1: First, we like to start these off by giving you a bit of space to tell our readers more about yourself and why you're running for office.

I am running for office to use my years of experience as a business person and an elected official to serve the people of this state. My background includes a graduate degree in forensic chemistry, experience as a teacher at the Community College of Allegheny County, a small business owner, school board member, city council member and Recorder of Deeds for Allegheny County.

So my background is really quite varied and I bring this diversity and wealth of experience in business, in my community, and in public service to the table. I really believe that elected officials are public servants and that is why I’m running. I feel I have something to offer the people of Pennsylvania and I look forward to connecting localities to Harrisburg and to helping turn the promises in which we all believe into a reality.

2: The Lt. Governor's office is considered by many to be an ineffectual office - what will you do to revitalize this position and "make it your own?"

Many people do not realize that the Lieutenant Governor chairs the Local Government Advisory Committee. Right now it doesn’t do much. But I really think there is a need to bring the state together by connecting local entities to Harrisburg. The Lieutenant Governor should serve to amplify the voices of local government and make sure that they are being heard in Harrisburg.
The Lieutenant Governor also over sees the Board of Pardons and the State Senate. And while the President of the Senate does not vote on legislation except in cases of a tie, it is a position of oversight. As the President of the Senate I will ensure that parliamentary procedures are followed correctly and do what I can to bring transparency to this process.

I also look forward to helping Governor Rendell fulfill the promises that Pennsylvanians believe in. The Governor and I share a progressive agenda and it is very important to have a Lieutenant Governor that not only shares the goals of the state’s chief executive, but also that has a depth of understanding of relevant issues and can effectively present and debate them. While my goal is not to be Governor, I am ready and able to do the job and to continue the progress that Governor Rendell has started.

3: Unlike many candidates, you have posted research online into your own record of public service. Why the split from how things are usually done?

You cannot, and should not, run from your record. I truly believe that office holding is about public service. It is a sacred responsibility. As such we have an ultimate responsibility to the people who voted for us to serve with integrity. If we do, we should be able to withstand the full light of public scrutiny. I think if we had more transparency in government, it might shake things up a little, but in the end the people would be the winners.

4: Challenging an incumbent in a primary is a gutsy move. Why did you decide it is necessary? Why this year?

As a Democrat I understand that we need to have the strongest, best balanced and most experienced ticket possible in November. I bring the balance, the strength and the experience that Rendell needs in what is shaping up to be a hotly contested race. And I think the Democratic Party must present a fresh perspective. In fact I think the people of Pennsylvania are demanding this. It’s almost a mandate from the people to infuse Harrisburg with fresh ideas, fresh blood, and to do it now. So I am stepping up not only to strengthen the Democratic ticket but to increase my level of public service, which I feel is my obligation and my honor.

5: What makes you better qualified than Lt. Gov. Knoll to hold this position?

I live where I serve. And I always have. I have that depth of experience within my community and within local government that lets me really understand how the machinations of State Government truly affect communities. I served on School Board. I know how helpful and how difficult state regulation can be. I served on City Council. I am quite familiar with how a legislator’s actions affect constituents. As a City Council Member if I did something the electors did not like I heard about it first hand and right away! In the grocery store, in church, on the street—constituents let me know that my actions and the actions of fellow council members had direct consequences for them, good and bad.

I am the progressive candidate. I would bring a fresh perspective to the office of Lieutenant Governor. My ideals coincide with Governor Rendell’s and I would be an energetic advocate for his platform. I have already been endorsed by the National Organization for Women and by Democracy for Pittsburgh (the local chapter of Democracy for America) and I think you will find that I really am the best choice in this race for a progressive agenda.

I have received these endorsements because I believe in protecting women’s rights—like women’s access to quality health care. I believe in investing in education to ensure that all children in the state have quality education. I believe in keeping our communities safer by reducing violence and drug activity, and creating economic opportunity so individuals and communities don’t turn to illicit measures to survive. I believe in strengthening laws to protect consumers. And I believe that no one issue defines the core needs and values of most people, therefore it is imperative to create an agenda that reaches across issues, across geography and across demographics to protect Pennsylvanians and help them live their lives fruitfully.

I have the ideals and the agenda that most Pennsylvanians support and I have the energy and experience to see that the state government improves the conditions for all citizens of this state.

6: Federal officials often say that same-sex issues should be left to the states. As a Councilwoman in Pittsburgh, you voted to give same-sex partners medical benefits and advocated "sexual orientation counseling" as a school board member. Are same-sex rights an issue that you'll be working on as Lieutenant Governor?

I absolutely support rights for same sex couples. I support everyone’s rights and as Lieutenant Governor it will not only be my pleasure but my duty to uphold the constitution and try to ensure that all citizens enjoy the fundamental rights of life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness. If this becomes an issue I will work to protect same sex rights.

7: Name two people who have inspired you in life and tell us a bit about why.

I am actually going to name three:

Congresswoman Shirley Chisholm and Former Speaker of the House and Pennsylvania State Representative K. Leroy Irvis – both now deceased – for daring to be first. These two individuals were political pioneers, and they did this while being beholden only to the people they served. This always amazes me, the bravery and the fortitude to be trailblazers and to maintain one’s integrity while doing it.

Shirley Chisholm was truly unbought and unbossed. She dared to run for congress against the odds and she even dared to run for president of the United States. She lived a life of service first as a teacher then as an elected official.

K Leroy Irvis bore the nickname “the lion