2020 Candidate Profile: John Weinrich, State Rep., 152nd District

John Augustine Weinrich

Age (as of Election Day)

57

Position Sought

Pennsylvania State House of Representatives 152

Party Affiliation

Independent-- 1st one in 80+ years!! Giving voters a choice of 3 candidates.

Opponents

Nancy Guenst, Democrat and Karen Houck, Republican

Family

Married 30 years-Linda [Upper Moreland HS, U of Delaware, and Villanova, exactly like Jill Biden], children John Jr., Alex, & Beth.

Does anyone in your family work in politics or government?

NONE-I have been providing outstanding customer service in the private sector all my adult life.

Education

St. David's, Upper Moreland, LaSalle College High School, BA, Villanova University, Penn State- Advanced Real Estate, University of Madrid, & Wilton School- Chicago

Occupation

I am a seasoned Remax Realtor with over 25 years of experience in representing buyers and sellers in one of the most significant financial investments of their lives. I have personally and diligently handled hundreds and hundreds of real estate transactions, as well as previously worked for years in our local family business, Weinrich Bakery. . With deep district roots going back three generations, I am keenly aware of our future needs and current failures (unacceptably high real estate taxes, wasteful government spending, etc). As a fiscally-minded small businessman, I promise to address and tackle the important challenges for our community with the greatest level of tenacity. I can and will broker productive advancement with both Democratic and Republican members of the assembly. Seize the moment to elect a genuine and productive representative to Harrisburg, instead of sending a “business as usual” political candidate! I care very deeply about my community and desire to assist in its direction and positive change with a TRULY bipartisan, constituent-first focus.

Previous or Current Elected or Appointed Office

NONE, no experience in raising taxes or saying one thing and doing another......

Campaign website

Johnweinrich.com

Why are you seeking elective office?

This is your opportunity to select a representative who will not have any special interest favors or promises to fulfill after being elected. I am ready to give my full attention to enhancing our lives and representing the TRUE interests of the constituents, instead of simply voting a political party line. I have been providing outstanding personalized customer service my entire life. If elected, I would work with the community personally and not disappear into party bureaucracy. One of the prime reasons that I am seeking to be our representative is that as an Independent, I am better suited to convey ALL of the constituents’ wishes more honestly and equitably than either of the two rivaling establishment parties. I support absolute elimination of school tax on residential real estate with no reduction of school funding - accomplished by spreading school funding across all PA residents, not just homeowners (this is already implemented in many other states); reducing gun violence; eliminating the 2,400+ redundant offices of tax collectors for the entire state; providing treatment options, not jail, for those suffering from addiction -- all are issues that I am passionate about. I believe in increasing PA’s minimum wage; there has been no increase in the past 11 years! Other initiatives would be to abolish the state store liquor and create free enterprise for lower prices and greater flexibility/hours, as well as no cost community college.

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

We need to unite as a community and confront the assortment of problems that need attention. Specifically, people need to find good paying jobs to provide for their families. We need to grow the manufacturing and service industries. Bring companies back to US soil by being competitive with tax rates. Made in America benefits our entire economic engine. When business thrives, taxes rise, and all of society reaps the fruits. I have been to 25 countries and 47 states and Pennsylvania is fine place to live , work , and play, but we must do better!!

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

There are stark and vivid differences between my campaign and my opponents’ campaigns. In order to not have even the appearance of impropriety, I have repeatedly refused to seek or accept one dime of "Political Action Committee” money. Unlike many other states, PA law allows House candidates to take a limitless amount of money, as long it is disclosed and used for election purposes. This allows my current opponents to have special interest groups pay for the elaborate, colorful, and extremely expensive mailers that have been routinely coming to your mailbox. Some would say, these groups are paying in advance for a special remembrance or treatment when a legislative action is up for vote which would affect their industry.

Do you and I think that a party-backed/PAC money recipient is going to stand up for our true interests? Or will they vote with the interests of the group that paid hundreds of thousands of dollars to get that representative in office? There is an astonishing amount of money coming from outside the 152nd district to impact its outcome, but not to me. The time is grossly overdue to break this perpetual cycle. I plan to help govern with the residents' concerns at heart and do what is fundamentally right for all our citizens and not be beholden to industry money providers. I am ready to assert our positions in the state capital and will not give special interest a vote over citizens' voices.

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

TOM MURT, a dedicated public servant is retiring--- this is an "OPEN SEAT."

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

I am keenly aware of the paramount issues of our area. I am ready to address the challenges that face our future with a problem solving mindset. In my 25+ year career (1994 - present) as a self-employed, professional RE/MAX realtor, I have learned to negotiate and manage hundreds of home purchases and selling transactions for my fellow citizens. I am ready to give back to my community by traveling to Harrisburg and getting the job done!

The best advice ever shared with me was …

When you promise to do something, always follow through and don't let people down!

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

I have the unique position to be able to build a coalition of Democrats and Republicans and actually stop the polarization that stops meaningful progress.

Let's work together and accomplish significant projects for all Pennsylvanians!