Both candidates for the state's 57th District House seat support changes to the state Legislature, but they have different plans in mind.

Democratic candidate John W. Boyle, 43, of Greensburg, said he supports House Bill 55, which would reduce the number of state Senate districts from 50 to 41 and the number of state House districts from 203 to 161.

His Republican opponent, Tim Krieger, 46, of Delmont, said he wants to see Pennsylvania implement a part-time Legislature, similar to the one in Virginia.

The candidates are vying to replace Tom Tangretti, D-Hempfield, who will step down after 10 terms. The 57th District encompasses Delmont, Greensburg, Hunker, New Stanton, Salem, South Greensburg, Southwest Greensburg, Youngwood and parts of Hempfield and Unity.

"I don't have a problem with a part-time Legislature," said Mr. Boyle, an attorney. "What I do disagree with is how does it actually reduce the size of the Legislature? We have the largest and most costly Legislature in the country. It's time to limit it to reasonable numbers like other places."

Mr. Krieger, also an attorney, said: "The problem is the [legislators] aren't taking their responsibilities seriously. Unless we can have a different kind of person there, we still have the same problem. A part-time Legislature would address cost issues because if you're not there all the time, you don't get paid all the time, you don't need a pension. And it changes the type of person who goes into Harrisburg."

Legislative reform is only one of many issues the candidates said must be addressed. Others are reforming the property tax system, improving the business climate in the state and providing safeguards against political corruption. As Nov. 4 draws nearer, the challenge for the opponents is convincing voters that their way is the right way to address the problems.

Mr. Krieger believes the best way to promote a strong economy in the state is to reduce personal income taxes and abolish school property taxes in favor of a new system for residents. For businesses, he said, the state must reduce the corporate net income tax and eliminate the corporate stock and franchise tax.

He also said the state must provide greater oversight for economic development projects to ensure the funds are being used properly.

"If you take a look at the budget that was passed this year, there were [approximately] $800 million in economic development funds. I would take a look at every dollar put into economic development to ensure it all goes toward economic development."

Mr. Boyle said property tax reform, particularly for the region's low-income seniors, is one of his highest priorities. Rather than eliminating the tax, he offered three solutions: the state should pay 50 percent of school funding, rather than the 35 percent it pays today; school spending must be closely monitored and reined in; and casino and slot revenue should go "100 percent" toward property tax relief.

He also said the $2 million cap on the Net Operating Loss Act should be lifted for businesses, and surpluses that legislators have in their coffers at the end of a fiscal year should be returned to taxpayers.