Tony Dastra Campaign for
Governor of Pennsylvania

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Friday, May 8, 2026

MEDIA CONTACT 

Chris Robinson, 267-977-0570 and
[email protected] 

Green Party Candidates will Clean Up Pennsylvania

Faced with long-term corruption in Pennsylvania, Green Party candidate for Governor Tony Dastra said, “I hope that Voters who are fed up with corruption in Harrisburg will turn to the Green Party this year for two candidates who want to ban bribery. Voters already know the problem – Pennsylvania is open for business, and big business has costs to pass off onto taxpayers.

“The fossil fuel industry is polluting our air, soil and water because politicians from the two corporate parties easily bend over,” said Dastra. “Our governor promised the people of Dimock, that they would get a fresh water line to replace the well water polluted by the fracking companies. They are still waiting for that fresh water line.

“Now we have a new cash grab called artificial intelligence, which is offering donations in return for the right to pollute our land and drinking water while devouring energy, Dastra continued. "Just look at our Governor, who is running for re-election. I read in the Philadelphia Inquirer that his campaign has already raised almost $17 million. Half of that was donated by '240 CEOs, founders, business owners, and other top executives.' Many of them do not live in our Commonwealth. So, they vote with their wallets.”

Chair Craig Bolton of the Green Party of Philadelphia agrees with Dastra. Bolton, who is running to be Pennsylvania Lieutenant Governor, joined in, “My general thoughts on corruption in Harrisburg are that it ultimately stems from the two-party system. I believe there are organized efforts by Republicans to intentionally and vindictively withhold state resources from Philadelphia -- particularly crucial education and transit system funds. As usual, Democrats in both Harrisburg and Philadelphia make no true efforts to fix this. Instead, they present strategic half-measures which allow them to play off of the Republicans electorally, while they avoid addressing the root causes of corrupt cronyism in our Commonwealth’s partisan politics.” 

Dastra has solutions: “It doesn’t have to be this way. Right now, 14 states have public campaign financing of elections. The impact of public campaign financing can have two results. The first is to amplify the voices of small donors, working people – those that can’t write big checks. The second is to ensure that we will have more candidates running for office who may not have felt like they had a shot to do so without selling their soul.

“Another reform, which I like, is Democracy Dollars,” continued Dastra, “sometimes called Democracy Vouchers -- under which each voter receives four $25 vouchers to donate to candidates of their choice. When this program was introduced in Seattle in 2017, it increased the amount of small donations from 25 percent of contributions to 66 percent. After Democracy Vouchers were introduced, campaign donors have become closer to the city’s population in age, race, gender and income."

Bolton also believes that a new administration led by a Green Party executive could bring change to Harrisburg. He said, “Other reforms which would take the corruption out of Pennsylvania politics are:

Establish a Gift Ban,

Prohibit Personal Use of Campaign Funds,

Prohibit PA Corporations from Donating to Campaigns, and 

Prohibit Foreign Spending on Our Elections.” 

Tony Dastra and Craig Bolton are currently gathering voters' signatures on their nomination papers. Please contact the Dastra-Bolton Campaign to help clean up Pennsylvania politics.

Dastra-Bolton Campaign Contact Information

Website, https://www.dastraforpa.org/         
Email,  [email protected]
Instagram, https://www.instagram.com/dastraforpa/
Facebook, www.facebook.com/DastraforPA 

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Are you tired of corporate interests and special interest groups compromising candidates?

Are you tired of the same lies, over and over again, in order to scheme your vote?

Are you tired of major parties and their privileged loyalists keeping other parties off the ballot at election time?

Are you tired, yet?

Be seen being Green. Escape the two party trap.

Green Party of Pennsylvania

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Friday, February 13, 2026

MEDIA CONTACT 

Chris Robinson, Communication Team Co-Leader

267-977-0570 and [email protected] 

Green Party Celebrates International Women’s Day 2026

By Erin King

International Women’s Day (IWD) will be celebrated by Green Party members on Sunday, March 8, this year. The IWD theme for 2026 will be “Give to Gain.” The Green Party National Women’s Caucus says it “will organize and act to advance Women's rights and concerns with the ultimate goals of maximizing . . . a voter, activist, leadership, candidate and officeholder base of Women, that is reflective of the great diversity of this nation.”

Another year, another chance to do better, despite the ongoing human catastrophes occurring here and overseas—war and genocide, mass starvation, state-sanctioned rape and pedophilia, police beating and jailing protesters for lawfully protesting, and billionaires allowed the impunity to wreck whatever tiny scraps of democracy the West hasremaining, at whim.

