Matthew Sernell
Republican | Pennsylvania
Candidate Profile
Moderate
BIOGRAPHY
Name
Matthew Sernell
Party
Republican
Election Year
2018
Election
Primary
Race
State Rep., Dist. 71
Incumbent
No
Links
EDUCATION
Nothcentral University, MBA, 2010
University of Pittsburgh, Undergrad, 2006
WORK & MILITARY
(Candidate did not provide)
AFFILIATIONS
UPJ Alumni Association, Board of Directors
POLITICAL OFFICES HELD
Borough President, 5
Borough Council, 9
POLITICAL OFFICES SOUGHT
Republican Delegate, 2016
Race
SELECTED CONTRIBUTIONS
CONSERVATIVE
GIVEN BY CANDIDATE (2)
Donald Trump
Local, County, and District Republican Organizations
RECEIVED BY CANDIDATE (0)
OTHER INFORMATION
QUESTIONNAIRE
OTHER IMPORTANT ISSUES
Human life begins at conception and deserves legal protection at every stage until natural death.
Agree
Human life begins at conception and deserves legal protection at every stage until natural death.
Agree
I am in favor of construction of a wall and other necessary infrastructure on our border that gives complete control over entering and exiting the United States.
Strongly Agree
I am in favor of construction of a wall and other necessary infrastructure on our border that gives complete control over entering and exiting the United States.
Strongly Agree
Governments should not discriminate against individuals, organizations or small businesses because of their belief that marriage is only a union of one man and one woman.
Strongly Agree
Governments should not discriminate against individuals, organizations or small businesses because of their belief that marriage is only a union of one man and one woman.
Strongly Agree
Governments should define marriage as between one man and one woman; no other definition of marriage should be legalized or supported with taxpayer or public funds.
Neutral
Governments should define marriage as between one man and one woman; no other definition of marriage should be legalized or supported with taxpayer or public funds.
Neutral
It is the government’s responsibility to be sure everyone has a livable income.
Strongly Disagree
It is the government’s responsibility to be sure everyone has a livable income.
Strongly Disagree
It is the government’s responsibility to be sure everyone has health insurance.
Disagree
It is the government’s responsibility to be sure everyone has health insurance.
Disagree
Judeo-Christian values established a framework of morality which permitted our system of limited government.
Agree
Judeo-Christian values established a framework of morality which permitted our system of limited government.
Agree
More restrictive gun control is needed to protect public safety.
Strongly Disagree
More restrictive gun control is needed to protect public safety.
Strongly Disagree
Free enterprise and the right to private property are essential elements of a productive economic system.
Strongly Agree
Free enterprise and the right to private property are essential elements of a productive economic system.
Strongly Agree
Religious liberty is at risk in the United States and deserves the highest level of protection in the law.
Agree
Religious liberty is at risk in the United States and deserves the highest level of protection in the law.
Agree
Any teaching to children on sex education in public schools must include all contraceptive methods, and should not show preference to abstinence.
Neutral
Any teaching to children on sex education in public schools must include all contraceptive methods, and should not show preference to abstinence.
Neutral
People should be able to vote without photo identification.
Disagree
People should be able to vote without photo identification.
Disagree
Abortion providers, including Planned Parenthood, should not receive funds from federal, state, or local governments.
Strongly Agree
Abortion providers, including Planned Parenthood, should not receive funds from federal, state, or local governments.
Strongly Agree
Islamic law (Sharia) should take precedence over national and state laws where there are Islamic majority communities in the U. S.
Strongly Disagree
Islamic law (Sharia) should take precedence over national and state laws where there are Islamic majority communities in the U. S.
Strongly Disagree
The state constitution should limit the growth of spending to the rate of population growth plus the rate of inflation.
Agree
The state constitution should limit the growth of spending to the rate of population growth plus the rate of inflation.
Agree
Congress should pass a balanced budget amendment to the Constitution.
Agree
Congress should pass a balanced budget amendment to the Constitution.
Agree
People should be allowed to use public restrooms, showers, and changing rooms based on "gender identity."
Disagree
People should be allowed to use public restrooms, showers, and changing rooms based on "gender identity."
Disagree
I support sanctuary cities.
Strongly Disagree
I support sanctuary cities.
