Sewickley Heights residents had their first chance Thursday night to meet their new state representative since the Dec. 12 adoption of the final statewide redistricting plans.

More than a dozen people braved the wintry weather to attend the forum with state Rep. Jim Marshall, R-14, Big Beaver, meeting with him inside the Sewickley Heights Historical Center before he began speaking to the gathering about his work and mission as a lawmaker representing the 14th District.

Marshall lost Beaver Falls in the redistricting changes, but gained communities that include the Heights, Sewickley, Leet Township and Bell Acres. State Rep. Mark Mustio, R-44, Moon Township, represents Sewickley Hills, Edgeworth, Ben Avon Heights, Glenfield, Glen Osborne, Haysville and Aleppo Township.  

Marshall told the group that they both had one thing in common: “Neither of us really knows what to expect.”

“I feel that to represent people, I have to know them,” he said. 

Organizers said the forum's purpose was for Marshall to meet his new constituents, offer his positions on issues, and give citizens a chance to discuss local issues and present ideas for new laws. 

“I’m really the employee, and you’re the CEO. I’m here to do the best job I can to make sure you’re satisfied,” Marshall said.

A number of topics were raised, seeking Marshall's stance on everything from Allegheny County’s reassessment woes, state store privatization, downsizing the Legislature, school funding cuts, voter identification requirements, support for small businesses, and municipality rights when it comes to Marcellus Shale drilling.  

When it comes to gas drilling, Marshall said, Pennsylvania should be treated as "a collection of estates" giving everyone the right to control their own municipality, with some state oversight. Current legislation, HB 1950, would give the state pre-emptive power over local authorities, he said.

“I wouldn’t support it if there’s absolute pre-emption,” said Marshall, who added that he also didn't think the industry should be restricted to any particular zoning area.  

“You really have to be where the gas is,” he said.

S. Philip Hundley, council president of Sewickley Heights, said several councilmen did research on the matter before the borough passed an ordinance. In addition to protecting local ponds and streams, he said, many Sewickley Heights residents use wells, which is one of the concerns about drilling in this area.

Hundley said natural gas in Pennsylvania was a blessing, but it can also be bad news.

“We just have to make sure it’s done right,” he told Marshall. 

Linda Floyd asked Marshall, who sits on the transportation committee, among others, about the funding crisis, particularly in light of the announced service cuts to about half of the Allegheny County Port Authority’s bus routes.

“Sewickley is threatened with losing all of our service,” she said. “That’s a personal loss to me; I don’t like parking Downtown.”

Marshall responded that he would likely have to make a tough vote for an investment into transportation.

Addressing other questions, he said he voted to approve a requirement, now hung up in the Senate, that would require voters to show identification; co-sponsored two bills to reduce the size of the General Assembly; and worked on a bill to eliminate legislative nonprofits.

Marshall also addressed another piece of state legislation that would require households to install “smart meters,” calling the meters “a little bit like Big Brother.”  Marshall said an “opt-out” clause was introduced last week.

Those who attended said they enjoyed the forum.

“It was nice,” said Leland Floyd of Sewickley, who gave Marshall a prepared list of issues that he believes are critical.

Marshall said he often hosts town meetings in his district and is always open to attending municipal meetings. 

“This helps me know local issues better. Even if it’s an issue that doesn’t become a state issue, it gives me a better understanding of residents,” Marshall said.