Valerie Gaydos

Valerie Gaydos graduated from Dickinson College in 1989. Her career experience includes working as a small business owner and advocate.[1]

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Valerie Gaydos did not complete [the profile publisher]'s 2020 Candidate Connection survey.

What would be your top three priorities, if elected?

Fiscal accountability, educational initiatives to prepare our students for their future and economic policies to strengthen PA's business climate[3][4]

What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about? Why?

Educational initiatives that include job training in the trades. Economic development that leads to good paying jobs. Protection of personal rights and freedoms as guaranteed under The Constitution.Cite error: Invalid <ref> tag; invalid names, e.g. too many[4]

[the profile publisher] also asked the candidate a series of optional questions. Valerie Gaydos answered the following:

Who do you look up to? Whose example would you like to follow and why?

The Dalai Lama. “Be the change you want to see in the world”

As a legislator I will lead by example. I have committed to not taking the unaccountable per diem that legislators receive in additional to salary as I believe that it just adds to legislators prolonging decisions and racking up additional bills at taxpayer’s expense. I have committed to driving my own car. And, I will not accept gifts while in office. I pledge to fight for true government reforms which put power and resources back into the hands of voters - reforms which include fighting for fiscal responsibility, strengthening PA’s business climate, and serving as the people’s advocate with state agencies.[4]

Is there a book, essay, film, or something else that best describes your political philosophy?

The Twelfth Insight, the Hour of Decision[4]

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

Maturity, Integrity, Professionalism[4]

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

Experience, Accountability, Compassion. I am not a career politician. I have had a successful career in business and have had many life experiences (both personal and professional) that will enable me to be an effective representative of all people and not just some people.

I am a small business owner and served as a patient advocate and caregiver for both my late husband with lung cancer and an aging parent with Parkinson’s Disease for 15 years. I understand that life is full of challenges and that government shouldn’t be one of them.[4]

What do you believe are the core responsibilities for someone elected to this office?

Responsibility to people over parties[4]

What legacy would you like to leave?

Restoring civility[4]

What is the first historical event that happened in your lifetime that you remember? How old were you at that time?

Energy Crisis 1973. I was 6 years old. I remember having to wait in long lines at the gas station and understanding that gas was rationed to odd license plates on off days and even license plates on even days.[4]

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

Both of my parents were self employed and put me to work before I could remember.[4]

What happened on your most awkward date?

The date invited me to dinner then after dinner asked me to pay. I was brought up that regardless of gender the person doing the inviting pays.[4]

What is your favorite holiday? Why?

Easter, a time of renewal and rebirth. Optimism.[4]

What is your favorite book? Why?

The Twelfth Insight: The Hour of Decision by James Redfield: If enough of us stay in alignment, an enlightened Center will arise in politics. Civility and charm can return Too Human culture. And every government and every field of human endeavor will move into a state of integrity."[4]

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

I believe that members in the legislature should have significant experience in a variety of disciplines in order to be elected. Members of the legislature should be well rounded in order to represent all of the people.[4]

What do you perceive to be your state’s greatest challenges over the next decade?

Pension Reform[4]

What do you believe is the ideal relationship between the governor and the state legislature?

The relationship should reflect a level of checks and balances on the system that works for people and not parties.[4]

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

Absolutely. And regardless of party affiliation.[4]

What process do you favor for redistricting?

Fair and balanced.[4]

If you are not a current legislator, are there certain committees that you would want to be a part of?

Business, Environment, Veterans Affairs[4]

Is there a particular legislator, past or present, whom you want to model yourself after?

Matthew J. Ryan, Long serving PA House Speaker. He demonstrated that he could provide strong leadership without resorting to destructive partisanship"[4]

Are you interested in running for a different political office in the future?

Not at this time[4]

Both sitting legislators and candidates for office hear many personal stories from the residents of their district. Is there a story that you’ve heard that you found particularly touching, memorable, or impactful?

I have spoken to many people in the district. Everyone has a story, struggle, a challenge. And some people have many. Inspiration comes from those who have overcome challenging circumstances.[4]

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What is your political philosophy?

"Be the change you want to see in the world” - The Dalai Lama[4]

—Valerie Gaydos[1]