Q&A with Jim Wertz: What to know about Democratic candidate for 49th Dist., state Senate

Democrat Jim Wertz is running for the Pennsylvania State Senate, challenging incumbent Republican Dan Laughlin for the 49th senatorial district seat, which represents nearly all of Erie County.

Wertz, a professor of broadcast journalism and digital media at PennWest-Edinboro, was most prominently the chairman of the Erie County Democratic Party from 2018 to 2023. He's also worked as a news videographer, editor, newscast director, and production manager at Erie news stations.

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Wertz is currently on sabbatical as a professor at PennWest-Edinboro.

Raised in Reading, Wertz, 45, was the first member of his family to graduate from college, attending Edinboro University where he earned a bachelor’s degree in history and communications. He also has a master’s degree in history from American University and a doctorate in communications from Indiana University of Pennsylvania.

Wertz is married with three children. He's involved in numerous organizations, including the Police Athletic League and the Erie Philharmonic boards and is the founding director of the Greater Erie Film Office.

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

Wertz's reason for running, priorities, future plans

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

Answer: For years, I’ve helped my students pursue their dreams and I talk to my kids daily about theirs. They deserve a Pennsylvania that holds the promise of a future where they can start and raise their families while pursuing the dreams they desire. My opponent has forgotten about the people of Erie County, trading our voice in Harrisburg for one that only represents his interests and his big corporate donors.

If elected, what would you consider your top priorities?

There is a $5 billion gap in our public school funding that needs to be closed. We need a new funding model that eliminates property taxes from the equation. This will fully fund our schools while putting money back in families’ pockets. For 40 years, politicians have failed to require increased safety precautions while public workers have been injured or killed on the job. I’ll work to finally require OSHA-level safety protections for workers. We need a Prescription Drug Affordability Board that reviews prescription drug costs, holds drug companies accountable and caps the price of expensive drugs. Finally, I will support an amendment to protect reproductive rights in our state constitution.

What unique perspective would you bring to the office?

One thing that I’ve learned from knocking on doors for my campaign, and from other candidates over the past 20 years around Erie County, is that regardless of ideological lines, most people share the same concerns and the same hopes for positive outcomes. Acknowledgement of our commonality and our shared goals is a great first step in creating positive change for the entire commonwealth.

How do you plan to help Erie on a state level in Harrisburg?

I will advocate for additional state-level investment in job training and educational programs, particularly in fields like advanced manufacturing, health care and technology, which continue to grow in Erie County. I’ll fight to ensure Erie County schools receive adequate state funding, especially given that many districts across Erie County have struggled with funding inequalities, and I’ll advocate for funding and programs that strengthen local institutions to ensure they remain competitive and relevant throughout the Great Lakes and around the world.

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A.J. Rao can be reached at [email protected]. Follow him on X @ETNRao.

This article originally appeared on Erie Times-News: Q&A: Jim Wertz outlines goals for 49th Dist., state Senate