Over the past year alone in America, we’ve seen no end to greedflation, as evidenced by skyrocketing homelessness, grocery prices continuously climbing, and our own government caring less and less about the wellbeing and basic human rights of its own citizens.

Many people, families included, live in their vehicles, working multiple jobs to survive, while others are forced to decide between paying for life-sustaining medications or food. On a grand scale, Americans now feel little to no sense of safety in their own neighborhoods, largely due to our federal government’s acts of terrorism committed by ICE and the CBP against anyone they deem suspicious.

Renee Good was an American woman, mother, daughter, partner, sister, neighbor, and friend. Despite doing nothing other than driving and going about her usual day, she is no longer with us because a lawless bully of an ICE agent decided in the moment that he had the right to decide who lives or dies. The agent, Jonathan Ross, also uttered the statement, “Fucking bitch,” immediately after shooting her four times—not because Ms. Good did something to deserve her execution, but simply because Mr. Ross wanted to kill a woman who wasn’t kissing his ass.

One minute, Renee Good was smiling and joking. Seconds later, she was fighting for her life behind a blood-soaked airbag. And she was never a threat to anyone. This is the kind of brutal injustice with which Black Americans have been all too familiar many decades before the existence of ICE and to this day. This is also the type of savage violence that many people, especially women—as shown in endless TikTok and Upscrolled videos—in Germany, the U.S., the UK, Australia, and Israel are experiencing in real time for protesting crimes against humanity at home and abroad by their respective governments.

Marimar Martinez is another recent victim of the U.S. federal border patrol, who was unjustifiably shot five times by agent Charles Exum, but fortunately survived the encounter and was able to testify against him at trial. The list of atrocities committed by the U.S. government just since the last IWD is miles long. It makes me wonder how best to support those on the receiving end of so much unfair, often deadly, oppression, of which any of us could be a target. This is every American’s fight.

My hope is that something wonderful can somehow spring from these senseless tragedies and others like them. Because the insanity isn’t over and none of us knows when it will be.

Giving money or time can go a long way towards helping to heal a society’s worst ills, once we each make the conscious choice to play a part in ensuring there are far fewer victims of government indifference, overreach, and tyranny. Donating whatever funding or time we can, even if it’s only one dollar or one hour per week, to organizations such as the National Alliance to End Homelessness, the National Coalition for the Homeless, and Path Forward can help women and families suffering from homelessness and food insecurity. A nation is nothing without the strength and health of its citizens, and creating affordable housing for all is a major goal that must be actualized for the greater good.

Organizations such as the Fines and Fees Justice Center, The Bail Project, and the Institute for Justice assists persons with lower incomes and the poor with paying court costs when they find themselves having to fight against a biased and unbalanced legal system. By giving to these causes, we push the system to work harder for those without a voice, which benefits us all.

In honor of Renee Good, who was a member of the LGBTQA+ community, I implore more people to give support to the Human Rights Campaign, The Trevor Project, The Giving Block/GLAD Law, or SAGE Advocacy & Services for LGBTQ+ Elders, to help marginalized individuals and communities take vital steps towards equality. Please do not forget TRIAL International, which is a non-governmental organization that fights impunity for international crimes, including sexual violence, and supports victims seeking justice.

The late Mother Teresa was quoted as saying, “Not all of us can do great things, but we can do small things with great love.” I truly wish more human beings thought this way. The more of us that firmly decide to give even small amounts of our energy to help others on a daily, weekly, monthly, or yearly basis, the more we will see change in the right direction.

Giving is its own reward and a form of empathy that can mean more than we realize to someone in need. Giving can literally mean the difference between life and death. We gain on so many levels as a society when we recognize our shared humanity and make the time to act on it with great love.

The Green Party and its political candidates, for whom we campaign and confidently show our support, stand firmly against any and all forms of discrimination and inequality targeting women and LGBTQA+ persons. The Green Party is also committed to grassroots initiatives, which are necessary for growing a solid base of everyday citizens who believe in true democracy and equality without the interference of corporate entities.

Walk proudly. Embrace Solidarity. Remember that to give is to gain so much on this International Women’s Day and beyond.

The Green Party of Pennsylvania (GPPA), https://www.gpofpa.org, is an independent political party which stands in opposition to the two corporate parties. GPPA candidates promote public policy based on the Green Party’s Four Pillars: grassroots democracy, nonviolence, ecological wisdom, and social justice/equal opportunity. For further information about GPPA, please email [email protected]. Please follow GPPA on social media: Facebook, https://www.facebook.com/gpofpa/; Instagram, https://www.instagram.com/pagreenparty/; and X, https://x.com/GreenPartyofPA 

Erin King is a member of the Green Party of Centre County, PA. During 2025, Erin was an elected member at large of the Green Party of Pennsylvania Steering Committee.

