Both candidates in the Democratic primary for state representative from the 46th Legislative District say they will bring a fresh approach to Harrisburg if elected in the fall, but their political backgrounds couldn’t be more different.
Jesse White, 37, an attorney from Cecil, is the former four-term legislator who lost in 2014 to Republican Jason Ortitay of South Fayette after the district, with communities in Allegheny and Washington counties, was redrawn. Mr. Ortitay is unopposed in the Republican primary.
By contrast, this is the first entry into politics for Mr. White’s opponent, Joe Szpara, 61, of Collier. Mr. Szpara is a former business owner, union truck driver, Federal Reserve police officer and currently a transportation coordinator for a South Hills senior living facility.
Both men say they are running because of the influence of a significant woman in their lives.
Mr. White said he had no intention of running again until his wife told him she needed him not only as a spouse but as her state legislator. Mr. Szpara said that after seeing the troubles his widowed mother, now deceased, had in accessing government benefits after his father died, he vowed to run for office and help constituents if he ever had the chance.
Mr. White’s last campaign was beset by controversy over his anonymous impersonation on social media of political enemies, Marcellus Shale gas drilling advocates and constituents. Additionally, the Republican House Campaign Committee distributed four mailers and spent about $50,000 in television commercial attack ads.
“They beat me up so bad, I don’t think I voted for myself,” he quipped, adding that he also accepts blame for the social media actions he now considers misguided and wrong. “I’m not focused on the past, although I will talk about it. I’m much more mature and thoughtful now as a person when it comes to issues. The two years off has definitely made me better in everything I do.”
As for Mr. Szpara, he views his varied background in business, law enforcement and as a union worker as large assets.
“I’d use my background and experience,” he said. “I ran a business very successfully, in law enforcement I know how to keep neighborhoods safe, I’m a licensed EMT, I was blue collar. I’m big on trying to solve problems on family matters, on seniors, and trying to keep people employed.”
Both men list improved infrastructure and battling the addiction epidemic as priorities.
“I think the district needs a new face, and I’m that guy,” Mr. Szpara said “I have good ideas, a good background and I think I have the experience and knowledge to move the district in the right direction.”
Mr. White said he should be elected because he knows Harrisburg as both a legislator and, for the past two years, as a constituent. Moreover, he said the fact that the House Democratic leadership is not supportive of him is an advantage for constituents.
“I’ve seen the ugliness of Harrisburg from all sides,” he said. “I understand how the town works and when I tell you what is happening you will not be given the party line.”
Michael A. Fuoco: mfuoco@post-gazette.com or 412-263-1968.
First Published: April 18, 2016, 4:00 a.m.
