The Issues
Downtown Revitalization
Downtown areas are the heart of our communities, places where people shop, dine, and connect with one another. The district has seen great success in towns like Coraopolis and Carnegie, and many other communities have tremendous potential to build strong economic and social centers. Fred will work with local political, business, and community leaders to ensure small businesses have access to grants that help them get started, and that local governments have the support they need to build green spaces and community centers.
Public Transit
Public transit is essential to building successful communities. When reliable transit connects people to jobs, schools, hospitals, and grocery stores, everyone benefits. Unfortunately, public transit in Pennsylvania is drastically underfunded, leaving District 45 without efficient access. The proposal for PRT to fund itself through capital funds is not a real solution, it is barely a band-aid. Fred will fight for a sustainable, long-term state funding system for public transit and will encourage transit agencies to review their routes to better serve local communities efficiently and effectively.
Cost of Living
The cost of living has risen far too high for the average Pennsylvanian. The federal government has done little to address it, resorting to blanket tariffs that worsen inflation, while large corporations engage in price gouging instead of fair pricing. Fred will work to expand affordable housing, create more opportunities for first-time buyers and renters so they don’t have to choose between housing and putting food on the table, and fight back against corporate price gouging hurting Pennsylvania families. Additionally, Fred will work to limit charter schools which are siphoning local school district money, leading to increased property taxes.
Women’s Rights
Following the Dobbs decision, a woman’s right to choose now rests with the states. Unfortunately, many bad-faith actors are trying to overturn that right and restrict women’s access to healthcare, including abortions, contraception, and more. Fred will fight to ensure such laws never see the light of day and will work to further enshrine women’s rights wherever possible.
Unions
Unions are the backbone of the American workforce, but they’re under attack. Fred will always defend the right to organize and will fight for workers’ rights in every form. We must ensure that no worker is exploited by large corporations and that everyone has the power to advocate for fair pay, benefits, and safe working conditions.
Fair and Free Elections
Every American has the right to vote, and that right must be protected. Fred will fight to keep both mail-in and in-person voting simple and accessible while ensuring our elections remain secure and transparent.
Gun Safety Reform
Every year, over 1,600 Pennsylvanians lose their lives to gun violence. There are several common-sense reforms that can help reduce that number dramatically, such as the four bills championed by CeaseFire PA in the 2025 session. Fred will work to pass these laws, making our communities safer while respecting the rights of responsible gun owners.
Green Energy
Pennsylvania, and especially District 45, is well positioned to become a powerhouse for green energy jobs. Fred will work to attract clean energy industries to the district, instead of power-hungry businesses like data centers that provide little local benefit. These jobs in solar, wind, and battery manufacturing, would help fight climate change, strengthen the local economy, and create a more sustainable future for the district.