END OF ITEM

Green Party of Pennsylvania

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Friday, February 6, 2026

MEDIA CONTACT 

Chris Robinson, Communication Team Co-Leader

267-977-0570 and [email protected] 

Green Party Women are Ready to Run

By GPPA Co-chair Colleen Schmotzer

The Pennsylvania Center for Women and Politics offers a course with the trademark name “Ready to Run,” for women who are considering a campaign for public office. The day-long program at Chatham University provides training and mentoring by campaign professionals and office holders.

I recently attended a Ready to Run campaign training designed for women. The day was quite informative, and I was pleased to see approximately ten women I knew from the Green Party of Pennsylvania (GPPA). We heard from various guest speakers who detailed the different teams essential for running a successful campaign. It was interesting to learn that the size of the campaign team can vary significantly depending on the specific office being sought, and that sometimes, a modest donation of $50.00 can be enough to win a seat. The organizers provided breakfast, lunch, and a snack, which was greatly appreciated. 

The event concluded with a panel of four accomplished women. Among them was the Chair of the Allegheny County Democratic Party, who emphasized the critical importance of women participating in politics. She shared an anecdote about a friend who successfully won a seat by running as an independent, highlighting that breaking traditional party lines can be a viable strategy.

One of the Green Party members who accompanied me to Ready to Run was Kat Marquez. Here’s what she thought of the training. "As a queer, non-binary person of color, the Democrats and Republicans have never had my interest in mind, and thus I can align with the beliefs of our local Green Party. It is frustrating that; 1. there was no one on the Ready to Run panel who wasn't from the two major parties, and 2. the two major parties aren't telling the full story. The Green Party of Allegheny County (GPOAC) did have a local candidate run for County Council At-Large during 2025, and one of the major parties challenged our signatures and took us off the ballot. This is exactly what is happening statewide -- this perpetuation of the duopoly that continuously shuts down true democracy of the people." 

When the floor opened for questions, I took the opportunity to ask, "What strategies can third parties, such as the Green Party, employ to effectively challenge the two-party duopoly?"  The Chair's response was direct: "Nothing. It's either you're a Democrat or Republican. That's it. You will never win being a third-party person." I chose to respond by stating assertively, "Watch! I will do it, you will see me there." This declaration was met with applause from the room, after which the question-and-answer session resumed.

Pam Bruno, another one of my Green Party sisters, told me, “After attending the learning seminar hosted by Chatham University, I feel I came out with a useful amount of newfound knowledge. For me, the most important information that could be used to promote the Green Party are the number of elected seats which remain uncontested, along with the small amount of funding it would take to win them. I'm not interested in running for an office, but with what I learned, I am now sure that I could aid in supporting a candidate's campaign.”

The Green Party of Pennsylvania (GPPA), https://www.gpofpa.org, is an independent political party which stands in opposition to the two corporate parties. GPPA candidates promote public policy based on the Green Party’s Four Pillars: grassroots democracy, nonviolence, ecological wisdom, and social justice/equal opportunity. For further information about GPPA, please email [email protected]. Please follow GPPA on social media: Facebook, https://www.facebook.com/gpofpa/; Instagram, https://www.instagram.com/pagreenparty/; and X, https://x.com/GreenPartyofPA 

GPPA Co-chair Colleen Schmotzer (she/her) has been working group coordinator on the Green Party of Allegheny Steering Committee. During 2025, she was a GPPA Steering Committee member at large.

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Green Party of Pennsylvania

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEAS
Saturday, January 17, 2026

MEDIA CONTACT 

Chris Robinson, Communication Team Co-Leader

267-977-0570 and [email protected] 

PA Green Party Elects 2026 Leaders

On January 11, the Green Party of Pennsylvania State Committee met virtually to elect its leaders for 2026. More than 40 elected delegates and friends of the Green Party from 14 counties participated. They elected five officers to the GPPA Steering Committee, while one co-chair and the secretary are in mid-term. GREEN STAR, the GPPA monthly newsletter, asked the 2026 Steering Committee members to introduce themselves.