Strongly Disagree
I support the death penalty.
Agree
I support the death penalty.
Agree
Tuition-free public education should be guaranteed through college.
Disagree
Tuition-free public education should be guaranteed through college.
Disagree
The best way to maintain peace is through a strong military.
Strongly Agree
The best way to maintain peace is through a strong military.
Strongly Agree
Parents should be the primary authority in decisions affecting their minor children.
Strongly Agree
Parents should be the primary authority in decisions affecting their minor children.
Strongly Agree
Mandatory minimum sentencing should be required and enforced for violent crimes.
Agree
Mandatory minimum sentencing should be required and enforced for violent crimes.
Agree
I voted in these primaries and general elections:
2010 General Election, 2010 Republican Primary, 2012 General Election, 2012 Republican Primary, 2014 General Election, 2014 Republican Primary, 2016 General Election, 2016 Republican Primary
I voted in these primaries and general elections:
2010 General Election, 2010 Republican Primary, 2012 General Election, 2012 Republican Primary, 2014 General Election, 2014 Republican Primary, 2016 General Election, 2016 Republican Primary
Under what circumstances should abortion be allowed?
Abortion should be permitted when the life of the mother is in danger or when the pregnancy is the result of a crime.
Under what circumstances should abortion be allowed?
Abortion should be permitted when the life of the mother is in danger or when the pregnancy is the result of a crime.
What in the nature of mankind caused America’s Founders to carefully define, separate, and limit powers in the Constitution?
The US Constitution could very well be the best document ever written by mankind. By starting with the idea that people can govern themselves, our founders devised a system that doesn't apply rules to the people but to the government. By separating responsibilities and powers, our founders ensured that no single person or group of people would be able to grab more power than they are allowed to have.
What in the nature of mankind caused America’s Founders to carefully define, separate, and limit powers in the Constitution?
The US Constitution could very well be the best document ever written by mankind. By starting with the idea that people can govern themselves, our founders devised a system that doesn't apply rules to the people but to the government. By separating responsibilities and powers, our founders ensured that no single person or group of people would be able to grab more power than they are allowed to have.
Briefly describe your spiritual beliefs and values.
I believe that we are all intended to be allowed to live our lives as we feel is best. Our creator provided free will to permit everyone to decide their own fate. That's a core belief I have and one that should be protected.
Briefly describe your spiritual beliefs and values.
I believe that we are all intended to be allowed to live our lives as we feel is best. Our creator provided free will to permit everyone to decide their own fate. That's a core belief I have and one that should be protected.
When you consider your views on a wide range of issues from economic and social matters to foreign policy and immigration, which of the following best describes you overall?
Conservative
When you consider your views on a wide range of issues from economic and social matters to foreign policy and immigration, which of the following best describes you overall?
Conservative
Please provide publicly available information validating your answer to the previous question.
Over eight years serving in public office, I have a strong voting record on doing what is right for the people in a fiscally smart way. My record proves that I can accomplish goals, protect the community, and develop economic opportunities. My record also shows that I have done this without bettering myself by accepting a full time salary, using tax dollars to attend events and conferences, or creating benefits for myself.
Please provide publicly available information validating your answer to the previous question.
Over eight years serving in public office, I have a strong voting record on doing what is right for the people in a fiscally smart way. My record proves that I can accomplish goals, protect the community, and develop economic opportunities. My record also shows that I have done this without bettering myself by accepting a full time salary, using tax dollars to attend events and conferences, or creating benefits for myself.
What is the best way to bring down unemployment?
We can create a strong job environment in our region and in the State of Pennsylvania by eliminating the barriers to growth that we have created. Our system is broken in a fundamental way when starting a business is so incredibly hard. Between Federal rules, State regulations, and Local requirements, we put too many burdens on job creators. Fix that system and we can generate new jobs and, at the same time, attract businesses to the State.
What is the best way to bring down unemployment?
We can create a strong job environment in our region and in the State of Pennsylvania by eliminating the barriers to growth that we have created. Our system is broken in a fundamental way when starting a business is so incredibly hard. Between Federal rules, State regulations, and Local requirements, we put too many burdens on job creators. Fix that system and we can generate new jobs and, at the same time, attract businesses to the State.
How would you promote healthcare coverage that is adequate, affordable and accessible for all?
