'My top priority is affordability': Bob Merski's goals if re-elected as state rep.

Democrat Bob Merski is seeking a fourth term as 2nd Dist., state representative on Nov. 5. He faces Republican Matt Strupczewski.

The 2nd District includes Erie's 5th Ward, Wesleyville and Summit, Greene and Harborcreek townships.

Merski, 49, is vice chairman of the House Game and Fisheries Committee and also serves on the insurance, gaming oversight, finance, and professional licensure committees.

Merski was a teacher for 19 years before he was first elected to the House and served on Erie City Council for seven years. He is married and the father of two children.

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 re-election for this office?

Answer: I love serving the community and love being a state representative. I enjoy the work and working with people on both sides of the aisle to get things done for the people of Pennsylvania and Erie County.

If re-elected, what would be your priorities?

My top priority is affordability. I supported empowering the attorney general to go after price gougers. We also increased the property tax and rent rebate program so that more seniors are eligible and receive more money back. My legislation to reduce the car registration fee for eligible seniors goes into effect in December. I'm also co-sponsoring a bill to cap rent increases at the rate of inflation so that people in unsubsidized senior housing aren't squeezed out of their homes. And we need to continue to hold the state to its obligation to fund public education to remove the burden from local property owners.

What unique perspective do you bring to the office?

I've lived a life of service as an educator, as a city councilman and now as state representative. I've always been around people at community events, at the grocery store, at football games and at festivals and fundraisers, talking to them but more importantly listening. Reducing the car registration fee for seniors, for instance, came from seniors who brought the issue to me. It's about the three A's: Accessibility, accountability and achievement.

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

As chairman of the Northwestern Delegation of Democratic legislators, I have an obligation to my district and to Erie County and also to the greater region. One of the things we accomplished was saving the Erie SeaWolves by getting multiple years of RCAP money to renovate the stadium to double-A standards. We look at the broader economic picture, too, from manufacturing to agriculture to tourism to speak with one voice for northwestern Pennsylvania.

Contact Valerie Myers at [email protected].

This article originally appeared on Erie Times-News: Election Q&A: Bob Merski, seeking re-election as PA-2nd state rep.