2020 Candidate Profile: Frank Gillen, State Rep., 26th District

Frank Gillen

Age (as of Election Day)

27

Position Sought

Pennsylvania State House of Representatives 26, currently held by State Rep. Tim Hennessey

Party Affiliation

Democratic Party

Family

Single with no children

Does anyone in your family work in politics or government?

No

Education

Temple University's Fox School of Business

Occupation

Senior Financial Analyst (1 year and 7 months)

Previous or Current Elected or Appointed Office

No

Campaign website

https://www.facebook.com/Frank...

Why are you seeking elective office?

The current political climate in our country is what inspired me to run for office. I believe too many of the current elected officials in our country are career politicians and are not doing right by their constituents. I am not a career politician, and I believe with my experience in the financial sector, I can make much more efficient and responsible changes to the states fiscal policy that would increase the benefits given back to the the people of the 26th district, without increasing the tax burden on the tax payers.

The single most pressing issue facing our state/nation is _______, and this is what I intend to do about it.

Health care and medication costs. I believe that the cost of health care and medication is highly over-inflated. Affordable health care for all should be a basic human right in our country. If elected, I intend to focusing on legislative goals to reduce the cost of both health care and medication.

What are the critical differences between you and the other candidates seeking this post?

The critical differences between myself and the other candidates running for this office is that I feel I am the most relatable candidate. I am a hard working, middle class worker who deals with many of the same issues that others face. Issues such as health care costs, education quality, and economic reform are all issues that play a large influence in our everyday lives. Each election year, many people often feel dejected and uninterested in the outcome of elections because the candidates on the ballot don't relate to the voters. Being relatable makes me the best option to represent the people of the 26th district in Harrisburg because I will fight for the issues that matter most.

If you are a challenger, in what way has the incumbent failed the district?

I believe the current incumbent has become passive in his role as State Representative. He has been in the same office since 1993. With that many consecutive terms, there becomes a lack of urgency to address constituent issues. The 26th district needs new representation who can provide that urgency.

Describe the other issues that define your campaign platform

Some of the other issues that define my campaign platform are defending women's rights, environmental reform, gun control, and property tax reform to decrease the tax burden on senior citizen.

What accomplishments in your past would you cite as evidence you can handle this job?

I believe my extensive finance background from college, as well as my real world experience working at multiple financial institutions, would make me the best suited candidate in holding Harrisburg fiscally responsible with how the state is spending tax revenue each year.

What else would you like voters to know about yourself and your positions?

I want voters to know that I believe that many progressive initiatives that benefit the people of our district can be implemented without increasing the tax burden on the citizens of the district. If elected, my job from day one will be to address all issues with the current state fiscal policy and to introduce new legislation to create better policies for the future.