GOP gubernatorial nominee Corbett campaigns in Erie

Chris and Mary Fette, owners of Transportation Equipment Supply Co., started their business in a basement with only two employees -- themselves.

TESCO now employs 20 people in a Summit Township industrial park.

Tom Corbett, the Republican nominee for governor, cited TESCO as an example of the importance of small businesses in Pennsylvania's economy as he made a campaign appearance at the plant Friday.

A day earlier, his Democratic opponent, Dan Onorato, campaigned in Erie.

"One of the best things about a campaign like this is that you get to learn about people, such as the (TESCO owners), people who have started businesses in a garage," said Corbett, the state's attorney general.

Corbett cited the ailing economy and unemployment as heavy challenges facing the next Pennsylvania governor.

"My goal here in Pennsylvania is to become governor and to put those (unemployed) people back to work," he said.

Corbett said he has two main issues to resolve if elected Nov. 2: "One, to promote small businesses," he said. "Two, to follow three principles -- fiscal discipline, limited government and free enterprise."

He said by reducing government spending, which he claimed has increased by 40 percent in the last eight years, Pennsylvania businesses will become much more competitive.

Corbett said a reduction in government spending will also reduce the state government's debt.

Corbett said he would phase out the inheritance tax, which he claimed drives many small companies out of business.

Corbett also cited a pledge he took not to raise Pennsylvania taxes.

By cutting taxes, he said, government spending would be forced to drop "tremendously," and he believes more jobs would be created.

As governor, he said, he would not focus on why there is unemployment, but how the state can create jobs for the 9.1 percent of Pennsylvanians now unemployed.

Listening to the residents of Pennsylvania is also a key issue for Corbett.

"I think the governor has to be able to listen," he said. "The next governor has to learn about what the issues are in Pennsylvania and not just dictate 'Here's what we're going to do.'"

Rose Schneider can be reached at 870-1727 or by e-mail.