Matthew Dowling was born and raised in these Laurel Highlands of Pennsylvania. He calls our hills and mountains “home” – this region is where he’s chosen to build a business and a family. A husband, father, and former non-profit executive, Matt loves his community and has spent years fighting for the Growth and betterment of Fayette County and Southwestern Pennsylvania. His show Commonalities focuses on finding common ground in all things including politics through uncommon conversations.
Recent Content
Welcome to Commonalities with Matt Dowling! Today, we are excited to bring you a special episode where we introduce you to the candidates running for public office at the County Level. From county com…
Welcome to Commonali…
Welcome to Commonalities with Matt Dowling! Today, we are excited to bring you a special episode where we introduce you to the candidates running for public office at the County Level. From county commissioners to judges and more, we have gathered a diverse group of individuals who are eager to share their platforms and visions for the future of our community. Now, before we dive into the introductions, I want to apologize in advance for any audio issues that you might encounter during this episode. We understand the importance of clear sound quality and are working tirelessly to fix any iss…
This week, on Commonalities, we are joined by Rep. Marla Brown, a Republican member of the Pennsylvania House. With more than three decades of expertise in the private sector, Marla was chosen to serv…
This week, on Common…
This week, on Commonalities, we are joined by Rep. Marla Brown, a Republican member of the Pennsylvania House. With more than three decades of expertise in the private sector, Marla was chosen to serve the 9th Legislative District in the Pennsylvania House of Representatives starting in 2023. She is determined to make progress in the state's Economy, expanding possibilities for employers and employees throughout the Commonwealth and enriching educational options while respecting taxpayers. Furthermore, Marla is committed to enhancing the openness of government, diminishing the cost of health…
Our esteemed guest on Commonalities this week is Patty Columbia, a promising candidate for the Brownsville Area School Board. Drawing from her substantial corporate IT career and community involvement…
Our esteemed guest o…
Our esteemed guest on Commonalities this week is Patty Columbia, a promising candidate for the Brownsville Area School Board. Drawing from her substantial corporate IT career and community involvement, Patty has cultivated a deep understanding of the obligations and potential outcomes of being a school director. Patty is well-prepared to put her knowledge and leadership skills to work in the position, driven by her passion for the youth of the district and her dedication to public Education. If elected, she will make it her priority to establish and uphold high standards of achievement for all…
This week, we join Christian W. Klay, owner of Ridge Runner Distillery and namesake of the Chalkhill-based winery, to talk about the plans for the grand opening weekend of their newly added structure.…
This week, we join C…
This week, we join Christian W. Klay, owner of Ridge Runner Distillery and namesake of the Chalkhill-based winery, to talk about the plans for the grand opening weekend of their newly added structure. The 30 by 30 building enlargement, which consists of an eighteen-foot bar, seating for forty people, a room suitable for private parties, and an indoor-outdoor area for live music and activities, will be inaugurated over the course of May 5-7th.
Danny De Vito, a lawyer residing in Ridgway, Pennsylvania, is running for the post of District Attorney of Elk County. He achieved his Juris Doctor degree from the University of Akron School of Law, w…
Danny De Vito, a law…
Danny De Vito, a lawyer residing in Ridgway, Pennsylvania, is running for the post of District Attorney of Elk County. He achieved his Juris Doctor degree from the University of Akron School of Law, where he was a honors fellow. Post-graduation, De Vito was an assistant in a medical services firm, a legal team focusing on medical misconduct, accidental injury, and commercial suits, and finally, criminal law practitioners. In addition, De Vito has been a salesman, as well as a strategist for a judicial prospect. Later, he served as the court law clerk for the 59th Judicial District Court of Com…
Mike Aubele, a retired member of the Army Reserve and Afghanistan veteran, is seeking the Republican nomination for Fayette County District Attorney. Aubele is highly qualified for the job due to his …
Mike Aubele, a retir…
Mike Aubele, a retired member of the Army Reserve and Afghanistan veteran, is seeking the Republican nomination for Fayette County District Attorney. Aubele is highly qualified for the job due to his extensive law enforcement background and experience as a trial attorney. His key platform point is equality, and he believes that the current District Attorney's office needs to be changed to truly bring about justice for all. He hopes to be elected to make these changes happen.