Colleen Schmotzer (Allegheny) was elected to a two-year term as co-chair of GPPA. She had been a member at large of the Steering Committee during 2025. Colleen told GREEN STAR, “As the new co-chair of GPPA, my initial focus will be to revitalize our four action teams. I plan to achieve this by actively recruiting team leads and team members from within the Green Party. This will involve outreach not only to seasoned members exploring how we can rekindle their involvement, but also to new members to understand their interests and motivations. Our Communication Team manages the public image of the Green Party. The GPPA Core Team assures the smooth functioning of the party. The Finance Team will increase the value of GPPA and plan the use of its resources. The GPPA Greenwave Team will recruit and support candidates for election and expand the reach of the Green Party.”

GPPA Treasurer Jeff “J.J.” Kondrich (Westmoreland) was re-elected to a second term. J.J. told GREEN STAR, “In 2026, I plan to make sure we meet our reporting requirements and have a robust, secure, and intuitive method of record keeping. If we can organize our data and finances securely, I think the Green Party has a workable future. To help us build the Green Party, I plan to work with our Finance Team to aim fundraising efforts at sources outside of the party, lessening the implicit financial burden of party members. Hopefully a new merchandising plan will also help with this.”

Tony Dastra (Lancaster) was elected to be a Steering Committee member at large. He ran for Mayor of Lancaster City last year. Tony told GREEN STAR, “As a new leader, I plan to bring a different energy into our conversations, not just talking about the issues to be worked through within the system. After last year’s budget standoff in the PA General Assembly, I think it is time to consider a PA Constitutional Convention or amendments. In my opinion, PA needs to consider a unicameral legislature to stop this back and forth between the major parties that have gerrymandered the state capitol into gridlock. Also, the uniformity clause preventing taxes that make sense for the working class and damaging municipalities needs to go. To build the Green Party, I plan to bring new members and involvement. It is time to be more looked-to for constitutional guidance and pragmatic governance. Having pragmatic candidates and approaches, does not mean changing our strong positions as a party. It means people who do not feel like they agree with the Green Party can still approach Green Party candidates for dialogue, despite knowing that disagreement is to be expected, especially at the onset of new conversations.” 

Wendy Keslick (Chester) was also elected to be a Steering Committee member at large. Last year she was a Green Party of Chester County delegate to the GPPA State Committee. Wendy told GREEN STAR, “I am excited for the opportunity to serve the GPPA in a state-wide capacity. In 2026, we will continue to see the collective failure of the two corporate-run parties, and the Green Party will have the opportunity to become the alternative that Pennsylvanians are seeking. I look forward to working collaboratively with other Steering Committee members to ensure that the Green Party is structurally ready to grow in numbers and to lead us to a thriving and better future for our beautiful state.”

Elizabeth “Beth” Schongar (Allegheny) was elected to be a member at large of the GPPA Steering Committee. She held the same office during 2022. Beth told GREEN STAR, “On the Green Party Steering Committee I will be looking at every effort according to three criteria. First, does it reflect the Green Party’s Four Pillars: grassroots democracy, nonviolence, ecological wisdom and social justice/equal opportunity? Second, can we do it: do we have the time, people, expertise and resources? Third, will it make the public more aware of the Green Party and what it stands for?”

Two members of last year’s GPPA Steering Committee did not stand for election because their terms end in 2027. Bryarr Misner (Allegheny) will remain GPPA secretary, and Tim Runkle (Lancaster) will continue as co-chair.

Incumbent Co-chair Tim Runkle told GREEN STAR, “As I begin the second year of my co-chair term, I want to first thank Theron Gilliland, Jr. (Allegheny), Erin King (Centre) and Barbara Laxon (McKean), the outgoing Steering Committee members for their commitment and hard work. They have contributed to strengthening the Green Party of Pennsylvania. Their efforts have helped sustain the party through challenging times and laid important groundwork for what comes next. I also look forward to working with the incoming Steering Committee members and to seeing them share their knowledge, skills, and experience in ways that will strengthen our collective leadership.”

“During 2026,” Tim continued, “my focus as co-chair will be on practicing servant leadership and helping the Steering Committee continue the construction of a comprehensive, member-driven plan for the future of GPPA. I believe our success depends on meaningful engagement with our members encouraged by listening, inviting participation, and creating opportunities for Greens to lead, organize, and contribute. Rather than imposing a top-down agenda, my hope is that the new Steering Committee will advance a plan shaped by the ideas and energy of our members. When we empower more people to get involved and to take ownership of the direction, we will continue to grow the Green Party as a strong, democratic, and principled alternative in Pennsylvania politics.

