Civera graduated in 1965 from Upper Darby High School. He is currently running for his 14th term in office and is the chairman of the Majority Policy Committee.
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Roncaglione is a 2004 Upper Darby High graduate, currently a junior at Temple University. He is studying business with minors in political science and philosophy.
Roncaglione placed third in the nation during a DECA business competition. At 20, Roncaglione is one of the youngest candidates in Pennsylvania state history. He turns 21 Oct. 17, which would fulfill age requirements.
Taxes/school funding
Civera supported legislation passed this year in cooperation with Gov. Ed Rendell (D) which will make slots gambling revenue available for schools, establish a back-end referendum for property tax increases over a certain amount and give relief to seniors on fixed incomes based on a rebate program.
The referendum has been criticized by school boards state-wide because some say it would eventually lead to educational program cuts.
Civera said the referendum is something many residents wanted, and that it takes into account costs that are out of districts' control.
"There's a lot of exceptions to that," said Civera. "It was not as severe as it was in other states like New Jersey."
Civera pushed for an additional $2 million in funds two years ago when Upper Darby was considering cuts, and says the system as a whole needs change.
"The way the money is distributed is not fair for districts that live in poorer areas," said Civera.
He believes the possibilities of an earned income tax, and other ideas should be considered to relieve taxes and equalize funding. As policy chairman, he has held two hearings on funding.
Roncaglione said the tax legislation passed this year is nowhere near adequate.
"I think the plan that they passed, it's a first step, but it took 30 years," he said. "They're putting a band aid on a gun shot wound."
Roncaglione believes the state should cover 50 percent of education costs in all districts. He said establishing an earned income tax or increasing sales tax, along with the slots revenue are options to fund this.
Development/Crime
Civera said he helped obtain $4.2 million in state grant money for the Market Street Gateway Project earlier this year. He said there must be more partnership between businesses and government.
Civera praised the Weed & Seed program in Upper Darby and said improving public safety was key to fostering a healthy economy.
"I strongly support gun control," said Civera.
He voted for a measure that would have limited handgun purchases in the state to one a month. It was defeated earlier this month.
Civera said he sponsored another crime bill that has become law. It requires sex offenders registered under Megan's law to notify police within 24 hours of an address change.
Civera said this would prevent potentially dangerous people slipping off the radar of law enforcement.
Roncaglione said upgrading historical resources like Sellers Library and the Tower Theater would spark business growth.
The challenger said if elected he would focus more state money on developing new industries. He said he would invest in energy through alternative means, such as fuels that could be produced by Pennsylvania farmers.
"...if we don't create new industries, we're not going to be able to sustain our standard of living," said Roncaglione.
On the crime issue, Roncaglione said he supports each district in the state being able to determine its own gun laws. This would make districts with a lot of hunters and urban areas able to deal with their own unique needs, according to Roncaglione.
"When people have to fight and claw everyday to survive, crime will be an option," said Roncaglione. "I want to reverse that."
Absentee landlords
Civera said something should be done to reform the federal government's Section 8 housing program because, he said, it encourages landlords to neglect their properties.
He also supports the formation of a housing authority in Upper Darby.
Roncaglione said he believes strict enforcement of township codes and regulations would help improve property maintenance and discourage neglect.
The Pay Raise
Civera joined a majority of the legislature in voting last year for a substantial pay raise for law makers and judges. The legislature then voted to obtain its raises before the next term began using unvouchered expense accounts.
"We should not have done it when we were doing it," said Civera.
Civera said Gov. Rendell also had some responsibility for approving the laws.
"I gave the money back and I voted to repeal it," said Civera.
Roncaglione organized a petition last year against the pay raise. Despite the repeal, he claims the money Civera returned is in a political "slush fund," not the state's general funds.
"I think he's just trying to cover himself at this point," said Roncaglione. "The man votes for his wallet."
Civera said the funds were returned to the proper account.
"It's over now," said Civera.
Future goals
Civera said he has been able to work toward better school funding while in office. If re-elected, reforming the tax system and schools funding would be a top priority.
"There's a 10.5 percent increase in state funding for schools this year," said Civera. "Every child should have a good education."
Roncaglione addressed the perception that he may be too young for the job, and said he'd work to fight "injustice" and "restore faith in government."
"Experience is important, but the knowledge to do the right thing, and being a good person is the most important thing." Roncaglione said.
