Five vie for 40th State House District nominations
Two Democrats and three Republicans are vying for each party’s nomination to replace Republican state Rep. John Maher, who is retiring from the 40th House District at the end of his term this year. The district includes all of Upper St. Clair and Peters Township, and part of Bethel Park.
Ed Eichenlaub, 62, of Bethel Park, and Sharon Guidi, 62, of Peters Township are running for the Democratic nomination while Natalie Mihalek, 38, of Upper St. Clair, James Roman, 46, of Peters Township and Paul Dixon, 64, of Bethel Park are running for the Republican nomination.
The candidates were emailed a question, “What is the most pressing issue in the district?” They were given a 150-word limit.
Here are their emailed responses:
Democrats

Ed Eichenlaub
Ed Eichenlaub
Pennsylvania faces an uphill battle in a myriad of policy spheres. From budgetary crises to underfunded public schools, politicians in Harrisburg have proven themselves far more concerned with lobbyist-funded luncheons than sustainable policy solutions. Elevating special interests and connected insiders above working Pennsylvanians is the most pressing issue for many districts across the state. Instead of cheating our children out of a quality education, let’s hold large corporations accountable by closing deceptive tax loopholes. Instead of assaults on organized labor and the middle class, let’s implement a severance tax to keep revenue earned in Pennsylvania, actually in Pennsylvania. And instead of political posturing for self-preservation, let’s ask our representatives to hold town halls and engage with substantive ideas. Integrity, honesty, and decency should be the hallmarks of public service.
Sharon Guidi
The single greatest issue: lack of effective representation in Harrisburg. Many constituents feel their legislators do not represent them and their interests. What people in the 40th District want is world-class educations for their children, security for seniors, accessible and affordable health care, and a state budget that is funded and passed on time. State legislators too often pass bills that do the opposite. I will work for people-centered legislation that benefits my constituents, not special interests. My vision for education includes early childhood education programs, reducing student debt, and safeguarding teachers’ pensions. I will fight efforts to cut Medicare and Social Security while advocating for the financial and personal well-being of seniors. I favor health insurance coverage for all Pennsylvanians. Expanding revenue sources will fund the state budget and provide tax relief to the middle class. State government must work for the majority of Pennsylvanians, not just the 1 percent.
Republicans

Paul Dixon
Paul Dixon
I have served over four terms as a Bethel Park councilman balancing municipal budgets, fighting opioid abuse, and funding government services without tax increases. But the one issue I hear more about than any other is traffic congestion. And this occurs primarily on PennDOT state roads. Backups at the intersection of McMurray and Clifton Road are unbearable. Traffic flow in and around South Hills Village and Donaldson’s Crossroads can be intolerable. Congestion along South Park Road is frustrating. During my service on council, I have been working with PennDOT to reduce traffic congestion. But, as local officials we have limited authority over state roads. As your next state representative, I will secure funding and state support to reduce South Hills traffic congestion. I have the needed experience, knowledge, and municipal background. I know how to fix this! I ask for your support in the May 15th Republic primary election.

Natalie Mihalek
Natalie Mihalek
As a former assistant district attorney, I’ve seen first-hand the devastating effects of the opioid epidemic. This epidemic touches nearly every facet of society. Families are being destroyed when children are neglected for parents’ addictions, businesses can’t find employees to pass a drug test, and courts and government services are overrun with drug related crimes. Unfortunately, doctors have been lead to believe that these drugs are not addictive when the opposite is true. Medications are overprescribed, and when the refills expire, people often doctor shop, steal to pay for street pills, or turn to heroin. If elected, I plan to hold the pharmaceutical companies responsible, ensure doctor shopping isn’t an option, and limit the number of opioids per script. I also want to make sure that we are getting people into effective treatment, so that we can unburden the court system and get people back into leading productive lives.
James Roman
The Roman Road, PA’s path to the future! The biggest issue for Pennsylvania is our legislatures make things worse. Pennsylvania ranks 38th best state and ranks poorly in: fiscal stability, education, personal income growth and quality of life, but ranks high in: gasoline tax, real estate taxes and unemployment. We have our priorities in the wrong order. To properly address these issues, we need to stop fighting over party politics by focusing on commonsense laws that help everyone. As a non-career politician, I will bring my experience as a former college professor and management consultant for Fortune 500 companies to apply common sense problem solving to address these issues to truly represent the voters of my district. Pa. government is overloaded and bloated, it is time for a fresh, new approach. Pa. deserves better than 38th best! It is time to elect James Roman!
40th Legislative District
Term: Two years
Salary: $86,478
District includes: The district includes all of Upper St. Clair and Peters Township, and part of Bethel Park.
Ed Eichenlaub
Age: 62
Residence: Bethel Park
Education: Bachelor’s of science in biology/pre-med from Alderson-Broaddus University
Occupation: Veterans counselor at the Allegheny County Jail
Sharon Guidi
Age: 62
Residence: Peters Township
Education: Master’s in education from Carlow University; bachelor’s of science in education from the University of Pittsburgh
Occupation: Teacher
Natalie Mihalek Stuck
Age: 38
Residence: Upper St. Clair
Education: Bachelor’s of arts, juris doctor, licensed to practice law in Pennsylvania
Occupation: Attorney
James Roman
Age: 46
Residence: Peters Township
Education: Bachelor’s of arts from University of Pittsburgh’ master’s degree from Duquesne University; master’s of business administration from Point Park Univesity; Ph.D from University of Pittsburgh.
Occupation: Realtor, adjunct college professor, consultant
Paul Dixon
Age: 64
Residence: Bethel Park
Education: Studied civil engineering, drafting and surveying at Community College of Allegheny County
Occupation: Senior national account relocation executive