The Green Party of Pennsylvania (GPPA), https://www.gpofpa.org, is an independent political party which stands in opposition to the two corporate parties. GPPA candidates promote public policy based on the Green Party’s Four Pillars: grassroots democracy, nonviolence, ecological wisdom, and social justice/equal opportunity. For further information about GPPA, please email [email protected]. Please follow GPPA on social media: Facebook, https://www.facebook.com/gpofpa/; Instagram, https://www.instagram.com/pagreenparty/; and X, https://x.com/GreenPartyofPA 

END ITEM

Green Party of Pennsylvania

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Friday, December 5, 2025

MEDIA CONTACT 

Chris Robinson, Communication Team Co-Leader

267-977-0570 and [email protected]

Green Party of PA Endorses Rural-Urban Transit for All 

On November 21, the Green Party of Pennsylvania (GPPA) Steering Committee decided by consensus to endorse Rural-Urban Transit for All. 

In an increasingly interconnected world, the disparity between rural and urban areas remains a significant challenge. One of the most critical aspects of this divide is transportation. While urban centers often boast extensive public transit systems, rural communities are frequently underserved, leading to isolation, limited opportunities, and hindered economic development. "Rural-Urban Transit for All" is not just a slogan; it's a necessity for creating equitable and sustainable communities. 

The consequences of inadequate rural transit are far-reaching. Access to employment, healthcare, education, and essential services becomes a daily struggle for many rural residents. Imagine a single parent in a rural area trying to reach a better-paying job in the city, only to be stymied by the lack of a dependable bus route. Or consider an elderly individual needing regular medical check-ups, forced to rely on infrequent and expensive private transportation. These scenarios highlight the urgent need for improved rural-urban transit. Moreover, the lack of transportation options contributes to social isolation, mental health issues, and a reduced quality of life. Economically, it restricts the flow of goods, services, and labor, hindering the growth of rural businesses and perpetuating a cycle of disadvantage. Environmentally, the reliance on private vehicles in the absence of public transit leads to increased carbon emissions and contributes to climate change. 

Addressing the rural-urban transit gap requires a multi-faceted approach that considers the unique characteristics of rural communities. Unlike densely populated urban areas, rural regions are characterized by dispersed populations, longer distances, and varying topographies. A one-size-fits-all solution is simply not viable. Instead, a combination of innovative strategies and tailored solutions is needed. This includes investing in flexible transit options such as on-demand shuttles, ride-sharing programs, and community carpools. These services can be particularly effective in areas with low population density, providing a cost-efficient and convenient way to connect residents to urban centers. Additionally, leveraging technology is crucial. Mobile apps and real-time tracking systems can improve the efficiency and accessibility of rural transit, allowing users to plan their journeys and access up-to-date information. Furthermore, collaboration between government agencies, private companies, and community organizations is essential to ensure that transit initiatives are well-coordinated and responsive to local needs. 

To create a truly equitable and sustainable transit system, funding mechanisms must be re-evaluated. Rural transit often struggles to compete for funding with larger urban projects, leading to chronic underinvestment. Governments need to prioritize rural transit in their infrastructure plans and allocate resources accordingly. This could involve establishing dedicated funding streams, offering tax incentives for private companies to invest in rural transit, and exploring innovative financing models such as public-private partnerships. Furthermore, community engagement is paramount. Rural residents must be involved in the planning and decision-making processes to ensure that transit solutions are tailored to their specific needs and preferences. This can be achieved through public forums, surveys, and community workshops. By empowering local communities to shape their transit systems, we can create solutions that are not only effective but also sustainable in the long term. 

In conclusion, "Rural-Urban Transit for All" is an essential goal for building inclusive and thriving communities. Bridging the transit gap requires a comprehensive approach that addresses the unique challenges of rural areas, leverages technology, fosters collaboration, and prioritizes community engagement. By investing in flexible transit options, re-evaluating funding mechanisms, and empowering local communities, we can create a transportation system that connects all residents to opportunities, services, and each other, regardless of their location.

The Green Party of Pennsylvania (GPPA), https://www.gpofpa.org, is an independent political party which stands in opposition to the two corporate parties. GPPA candidates promote public policy based on the Green Party’s Four Pillars: grassroots democracy, nonviolence, ecological wisdom, and social justice/equal opportunity. For further information about GPPA, please email [email protected]. Please follow GPPA on social media: Facebook, https://www.facebook.com/gpofpa/; Instagram, https://www.instagram.com/pagreenparty/; and X, https://x.com/GreenPartyofPA

For more information: 

“We Must Build Rural/Urban Unity to Win Transit for All,” Transit for All PA, November 6, 2025, https://www.transitforallpa.org/we-must-build-rural-urban-unity-to-win-transit-for-all/ 

“Ecological Sustainability, Mass Transit,” Green Party of the U.S. Platform, https://www.gp.org/ecological_sustainability#mass_transit 

END ITEM