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Stefanick considers himself the people's candidate
Wednesday, March 14, 2001 By Edward G. Robinson III, Post-Gazette Staff Writer
Jim Stefanick considers himself the only legitimate candidate running for the 40th District senatorial seat in a special election March 20 because "the people" selected him. To be placed on the ballot in January, the first-time candidate, who is running as an independent, collected about 1,500 signatures from district residents. The major party candidates were selected by party committees.
Campaign 2001/An old-fashioned race
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Stefanick, 42, of Ross, who considers himself a moderate, will face state Rep. Jane Orie, R-McCandless, and Democratic nominee Jim Rooney.
He said he was drawn to run out of concern that the two-party system serves politicians more than it serves the people.
"Our political party officials are trying to place their choice in an incumbency position so they will be re-elected at the next full primary election," he writes in campaign literature. "This is how we end up with so many career politicians that are loyal to the status quo."
To try to break that status quo, he has launched a grassroots campaign aimed at local businesses and civic centers. His small blue-and-white posters have slowly crept up among the throng of black-and-yellow signs placed by the other candidates.
In terms of issues, Stefanick said he thinks legislators too often seek increased funds to support new programs when money is wasted on programs that don't work. Instead of increasing taxes, he said, legislators should know what programs aren't working and re-channel those resources to improve education and infrastructure.
He supports vocational educational programs that partner youth with private companies. Also, he supports community-based development programs that offer pupils activities after school.
In addition, Stefanick said officials have not dedicated enough money to improving roads and bridges, particularly in areas of Westmoreland County. He said improvements could spark economic growth and lift the spirit of the people.
Few, if any, local organizations have backed Stefanick's campaign. At a candidates' forum sponsored by the American Association of Retired Persons Saturday in O'Hara, he said his lack of support stemmed from a sports-culture atmosphere in which people want to be on the winning team. Thus, he said, they go with a party instead of the best candidate.
"In this state the system is stacked toward the powerful people in either party," he said. "I have something [different] to offer the people."
Stefanick is a former manager at the Pennsylvania state mental retardation facility near Philadelphia, and now works in the family real estate business.
In 1986, Stefanick was charged with drunken driving and two traffic violations. He pleaded guilty and was sentenced to 12 months in jail.
He declined comment on the incident.
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