Trending
Jeff Coleman would like to see a kinder, gentler climate in politics.
It's a message the former state House member is bringing to his campaign for lieutenant governor.
"I am pretty concerned about the state of civil discourse," he said. "I think Pennsylvania is a place that could model its return."
Coleman, a Republican, was in Lycoming County early this week.
He said people here are like those elsewhere, hungry for leaders with the right core values they are willing to put into action.
Coleman, who makes his home in Lemoyne, said he feels people need to get beyond party politics.
"The last identity we want to put on is our political affiliation," he said.
A self-described conservative, he said he's concerned about such issues as right to life, taxes and overspending, and school reform.
He said as lieutenant governor, he would play a subordinate role to support the governor's agenda.
"Everybody can't be the spokesman," he said. "Someone has to be focused on getting the job done."
Too often, he said, people in politics spend too much time making noise and pursuing personal agendas.
He said Pennsylvania, with its early history as a place for religious freedom and tolerance and economic opportunity, can set a good example moving forward for a return to civil discourse.
"For anybody who is giving up and is cynical about politics, this election cycle is an opportunity to fix it, and be an example to the rest of the world as champions of goodness, to take responsibility and how we treat each other," he said. "If people can buy into that mission, we can weather the next presidential cycle. We can end the uncivil war in politics."
He said leaders who display calm and have a focus on hard work are needed.
It's been a long time, he noted, since candidates have held debates in which both sides of issues are heard.
"If I'm the nominee, I'd like to have a series of unmoderated debates," he said.
People in Lycoming County and elsewhere, he said, are willing to fight for what they believe in.
"There is a lot of fight in the state and people who love the country," he said.
He said for all leaders, it comes down to what they brought to the table.
"What did you do when you had the power?" he said. "If it's just showboating and drama, that will be most disappointing."
Coleman, 46, served two terms in the House, representing Indiana County.
He became the first Filipino-American to serve in the General Assembly.
He later launched his own consulting firm, Churchill Strategies.