Election 2024: Libertarian Rob Ronky For State Representative

Candidates running in the Nov. 5 general election are providing background about themselves and their positions on the issues to voters in these profiles, which will run in Patch individually for each candidate.

BUCKS COUNTY, PA —Libertarian Rob Ronky is running for election for state representative in the 29th Legislative District. He is running for the seat against incumbent Democrat Tim Brennan and Republican Steve Mekanik in the Nov. 5 general election.

Biographical Information

Name: Rob Ronky
Age: 55
Town of Residence: New Britain
Position Sought: State Representative 29th District
Education: Central Bucks West High School
Are you an incumbent? No
Party Affiliation: Libertarian
Occupation: Manager, antique store/Vampa Art Museum

Questions

What is the top issue facing the Commonwealth and how would you address it?

I’m running for the House seat as a Libertarian because one of the most important political issues our state and country face is the need for new voices and discussion beyond the current system.

Presently, the two dominant parties stall progress for political ideology – a massive waste of taxpayer time, money and opportunity. I find the lack of results from elected officials unfair and unacceptable to the country, Commonwealth and the 29th district.

Elected officials are elected to work for the common good and progress of society, not to withhold decisive action or grind axes for their party.

Why are you running for State Rep.?

I’m a lifelong Bucks County resident, living in New Britain and a product of the Central Bucks School District. I am a 40-plus-year owner and employee of a small business in Buckingham.

By definition, Libertarians stand for personal and societal freedoms. I stand for vigorously protecting civil liberties fundamental to all citizens like freedom of speech and privacy and I will advocate for health-care reform that enhances choice, lowers costs, and improves the quality of care for all Pennsylvanians.

What can you do to keep crime from seeping into the suburbs?

Crime is a societal problem that is already in the suburbs. The best way to limit crime is to have a strong society where we work as a community to end poverty, ensure occupational opportunities and provide a strong education for everyone. Promoting activities like the arts, music and sports, especially for young people, is also essential.

What can you do to increase funding for our local school districts?

As a strong supporter of fiscal responsibility, I believe schools should be about educating children, not higher salaries for bureaucrats. A local administrator was paid more than half a million dollars to leave his job which is absolutely preposterous. We can do much better in managing our most important resource – our children’s education. The money belongs in the classrooms.

Also, I strongly believe in all day kindergarten for children. There has been debate among some local school districts for some time as to how this could be achieved. Parents at recent school discussions have voiced support for paying an extra $30 to $50 weekly to have their child attend
an all day kindergarten, rather than the $400 weekly it might cost to send the child to a private daycare. The availability of all day kindergarten would benefit parents and children as well as the schools.

What are your ideas for improving our state roads?

There is a lot that can be done. For a start, the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation has the important job of building and maintaining our roads and bridges. PENDOT itself has often fallen victim to budgetary piracy, as PENDOT’S budget is often used to pay for the pensions of politicians that have nothing to do with roads or bridges. This is unacceptable and I will work to ensure that the budget for our state roads and transportation goes to infrastructure improvements, not bloated perks or pensions.

The 29th House District includes Doylestown Borough, Doylestown Township, New Britain Borough, Chalfont Borough, Buckingham, Solebury and New Hope Borough.