Michael Taylor (Pennsylvania)

I am a citizen who when elected will put people over politics and people of agendas. I am a husband and father of 2 interested in helping our community grow and prosper. There are reasons we chose to live in the Heart of Chester County and they are not because we believe it is a liberal progressive local. We value hard work, family, education, faith, nature, friends, and a government responsive to the peoples' needs. We expect leaders to inspire the best in each other, not leaders who campaign on complaints and fears. We want leaders who are rational, reasonable and focused on our people.

• I am focused on good paying jobs in the district because "The economy is the soil of society."
• Educational choice for parents. Every child is not the same, every school is not the same. Freedom and choice is not only best for our children, but also best for education overall.
• We must improve and enhance our Mental Health Services. Many of society's ills could be avoided if individuals mental health issues were addressed as quickly as health issues.

Government is about serving the people. It is not about pursuing agendas. The people want to know that their representative wants to make their lives free and secure so that individuals and families are able to pursue happiness in their lives. The two primary principles a representative must uphold are 1) law and order (physical security) and 2) a robust economy (economic security). Without either, a citizen is not free to pursue the life they desire. Worse yet, without law and order and a robust economy, the government is not able to provide for the education of our youth, the support of our seniors, and all the other social support on which society relies.

Intelligent, thoughtful, friendly, and considerate

The elected official's core responsibility is to remember that the official works for and represents the people. The elected official must study legislative issues carefully and then make the best choice he or she can to promote the health, welfare, and finances of the people. The elected official should not maneuver to control people or pursue personal agendas. Finally, an elected official must always remember that the government's revenue comes from the people. It is the peoples' money and should not be squandered.

I remember the gas crisis of the later 1970s. I was 6-7 at the time. I remember that my family had to buy a smaller car and was concerned about travel and the like,

Charles Dickens' "Bleak House." I keep this book on my night table to remind me that being a lawyer is about serving the people. In the story, there is a fight over a decedent's will and who will inherit. In the end, the case is dismissed because after the years of fighting the decedent's estate has been reduced to zero because of all of the legal bills. In the end, the lawyers were the only ones who gained.

No, I do not believe state legislators benefit from previous experience in government. I do believe that state legislators benefit from owning small businesses and being involved in work where you serve and represent people. In my case, my experience as an attorney representing people will serve me well as a state legislator.

The Commonweath of Pennsylvania must continue to make itself attractive to business. We need to bring manufacturing home from overseas and Pennsylvania should be the place to resettle.

Yes, it is very important for legislators to build relationships. The art of compromise is at the heart of our government. Plus, getting to know and respect other legislators helps you to grow as a person, to understand their concerns, and to move issues forward. Namecalling and partisanship create fear and anger in the public and thwarts legislative actions.