Mike Radis says bringing people together to build a consensus is one of his strengths, and he plans to use that strength to help increase University funding.

A Democratic candidate for 77th District state representative, Radis said reducing funding for private institutions and increasing funding for state-related and state-owned universities is necessary.

"Funding is less at Penn State than any other state-related institution," he said. "I will be working to bring everyone -- Republicans, Democrats, students -- together to solve this."

Radis, a former two-term Ferguson Township supervisor, said he does not like the challenge grant that would reward schools that hold annual tuition increases at less than $100 per student. The grant imposes a users' fee in place of tuition and ends up as costly as tuition, he said.

An impact fee requiring the University to pay a tax to boost State College's tax base would cause more problems than it would solve, Radis said.

"The University is getting a lot from the borough and it would be nice to pay an impact fee, but where does the money come from?" he asked. "It is a good concept but not until funding is increased."

Despite local unemployment, Radis said because of the University, the job outlook is not as bleak as it may seem.

"The research park is going to bring in a lot of jobs," he said.

He emphasizes affordable housing, which enables people to live and work in closer proximity, avoiding an inconvenient commute to work.

Radis, who unsuccessfully ran against incumbent Rep. Lynn Herman in 1990, also favors municipality cooperation instead of consolidation.

"The region is so diverse and the needs are so different that it is difficult to meet the needs of great diversity," he said.

Radis said he is strongly pro-choice and will support or co-sponsor any legislation regarding a woman's right to choose whether or not to have an abortion.

"It is not the state's decision," he said.

Stopping child abuse and neglect should be emphasized, he added.

"My experience is working with and for the people in the Centre Region, which I think makes me the best candidate," he said.

But Radis said he would support his opponent Bill Patton if he wins the Democratic primary on April 28, because unseating Herman is a priority.