Joseph Webster

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Webster graduated from the U.S. Air Force Academy in 1980. He received a master's degree in English from Wright State University in 1984, a master's degree in national security policy from the U.S. Naval War College in 2001, and a Ph.D. in public policy from George Washington University. Webster founded Convergence Music in 2014 and began working as an adjunct and online professor in national security policy in 2017. He has also served as vice president of Gestalt L.L.C. and Accenture. He served in the U.S. Air Force from 1980 to 2004, attaining the rank of colonel, and the U.S. Air Force Reserves from 2004 to 2010.[1]

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What would be your top three priorities, if elected?

We’ve been building a message based on a “3+1” platform.

1. Character and Integrity – because trust and good intentions are the foundation of good government.

2. Fair and open elections, automatic registration, same-day registration, early voting, modernized absentee ballots… So that people vote and their votes matter.

3. Education

Smart and fair investing in our schools provides a solid foundation for our children, boosts the economy, reduces crime, and fosters equality...

Because, if you have 1 and 2… character, integrity, and the fundamental basics of democratic government, education will take care of everything else.

Yes, that sounds too simplistic when you say it that way. The list of issues is long: Fair and Open Elections, Education, Health Care, Equality, Housing, Pay equity, LGBTQ rights, Taxes, Common Sense Gun Safety... Environment – Our Creeks and Rivers, Transportation, Traffic, Infrastructure, Modernizing Main Street, Quality Care & Housing for our Seniors, Quality Care & Housing for our Veterans… Childcare, Pre-K Programs, Criminal Justice Reform…

So here’s the +1 part:

Every one of these issues impacts the economic welfare of our community.

We should be planning and investing in our communities.

What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?

I’m passionate about education and investing in ourselves.

I’m one of those “first in my family to go to college” kind of persons. Education was a key value in my family, got me into the Air Force through the Air Force Academy. And it’s something I continued to take advantage of throughout my life – so far! Education is how you get ahead.

State funding is paramount to education. Smart and fair investing in our schools provides a solid foundation for our children, boosts the economy, reduces crime, and fosters equality and mobility.

I’m also passionate about understanding the role of government. Things, like investment, safety, equality… We’ve spent too much time being told government is the problem rather than investing in good government to actually solve problems. One purpose of government is to accomplish those big things that individuals or communities want but can’t do by themselves. Somehow we’ve lost focus on these kinds of investments. Everybody wants roads and bridges because that connects us to jobs and products. The government builds them because we have to combine resources across many localities to actually afford these kinds of projects. We join resources at the next higher level to stuff done.

We want clean water, safe food, parks, transportation systems, fair work environments, standards… Government has a role to play. It’s worth it. Healthcare is on that list. We need larger institutions to coordinate healthcare systems that work for everyone. That's actually cheaper than the scatter-shot way we do it now. And healthier, too.

I’m passionate about the environment. Stewardship of our natural resources…

What characteristics or principles are most important for an elected official?

Character, integrity, and experience.

What qualities do you possess that you believe would make you a successful officeholder?

My resume says I have a world of experience to offer. And I'll do my best...

What was your very first job? How long did you have it?

I was a clerk in Jaffe's Drug Store in Roxborough (a western neighborhood in Philadelphia). I got the job in 8th grade, basically sweeping floors and stocking shelves. And I held that job until I graduated high school and left Philly for the Air Force.

What is your favorite holiday? Why?

Favorite is not exactly the right word. But I am highly motivated on Memorial Day...

What is your favorite thing in your home or apartment? Why?

My favorite "thing" is a guitar. If I had to pick one, it's a 1997 Martin HD-28 that has become quite a friend.

What was the last song that got stuck in your head?

The Kinks "Sunny Afternoon." It was a fun song to learn. Ray Davies' composition is clear and simple. His arrangement is wonderfully expressive and complex. And once that song's in there, you can't get it out of your head.

What is something that has been a struggle in your life?

One weakness I have, particularly in regards to politics, is that I am often direct and straight-forward in how I listen and address a person or an issue. In some ways, I’m like a carpenter who wants to measure between two points and then cut the perfect board to fit. Problem solved. I can sometimes miss the subtext of what a person is saying. For instance, a person may talk to me about high property taxes and I will be thinking about how to solve the problem. But sometimes that person just wants recognition of the problem and his or her unique situation. Or, the problem isn’t taxes at all but something about how public schools use those tax dollars.

With regard to state government and the welfare of Pennsylvanians, I have a lot to learn specifically, across many issue areas. I have experience in Washington, DC but I will have to translate that experience to Harrisburg.

Do you believe that it’s beneficial for state legislators to have previous experience in government or politics?

I strongly believe state legislators need experience in life... They need to have experience in their career or trade. They need a background that allows them to evaluate policy proposals and measure both costs and benefits.

Do you believe it’s beneficial to build relationships with other legislators? Please explain your answer.

Yes. I will make an effort to share a meal or a drink with other legislators, particularly Republican legislators, at least once a week.

What process do you favor for redistricting?

Fair District's independent council approach to redistricting is a crucial component, an underlying tenet for democracy in Pennsylvania.

Are you interested in running for a different political office (for example, the U.S. Congress or governor) in the future?

Undecided

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What is your political philosophy?

My highest political priority is bringing character, integrity and experience to Harrisburg. I know that sounds like pie-in-the-sky stuff. But it’s an important factor in assessing issues, creating substantial solutions across bi-partisan concerns, and most importantly gaining the trust of Pennsylvania residents.

Republican leadership in Harrisburg has worked hard to divide our populations, to cut and delay development rather than aspiring to invest and build and create.

-- Pennsylvania is 47th in state funding for public schools (was 46th last year)

-- Pennsylvania is ranked 40th in the nation for business environment (USA Today Mar 2018)

-- 41st in economic growth (USA Today) Mar 2018

-- 44th out of 50 for quality of life (US News and World Report)

My number one statement is, Pennsylvania shouldn’t be 47th out of 50 in anything.

And there’s a long list of issues: Fair and Open Elections, Education, Health Care, Equality, Housing, Pay equity, LGBTQ rights, Taxes, Common Sense Gun Safety... Environment – Our Creeks and Rivers, Transportation, Traffic, Infrastructure, Modernizing Main Street, Quality Care & Housing for our Seniors, Quality Care & Housing for our Veterans… Childcare, Pre-K Programs, Criminal Justice Reform…

Every one of these issues impacts the economic welfare of our community.

Planning and investing in our community is a key component of good government. And we can’t move Pennsylvania forward, in that regard, until we regain some trust. So it really is about character and integrity… and having the experience to plan, think ahead, and govern.[2]

—Joseph Webster[1]