Norco Council (Northern Tier): Scott Parsons v. Ron Angle

"You know what you get if you vote for me. I'm not for big government, I'm for less government. I spend a lot of hours. I know the issues.

"Some people, my opponent, for instance, says he's going to bring civility. Well, I like to bring spirited debate. Many nights, Mr. McClure and I have spirited debates. Some bights, we agree on issues. Some nights, we don't. But civility is not what makes you a good Council person, and I think we all have civility that are on there right now, quite frankly.

"The last debate, my opponent four times said that I do a good job. I think that's a great testament to the job I've done. He twice said that I certainly have the time to do the job that he doesn't. I tank him for that compliment. At one point, when he was asked a question, he said he didn't know the answer, but if the moderator would ask me, I would. And of course, they did and I gave them the answer.

"I strive every day, and I do spend a lot of hours here, and yes I know the issues and I'll debate any of you anytime, anyplace, anywhere, on this County.

"The answer to this country, the answer to this state and the answer to this County, are one and the same - we've got to stop growing government. We have to shrink government, and we have to grow the private sector. If not, we are doomed.

"I work towards those goals every day of my life. I would question my opponent, could he walk over to Bethlehem and negotiate a $5 million giveback on a TIF that was already passed and was a law? I don't think so.

"Last year, when I didn't like the budget, I produced my own budget. It passed. When he [Parsons] was asked questions about the budget at the last debate, he had no idea. You can stay after here tonight, come up here, and ask me any question you want about the budget. I'll gladly answer for you.

"Yes, I'm tough to serve with. Yes, I'm demanding, but I'm the most demanding, quite frankly, on myself, because out there in Region 4 is a lot of little old senior citizens, a lot of young people trying to buy a house and may never realize that dream. And frankly, I do give a damn about those people. I give a big damn about those people because without those people, we'll never have an America like it used to be.

"If we keep destroying middle class America, and my opponent said here earlier he's for one big government. He made a statement earlier. I'm for one little government."



"I'd like to begin by saying, thanking the LWV for having us, giving me this opportunity to speak. I will also state, by starting, that I am not a professional politician. I'm just your every day one job, one house, one mortgage creature with a vision that can serve the people of Northampton County. I sit here with humility and respect for the system that affords me the opportunity to seek elected office.

"I continually get asked about my motives for running for political office. Is it the notoriety, the fame, the power, the opportunity to be in the spotlight? Honestly, I can say it's none of these reasons. I believe the people of Northampton County deserve representation on Council from someone who has compassion, civility, respect and common courtesy. This, my good friends, is the decisive reason for me running.

"The treatment of our citizens is at the forefront of my campaign. You should not be discouraged from expressing your opinions. The voice of the struggling are important.

"I would like to change and amend the system we are currently under. We, as citizens, deserve better treatment from our elected officials. But it is up to the electorate to bring about the change. It is your government, so let the people speak. We are tired of disrespect, nonsense and demand better.

"I also would like to say that Mr. Angle does have experience. He sat here for twelve years. If you give me twelve years, as a matter of fact, I do like these chairs. I can get comfortable. If you give me twelve years of looking at this budget, if you give me a year of looking at this budget, I'll decide and discuss it with anybody.

"When he [Angle] talks about the time he has to put into it, last I checked, the Council's job is not to be out every day. The Council's job is to oversee the job done by the executive and administrative branch of the government. It's not our position to be here every day. I will be here when needed. I'll put the time in. You go ask anybody in Wind Gap, they'll tell you I'm not afraid to do a little work. Thank you."