“We have to make it more fair,” Barrar said. “It’s not fair that Unionville gets virtually nothing and Philadelphia gets 75% of its school funding from the state.”
Cleary, while he grants there are issues with the state funding system, says he thinks local school districts have to use better judgement — especially when it comes to starting large building programs.
“The school districts have to be a little more frugal,” he said. One problem has been that too many districts have been too quick to build new buildings, accruing large debt service that raises both taxes and spending — he said, noting the controversial Unionville High School expansion project. He does support the concept of the state paying when it puts new educational mandates on local districts, though.
DiGregory notes that he thinks revenue could be raised by closing loopholes that allow some of the biggest companies in the state to pay little or no taxes, while small business and homeowners get left carrying the burden.
“There’s a lot of loopholes that ought to be cut out,” he said. “I’m not in any way opposed to free enterprise, but if you’re going to make money off the resources and people of the commonwealth, then you should have to pay your fair share like the rest of us.”
Barrar, a Navy veteran, is the father of two adult daughters and loves to brag about his two-year-old grandson. Married for 31 years, he is an avid bicyclist — and can often be seen riding around the district. When he’s not on the job — he takes pride in having missed only two session days in 14 years — he also enjoys sailing on his boat in the Chesapeake.
DiGregory, who lives in Aston, Delaware County with his three teenage children, is a former high school history teacher, who holds two masters degrees. He currently works for a company that specializes in professional development for social studies educators.
Cleary, a native of North Dakota, comes from a family with a long record of public service. His father server in World War II and in Korea, where he served as a MASH doctor, while his mother served three terms in the North Dakota House of Representatives.
After graduating the Naval Academy, Cleary underwent flight training to become a flight officer, including carrier training. He spent 13 years in the Navy, including a tour patrolling the “No-Fly” zone in Northern Iraq. Currently employed as an aircraft systems engineer and project manager, he is active in youth sports in his spare time. Cleary, and his wife, Patricia Tuggle, who serves as an officer in an Army Reserve medical unit, have four children.
There is one thing that I think all who read this article should know. I had the fortunate opportunity to speak with Mr. DiGregory back on Labor Day weekend. At the Upper Chichester community day. I asked Mr. DiGregory what his stance was on the “disastrous” multiple stimulus packages and the healthcare bill. After a discussion, (where it was quite obvious that he is not a very well informed individual) Mr. DiGregory said and I quote, “I am a Democrat so obviously I agree with all of them.” At this I was thrown back, thinking “Wow this guy is a robot!” He then quickly sped off. This man is very very bad for the 160th.