Meet the Candidate

PRADHAN, RAJEEV

Running For:

REPRESENTATIVE IN THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY

District:

Political Affiliation:

DEM

Age:

Occupation:

Picture Archiving and Communication System (PACS) Administrator, Imaging Technologist

Education: (click to expand)

Biographical Info: (click to expand)

A lifelong resident of the area and graduate of Bradford Area High School, Pradhan grew up in Bradford, graduating from the University of Pittsburgh at Bradford with a bachelor's degree in radiological science and a minor in economics. For over 15 years he has been working as an imaging technologist at UPMC Cole in Coudersport while also serving as the organizations picture archiving and communication system (PACS) administrator. Despite being the singer of a local rock band many years ago, he credits working in the dysfunctional healthcare industry with helping him to find his voice. Meeting and working with people from all layers of society forced me out of my shell and into more of an advocate in the workplace he says. Adding, It is there where I began pushing to make a difference, advocating for colleagues, workers rights, and process improvements. Frustrated by the status quo, Pradhan returned to school, earning two masters degrees (M.S. and M.B.A.) in management and health administration from New England College (Henniker, NH). With the additional education, he hoped to channel that knowledge and become better positioned to create real, positive change. Pradhan believes there is only so much complaining you can do. It does little to help the situation. At some point you must act. Its why after years of frustration, he got involved with grassroots organizing, joining the McKean County Democratic Committee and currently serving as their vice chair. And, its why hes running for State Representative of the 67th district to advocate change. While there have been some bright spots, he identifies an aging and declining population, failing infrastructure, and a lack of economic opportunity as significant areas of concern. With an economy that was largely built on resource extraction, he also feels it imperative to expand beyond that. There are many challenges facing rural America, but as one of the poorest regions in the state, Pradhan says its time for change. Investing in social services such as public education, affordable and accessible healthcare, affordable housing, and improving our overall infrastructure including reliable broadband and cellular service. Supporting womens rights, increasing childcare programs, and raising the minimum wage. Moving forward will require creative ideas across our industries, and empowering our entrepreneurs to innovate, create jobs, and keep our dollars circulating within our communities. He hopes to elevate the future by advocating public policy matters that will truly address the systemic issues of this area. Our shared goals strong families, safe streets, and economic vitality transcend politics. Pradhan lives in Port Allegany with his wife and kids.

Why are you running for office? (click to expand)

Survey

Response Legend

YYes
NNo
UUndecided
−Declined to Respond / Position Unknown / Unclear
*Comment
†Declined to respond, Position based on citation

Question	Response	Comments/Notes
1. Should education funding be available directly to families through a grant, scholarship, or education savings account so that parents can send their children to the school of their choice, including religious schools?	N*	Data shows most recipients of education savings accounts werent previously attending public school, disproportionally benefiting families who already have the means to pay.
2. Should marijuana be legalized and sold commercially for recreational use?	Y
3. Should the Pennsylvania Human Relations Act be amended to include "sexual orientation" and "gender identity," which would require public schools and other public facilities to open up restrooms and locker rooms to members of the opposite sex?	Y
4. Should Pennsylvania enter into the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative, which would include a new carbon tax on electricity producers?	Y
5. Should increases in state government spending be limited to the rate of inflation plus population growth?	N
6. Should state taxpayer funding be allowed for elective abortions?	Y
7. Should all voters be required to show identification before voting?	N
8. Should striking union members have access to unemployment compensation?	Y
9. Should public schools be prohibited from allowing males who identify as females to compete in girls’ sports?	N
10. Should schools have to post curriculum online for review by parents and taxpayers?	N
11. Should funding for public and state-related universities follow the student rather than go directly to the institution?	N*	Currently, this could be damaging (especially to rural areas) to public education with uncompensated costs. More data/research is needed.