Meet the Candidate

Darian Sundberg

Running For:

REPRESENTATIVE IN THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY

District:

Political Affiliation:

Democrat

Age:

Occupation:

Art Teacher

Education: (click to expand)

Biographical Info: (click to expand)

Why are you running for office? (click to expand)

Note: We only surveyed the candidates in contested primaries in state legislative races. For the majority of candidates on your ballot, we have simply provided their campaign information for your research and education.

Survey

Response Legend

YYes
NNo
UUndecided
−Declined to Respond / Position Unknown / Unclear
*Comment
†Declined to respond, Position based on citation

Question	Response	Comments/Notes
1. Should elective abortions be paid for by taxpayer dollars?	N*	I believe healthcare to be a right of the people in the modern age. We are one of the wealthiest nations and can afford to take care of our people if we manage our priorities properly. I do think women's health institutions should be included in receiving support from the state. Healthy and safe options for women's reproductive health saves more lives and fosters a community of trust.
2. Should all voters be required to show identification before voting?	U*	I'm not against this in theory. But if an ID is required for voting then the State needs to provide an ID for everyone upon their 18th birthday. Voter ID should not be used to purge voter rolls or manipulate eligibility to cheat in elections.
3. Should public schools allow males who identify as females to compete in girls’ sports?	U*	The stats on this are so low, there isn't even enough data to suggest it's an issue with any meaningful impact at all. We have better things to worry about that harassing kids in extra-curricular activities.
4. Should marijuana be legalized and sold commercially for recreational use?	Y*	Yeah, why not. I do not condone drug use of any kind, and caution against the use of mind altering substances. However, our neighboring States have legalized it, and we could use the revenue. Legalizing marijuana and creating a controlled taxable industry is a smart way to ensure we aren't leaving much needed tax dollars on the table that's needed for statewide programs.
5. Should Pennsylvania increase the minimum wage?	Y*	Of course. $7.25 is a joke, and every other state surrounding us has moved into the 21st century. The PA house has passed this bill multiple times, only to be shut down in the Senate. They need to get with the times and start working for the over 800,000 Pennsylvanians who's lives would improve drastically with this legislation.
6. Should schools post curriculum online for review by parents and taxpayers?	N*	We already require teachers to have masters degrees and acquire continuing education throughout their career. We need to trust in their ability to do their jobs, like we do every other professional class of workers.
7. Should the state gas tax be repealed?	Y*	Maybe? Fuel prices are out of control, and PA has one of the highest gas taxes around. I don't think it's right to shift this tax burden onto working Pennsylvanians who need to commute for work. We have other avenues for securing tax revenue in the state that we have left untouched so far. Things like a wealth tax would be a better option than the gas tax that primarily shifts the burden onto the poorest demographics.
8. Should Pennsylvania taxpayers pay for surgical procedures, cross-sex hormones, and puberty blockers for minors wishing to present as the opposite sex?	N*	I believe in universal healthcare/single-payer healthcare system. That being said, I also think that decisions of this nature should be made at a mature age, outside the bounds of adolescence.
9. Should increases in state government spending be limited to the rate of inflation plus population growth?	U*	Not necessarily. I think it depends on what the spending is being used for. Infrastructure improvements, transportation, healthcare etc, are all initiatives that will cost money to expand, but will also save Pennsylvanians money in the long run. I believe if increases in spending invests in our future, then we should promote those choices, as long as they are made responsibly and sustainably.
10. Should Pennsylvania opt in to the federal tax credit program under the Educational Choice for Children Act?	N*	Definitely not. Public funds should stay in public schools and other accredited private non-profit institutions that support our public school system. Private school vouchers are an exploitative way to transfer wealth from working families to wealthy families who want a discount on their private tuitions, including "online charter schools." Education is provided to all citizens, and anyone who wants a different source of education should pay for it on their own, and not expect the taxpayers to subsidize yet another school, when one is already available.