'No one has decided to change course': Matt Strupczewski's goals if elected as state rep.

This story was updated to correct a misspelling.

Matt Strupczewski is the Republican candidate for the 2nd Dist., state House of Representatives, seat currently held by Democrat Bob Merski.

The district up for grabs in the Nov. 5 election includes Erie's 5th Ward, Wesleyville, and Summit, Greene and Harborcreek townships.

Strupczewski, of Erie, is a Realtor with Agresti Real Estate. He also is an economic research analyst at Behrend's Economic Research Institute of Erie and a lieutenant in the Army National Guard.

He has a master's degree and certificate in financial analysis and bachelor's degrees in political science and marketing.

His answers to Erie Times-News questions were edited for length and clarity.

Reason for running, priorities, future plans

Question: Why did you decide to run for election for this office?

Answer: For too long we have been led by the same leaders who are content with the status quo and do little to help our area. Erie has had a declining population, businesses have been leaving, and we are well below national averages for individual financial well-being. Our people are not living well, but we have done nothing to address this.

If re-elected, what would be your priorities?

I am determined to address inefficiencies in the state budget. I am vehemently against spending deficits. And when you dive into what we are spending, plenty of it does not make sense or is not what the majority of constituents want their tax dollars going towards. And allocations don't seem to track. How do we have the highest gas tax in the country, yet rank 46th in infrastructure, one of the main things the tax is supposed to fund.

What unique perspective would you bring to the office?

I care what my constituents want. As a representative, the job isn't to vote on your feelings and beliefs, it's about what the amalgamation of your district believes. During my MBA, I analyzed Erie County data and how it compared to national statistics and trends. Seeing the consistent drop in so many crucial quality-of-life statistics made me realize how bad the situation is getting, and how no one has decided to change course to correct it.

How would you help the region on the state level in Harrisburg?

Many of our politicians can't work with the "other side" because of party lines. If we want to be effective we can't keep acting like it's us versus them; we should all want to improve the lives of the people we represent. There are hot topics we disagree on, but there also are plenty of things we could introduce that are relatively non-partisan, such as Right to Repair and Right to Delete consumer protection laws I've advocated.

Contact Valerie Myers at [email protected].

This article originally appeared on Erie Times-News: Election Q&A: Strupczewski, GOP challenger for 2nd Dist., state House