Our heath insurance system requires a significant overhaul. If we get beyond the political talking points, we can use the power of the market to allow everyone to participate in health coverage in an affordable way.
How would you promote healthcare coverage that is adequate, affordable and accessible for all?
Our heath insurance system requires a significant overhaul. If we get beyond the political talking points, we can use the power of the market to allow everyone to participate in health coverage in an affordable way.
What role should government play in boosting the economy?
The best way for the government to boost the economy is to stop trying to boost the economy. Time and time again we see 'economic development' projects that are simply pet projects for a select few. We see tax dollars get thrown down the drain on projects that generate nothing. Tax breaks are given to companies that we hope will set down roots to only see them leave when the tax dollars dry up. By building a simple and fair tax system for businesses, by eliminating unneeded and burdensome regulations, and by providing incentives for our local governments to do the same, we can begin to construct a fair and strong foundation where any business can succeed based on their own abilities and merits. This not only streamlines business development, it encourages economic diversity ensuring that our region and State is never again at the mercy of a single industry.
What role should government play in boosting the economy?
The best way for the government to boost the economy is to stop trying to boost the economy. Time and time again we see 'economic development' projects that are simply pet projects for a select few. We see tax dollars get thrown down the drain on projects that generate nothing. Tax breaks are given to companies that we hope will set down roots to only see them leave when the tax dollars dry up. By building a simple and fair tax system for businesses, by eliminating unneeded and burdensome regulations, and by providing incentives for our local governments to do the same, we can begin to construct a fair and strong foundation where any business can succeed based on their own abilities and merits. This not only streamlines business development, it encourages economic diversity ensuring that our region and State is never again at the mercy of a single industry.
What education or experience qualifies you to hold the office for which you seek election?
My education and industry experience provides numerous qualifications to represent our region. My undergraduate degree from Pitt-Johnstown in in the field of geography. This provided practical education in the fields of development, the environment, technology, and hands on experience with the problems we are facing today. I also hold a Masters of Business Administration degree. This practical degree provides a strong foundation for the economic issues we have been facing for the last 40 years. Just as importantly, however, is my industry experience. As a business owner, I know through first hand experience the issues our businesses are facing. That experience is needed for our region, now more than ever before. It's important to have the experience of someone who has had to sign a paycheck, work to build a company, has had the joys of success and the bitterness of failure. Together, these experiences uniquely qualify me to represent the 71st District.
What education or experience qualifies you to hold the office for which you seek election?
My education and industry experience provides numerous qualifications to represent our region. My undergraduate degree from Pitt-Johnstown in in the field of geography. This provided practical education in the fields of development, the environment, technology, and hands on experience with the problems we are facing today. I also hold a Masters of Business Administration degree. This practical degree provides a strong foundation for the economic issues we have been facing for the last 40 years. Just as importantly, however, is my industry experience. As a business owner, I know through first hand experience the issues our businesses are facing. That experience is needed for our region, now more than ever before. It's important to have the experience of someone who has had to sign a paycheck, work to build a company, has had the joys of success and the bitterness of failure. Together, these experiences uniquely qualify me to represent the 71st District.
E-mail address and phone number for voters to reach you:
jmsernell@gmail.com
E-mail address and phone number for voters to reach you:
jmsernell@gmail.com
Is there anything else you would like voters to know about you?
When I decided to take my experience and skills and run for this office, I knew that voters deserve more than what the usual candidate provides. Anyone can write up a quick speech with a few catch phrases or rehash the same old political tropes. I launched this campaign with a fully developed, actionable, and obtainable plan for the critical issues facing our region. The day the campaign launched, this plan was done and available to see on www.sernell.com I'm proud of the Sernell Plan for our region and look forward to begin implementing it on my first day in office.
Is there anything else you would like voters to know about you?
When I decided to take my experience and skills and run for this office, I knew that voters deserve more than what the usual candidate provides. Anyone can write up a quick speech with a few catch phrases or rehash the same old political tropes. I launched this campaign with a fully developed, actionable, and obtainable plan for the critical issues facing our region. The day the campaign launched, this plan was done and available to see on www.sernell.com I'm proud of the Sernell Plan for our region and look forward to begin implementing it on my first day in office.
