chaka's not around enough. He's down in Washington," Hellberg said, adding citizens represented in Montgomery County rarely see the congressman.

Hellberg's campaign begins and ends with one issue: jobs, jobs, jobs. After years financially advising clients, Hellberg said his working knowledge of federal tax laws probably exceeds that of most members of Congress. The question is whether that real-world experience can translate to the Beltway.

Fiscally conservative, Hellberg wants to cut spending and redesign the tax structure. He admits that's easier said than done.

"The major motivation to vote for me is that people have a choice to live under a government running the economy or one who respects economic freedom. I stand for it. Chaka doesn't," he said.

His strategy: Reevaluate the tax system to eliminate corporate taxes, impose a flatter income and sales tax, and reward investors for taking on the risk of capital projects--not through stimulus but minimal or no tax burden.

"In order to encourage economic growth, we could duplicate our current tax with a sales tax rate of 12 percent and income tax rates starting at 12 percent and increasing to 20 percent," he said on his campaign website. "After advising wealthy individuals on their taxes for 35 years, no one wants to be taxed at 35 percent, 45 percent, or even 55 percent. However, they believe it would be reasonable to give the government 15 to 20 percent."

Though admittedly a bold move, Hellberg said a corporate tax is a myth. "When taxed, corporations put the burden on consumers, employees, or stakeholders," he said.

Drastically cutting federal spending is the other half to the equation. He questions auditing techniques, which measure agency budgets annually, and instead favors a month-to-month overview, believing government bureaus "spend the budget" to ensure more money the following year.

Additionally, the government needs less regulation to promote jobs and to lower the dependency of its citizens on unemployment, welfare, and Social Security. To increase jobs, Hellberg favors funneling money intended for unemployment to companies that are hiring. As for Social Security...

"Social Security is a wonderful idea to provide retirees, the disabled, and survivors [of the deceased] income... But any objective analysis shows it can be done better on a private basis than Uncle Sam's inefficiency," he said.

Making waves nationwide is the Tea Party movement, and Hellberg has kept an open mind as he's attended five area meetings, so far. He said the group has been misrepresented--in his meetings, he's met just as many Democrats as Republicans--and is "unfairly maligned" by pundits.

"What I see is a group of people that is saying, 'I don't like spending, and I don't feel my voice is heard. Anyone in any office doesn't seem to be listening to me,''" he said, adding he admired the "involved electorate" and wished others held the Tea Party's passion.

Outside the economy, Hellberg holds firm opinions on most issues, including:

* Favoring term limits for U.S. senators and representatives;
* Opposing the abortion decision in Roe v. Wade and instead favors states to enact appropriate legislation. Fundamentally, he opposes abortion in most instances;
* Supporting limits on guns but requiring protection for gun holders' Second Amendment rights. Moreover, Hellberg wants law enforcement to better enforce current gun laws;
* Questioning the United State's role as foreign police force, but favoring a well-funded, well-equipped military.

His main objective in the coming weeks is increasing visibility and starting a dialogue. Through his volunteer pool and radio spots on conservative stations, Hellberg hopes to make the race competitive.

Scanning polling by political groups, the Hellberg-Fattah race doesn't qualify as a competitive contest. In fact, Hellberg was in the same room as Fattah for the first time a week ago. The challenger has reached out to the congressman's campaign headquarters, but found the office phone to be disconnected. Needless to say, Hellberg doesn't expect a debate.

However, with fellow Republicans doing well in statewide polls (Most numbers indicate Tom Corbett for governor and Pat Toomey for senator have good leads over respective Democrats Dan Onorato and Rep. Joe Sestak), Hellberg is holding out hope.

As of publication, Fattah's office has not returned requests for interview.

For more information, visit Hellberg's website.

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