Politics & Government

Election 2012: Raja Says Job Creation Central Issue on Campaign Trail

The Mt. Lebanon business owner is running for the Republican nomination for the state's 37th senatorial district in the April 24 primary.

Mt. Lebanon business owner D. Raja said to become Allegheny County Chief executive did not deter him from hitting the campaign trail once again, this time for Pennsylvania’s 37th senatorial district.

The former Mt. Lebanon commissioner fellow Republican , R-Moon, and Bethel Park activist to replace outgoing state Sen. John Pippy, from Harrisburg politics in January. No Democrat is running in the April 24 primary. 

“Well, I’m done with that race,” Raja said of his campaign for county executive. “But I do want reform. And I want lawmakers to be accountable.”

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Raja, owner of the Computer Enterprises Inc. and a Carnegie Mellon and University of Pittsburgh graduate, said he decided to join the race after Pippy made public his intention to retire.

He said he hopes to craft policy that makes Pennsylvania more small-business friendly.

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“I cut taxes twice in Mt. Lebanon (as a commissioner),” Raja said. “(Pennsylvania) has the second highest tax rate (for companies) in this country when we talk dollar-for-dollar. You’ve go to lower the corporate taxes and make legislation that is more friendly to companies."

Raja said that his own firm has hired workers outside of the country in part to grapple with Pennsylvania’s steep tax rates for companies.

“I’m committed to growing the company and the jobs here,” he said. “And the fact that I’m from India makes outsourcing claims convenient. The answer is we’re a global company—we have an office in India, we do work in South America and Europe. PNC Bank, PPG, they are all global companies. But (CEI) pays taxes here.”

Raja said if elected he will not take a state pension, and would push Harrisburg lawmakers to move to a 401k plan.

“And then we could go to other state employees and say ‘Look what we’ve done here,’” Raja said. “We need to start with ourselves as a part of that change.”

He said job growth in the Pittsburgh region has become a central issue on the campaign trail. 

“When I came to this country I didn’t have a lot of contacts,” Raja said. “But I feel like this region gave me opportunities. I don’t see that opportunity right now—I’m concerned for my kids and for the next generation.”

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