Ferlo faces connected newcomer for state seat

Longtime Pittsburgh City Councilman Jim Ferlo faces a political neophyte with powerful family ties in local politics in Republican challenger Ted Tomson in his first bid for a statewide office.

Each man says he's eager to tackle an issue that's been kicked around the state Capitol for the past four decades: getting Pennsylvania residents relief from often disproportionate property taxes.

Doing away with property taxes, which vary throughout the state, is a fine idea, Ferlo said, but lawmakers will have to get the money from somewhere else. Ferlo said the state should look to a variety of sources as potential replacements, including revenues from legalizing slot machines, a statewide sales tax and a minor increase in the earned income tax.

"People aren't stupid. They know if you pay less somewhere, you're going to have to pay more somewhere else," said Ferlo, 51, of Shadyside. "Why not try something for a three year period• People need to be involved in the discussion, though."

Tomson, 27, graduated in May from Carnegie Mellon University with a master's degree in public policy. The Republican candidate said much of the money that now comes from public school property taxes could be replaced with revenues from slot machines at race tracks and video poker machines in taverns statewide, with oversight provided by the Pennsylvania Liquor Control Board.

"The main thing is, we need to be sure that we deal with a lot of different people's ideas," Tomson said.

The heavily Democratic 38th Senatorial District was held for 24 years by Leonard Bodack, who is retiring this year.

While Ferlo has built up strong support throughout Pittsburgh's East End neighborhoods during his 15 years on city council, the redrawn 38th District now stretches along the Allegheny River from Pittsburgh, up through the Allegheny Valley and into Armstrong and Westmoreland counties.

Tomson, whose family owns a recycling business and is politically connected in northern Allegheny County, could be hard to beat outside the city, political experts said.

"Ferlo's strength is the city," political analyst Joe Mistick said. But Ferlo needs to build up enough momentum to carry into suburban communities that are predominantly registered Democratic but sometimes have crossed party lines in the past, he added.

Ferlo defeated Highland Park financial planner Bonnie DiCarlo in the Democratic primary. To win that contest, Ferlo campaigned not just in the city, where he is well known, but also in Armstrong and Westmoreland counties. Ferlo said he thinks those efforts will pay off again when he faces Tomson.

"It's a very big geography. I've been trying to do as much outreach as I can," Ferlo said.

Tomson was unopposed for the GOP nomination in May.

If Ferlo wins, a special election would be held to fill the final year of his four-year city council term.

Jim Ferlo

Age: 51

Political party: Democrat

Residence: Shadyside

Occupation: Pittsburgh city councilman

Political experience: 15 years on Pittsburgh City Council

Ted Tomson

Age: 27

Political party: Republican

Residence: Fawn Township

Occupation: Graduated in May from Carnegie Mellon University with a master's degree in public policy

Political experience: None