Interview with John Linder

John Linder is the Democratic candidate for the 9th state senate district, which encompasses the city of Chester, Chadds Ford, and areas in between. He describes it in this way:

In many ways, the 9th District is as diverse as America itself. It is home to farmers, to working class families, inner city residents, and suburban households. The diverse lives of our community-members are reflected in their diverse needs. This means that representing the 9th District poses unique challenges. I believe, however, that the right candidate can turn these challenges into opportunities, opportunities to address the issues that cut across our differences and unite us as Pennsylvanians and as Americans.

Mr. Linder is an educator and community activist. If you would like more information, there are issue statements, photos, and video on his website, www.linder08.com. He kindly took time out of his schedule to answer some questions.

What in your background would make you an effective state senator from day one?

I hold a Bachelors degree in Behavioral Sciences from Widener University and a Master’s in Higher Education and Counseling from Kutztown University. My professional work includes extensive experience in human services and human resource development--and, of course, as a Professor of Social Sciences. I believe that what all this means practically is that I work with people well. I believe I will be able to listen to and understand the needs of those in my district, and that I will be able to negotiate with leaders in Harrisburg to have those needs met.

You served on the Chester Redevelopment Authority for four years. What are one or two of the outcomes of that service that you are most proud of?

I was appointed the the Chester Redevelopment Authority specifically to address H.U.D.’s decision to take federal funding away from Chester. H.U.D. did this because the administration before us was very corrupt and was using the money inappropriately. H.U.D. initially said it was supposed to take at least five years for us to do what we needed to do to win the trust and money back. We did it in one year. In one year we reestablished the credibility of our government agencies for economic development and reestablished guidelines that increased minority contractor participation. Not only did we get the money back into the city, but we saw to it that the local community benefited from and was able to take advantage of the funds.

Tell us about the radio show you used to have, "It's All About Chester."

“It’s All About Chester” was meant to give the public a voice on the airwaves. It was centered around specific issues relating to Chester and the surrounding area. The format was a talk show with interviews and call in guests--similar to the show Marty Moss-Coane does out of Philly--”Radio Times”. I had a great time as its host.

Is the Village Charter School you helped found affiliated with other schools with the same name?

No.

As a school administrator, what do you think of statewide tests, such as the PSSA? Are teachers "teaching to the test" and emphasizing subjects on the test (such as reading and math) at the expense of subject areas that aren't (such as history)?

PSSA, while I believe it succeeds as an objective measure of how well our schools are teaching our children, we must use caution in our interpretation of its results. The test is able to tell us if students have or haven’t learned a particular subject, but it can’t tell us why they have or haven’t. To truly interpret the results, you must take into account socioeconomic factors, cultural factors, family-life factors, etc.

Preparing students to take the PSSA takes many forms and levels of intensity. Teachers in some districts must “skill and drill,” and expose students to the test. However, there must still be a focus on other areas and and grade appropriate content.

You are an educator also trained in family therapy, what can the government do to improve the strength of families in the 9th state senate district?

While I am not a family therapist, I have had some training and lots of experience working with families--especially in education. I see some consistent issues for many working families. If a student has special needs or is having behavioral problems, the parents need time to come to the schools and meet with educators. They need training to learn how to deal with their children’s needs. It’s difficult for families with two working parents to find the necessary time and money. I believe the state and federal gov’t can build incentives such as tax credits for companies and businesses to assist parents who need to acquire family therapy for their children.

What are you learning from residents as you go door to door?

People want to be listened to by their legislators. Reciprocal communication is very poor and even nonexistent in some cases. “This is the first time anyone has ever come to my door,” I hear over and over. People want to be heard. Whether people are from West Nottingham or Marcus Hook there is a common bond of issues: people want affordable health care, strong schools and some kind of relief from increasing energy bills.

You are a professor at Delaware County Community College and also a school headmaster. How do you manage both jobs?

Very well, thank you! However, I’ve taken a leave from the Headmaster role so I can campaign.

The 9th state senate district is very diverse, with wealthy areas and areas with low incomes. How do you represent such differing priorities? (See map)

My campaign over the past 9 months has been an educational opportunity for me. Traveling to each area, speaking to the residents about their concerns is the only way to truly find out what people need from their government. As Senator, I would continue this dialogue by holding a town hall each month in a different municipality.

What don't you like about campaigning?

For a challenger running a grassroots campaign, fundraising can be difficult. At times I find it counter productive to what I think ought to be my first task: learning what future-constituents want and planning how to meet their needs.

Nepotism and conflict of interest are often tripping points for candidates and elected officials. Are any of your family members employed by any government bodies within the 9th state senate district or by the state?

Not to my knowledge.

If all things were possible what you like to see happen in the city of Chester?

While I appreciate that the question is specific to Chester City, as Senator I must focus on the people of the entire 9th Senatorial District. The people are bound together by needs, some cutting across the district, some area-specific. I would like to see quality education be a priority everywhere, and I would like to see the state pay its fair share of the funding. I would like to pass PA-ABC and find ways to provide affordable health care to even more Pennsylvanians. I would like the people of the 9th to have a Senator that will respect them, listen to them, and work hard for them.

When I was born and raised in Chester it was a beautiful, thriving city full of opportunity. Chester can be that way again, but the city needs leadership that is willing to put human development at the forefront. It must occur either simultaneously or prior to economic development. Right now the latter is all we have happening. It isn’t and won’t be enough. Right now what you have is a stage set for gentrification, not revitalization.

Flooding is a serious issue for parts of the 9th state senate district. What, if anything, do you think the legislature can do to help prevent personal loss and property damage from floods?

As Senator I would work with local municipalities to support “buffer zones” around all waterways throughout the entire 9th District. Also, “Run-off” has to be dealt with better in all community/municipal planning.

If elected, what would be your top three priorities?

1. Help establish a consistent, long-range funding plan for public education in PA.
2. Help continue initiatives for quality affordable health care beginning with PA-ABC.
3. Environmental and energy issues ranging from HB2200 to land usage.

What question didn't I ask that you would like to answer?

Campaigns are often viewed as more difficult for the challenger than the incumbent. Is your race competitive?

Yes.

I receive this question often and I understand where it comes from. My opponent is the Senate Majority Leader, arguably the second most powerful person in the state after the Governor. This year, he has used that power to block health care for working adults, to block energy reform that would save families money, and to block a future of fair education funding for our children.

His position also means that he has the ability to run a very expensive campaign--which is exactly what he's doing. I take that as a great compliment. He now has a TV ad for the first time in any of his campaigns. He is buying up full page ads in newspapers. He has purchased many, many billboards here in Chester City. Not only do I consider my bid competitive - he does.

What he hasn't been doing is spending time with the public, meeting voters and connecting with his constituency. I have. My staff and I have knocked on thousands of doors and made thousands of phone calls. We are working tirelessly to make sure that when I get into office, I will know what is on the minds of voters from Chester City to West Nottingham, from Parkesburg to Media.

There is a difference in the way we are running our campaigns, not only because there is a difference in our resources, but because we are different kinds of candidate. I encourage everyone concerned about local politics to come see how much of a difference at our first debate at Riddle Village in Middletown. Time and date tba - please visit www.linder08.com for future updates.


Thank you, Mr. Linder!