Erin McClelland is running for State Treasurer in Pennsylvania. Previously she ran for the U.S. Congress twice against Keith Rothfus. I interviewed her about her experiences, her platform, and exactly what the State Treasurer does.
She spoke of her background in industrial/organizational psychology. Later we spoke of how she worked with the former head of Alcoa and U.S. Treasury Secretary Paul O’Neill (not the baseball player). I asked her how O’Neill was shaped by his experience as Treasury secretary. Vice President Dick Cheney one told that “Ronald Reagan proved that deficits don’t matter.” The financial crisis then ensued at the end of the Bush administration log after O’Neill had left. McClelland said that the Bush administration was driven mostly by ideology.
The discussion then turned to her platform. It stresses the importance of increased cybersecurity for Pennsylvania’s municipalities. It also stresses the need for improving supply chains for our businesses. The coronavirus pandemic highlighted the importance of supply chain issues. She says the current state treasurer, Stacy Garrity, is weak on these issues.
Finally, the discussion turned to what the state treasurer actually does. He or she does manage the state’s finances, unclaimed property, PA 529 accounts and PA Able. PA 529 accounts allow people to save for their children’s college at state owned universities. PA Able accounts are for families with members with disabilities to save for their future needs. One of her proposals she mentioned at the end is that Pennsylvania should not invest in Israel.
Pennsylvania’s primary is on April 23. You can vote for Erin McClelland for State Treasurer and other candidates either in person or by mail. Information on voting can be found at the PA Dept. of State website.