Cameron Downer is a proud and devoted Greene County, Pennsylvania native. As a young boy, he quickly realized that hard work was essential to achieve success. Thus, he often worked at several of the l…
Cameron Downer is a …
Cameron Downer is a proud and devoted Greene County, Pennsylvania native. As a young boy, he quickly realized that hard work was essential to achieve success. Thus, he often worked at several of the local businesses and family farms around the county to gain an understanding of the value of an honest living. After graduating high school, Cameron moved to the Indiana University of Pennsylvania and graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Political Science and a Minor in Homeland Security. While in college, Cameron served as Executive Director and President of the IUP College Republicans, Presi…
This week on Commonalities we have a discussion with Zane Hensal who has been a lifelong resident of Brisbin and is a graduate of the 2022 Moshannon Valley School District. In high school, Zane has…
This week on Commona…
This week on Commonalities we have a discussion with Zane Hensal who has been a lifelong resident of Brisbin and is a graduate of the 2022 Moshannon Valley School District. In high school, Zane has actively served his school and community in numerous ways. Zane was the student representative for the school board, member of the student council, president of the history club, and secretary of the district's National Honor Society. His experience in these roles have taught him about the problems within the district and have prepared him for the tasks ahead. Having a strong interest in polit…
This Thursday on Commonalities – James Moore is a candidate for the Connellsville Area School District Board of Directors. As a cross-filed Democrat and Republican, James feels he is equipped to mak…
This Thursday on Com…
This Thursday on Commonalities – James Moore is a candidate for the Connellsville Area School District Board of Directors. As a cross-filed Democrat and Republican, James feels he is equipped to make unbiased decisions for the students of the district. His commitment to the community through his years of experience Coaching different youth sports organizations is an example of his willingness to invest in the future of our community. Being a parent of three and a graduate of Connellsville Area Career & Technology Center himself, James has an understanding of the Connellsville Area School Dis…
On Saturday, March 25th, an enthusiastic group of volunteer chefs came together at the Uniontown Senior Center on Beeson Ave. and collaborated to make 1,300 delicious pierogis in just 3 hours. These s…
On Saturday, March 2…
On Saturday, March 25th, an enthusiastic group of volunteer chefs came together at the Uniontown Senior Center on Beeson Ave. and collaborated to make 1,300 delicious pierogis in just 3 hours. These scrumptious snacks were served to approximately 200 senior citizens at four Fayette County Community Action centers, located in Fairchance, Bullskin, the Mountain area, and Uniontown. Matt and Kendall also had the opportunity to feature some of these wonderful cooks on the WMBS Facebook page. We express our utmost gratitude to all of the volunteers who made this remarkable event possible. Your al…
Thursday on Commonalities we hear from Jesse J. Moats, candidate for the Albert Gallatin Area School Board. After two decades on the Smithfield Borough Council, Jesse J. Moats has announced his can…
Thursday on Commonal…
Thursday on Commonalities we hear from Jesse J. Moats, candidate for the Albert Gallatin Area School Board. After two decades on the Smithfield Borough Council, Jesse J. Moats has announced his candidacy for the Albert Gallatin area school board. Mr. Moats is a steadfast conservative Republican who is pro-life, pro-second amendment, and decided not to cross-file; instead, he is only running on the Republican ticket. As a School Director, he aims to preserve taxes while funding important after-school activities such as sports, band, and JROTC. If you would like to contact him, you can reach …
On Tuesday's episode of Commonalities we sit down with Rep. Josh Kail the Republican Policy Chair of the Pennsylvania House. A lifelong resident of Western Pennsylvania, Joshua D. Kail is a legisla…
On Tuesday's episode…
On Tuesday's episode of Commonalities we sit down with Rep. Josh Kail the Republican Policy Chair of the Pennsylvania House. A lifelong resident of Western Pennsylvania, Joshua D. Kail is a legislator who will work to protect taxpayers, reform Harrisburg and bring family-sustaining jobs to the 15th Legislative District. Pro-life and pro-Second Amendment, Josh is committed to defending constitutional liberties. He has long understood the importance of controlling taxes while modernizing education, as well as the need to put an end to job-killing overregulation and to apply conservative solut…
This week on Commonalities meet State Representative Eric Davanzo (R-Westmoreland County) has been the voice of the 58th Legislative District since April 6, 2020. Immediately after his swearing in, Er…
This week on Commona…
This week on Commonalities meet State Representative Eric Davanzo (R-Westmoreland County) has been the voice of the 58th Legislative District since April 6, 2020. Immediately after his swearing in, Eric got to work with the intent of bettering the local communities of his district, from supporting legislation to create and promote family-sustaining jobs, to developing and enhancing infrastructure, to ensuring the children in his district receive quality education. He recently passed Act 7 of 2022, a legislation that names a section of Pennsylvania State Route 31, from Strikertown Road to Renai…
On this episode of Commonalities, get to know Robert Gene Grimm, a conservative Republican, farmer, and township supervisor who is running for Fayette County Commissioner
On this episode of C…
On this episode of Commonalities, get to know Robert Gene Grimm, a conservative Republican, farmer, and township supervisor who is running for Fayette County Commissioner
This week, we are talking all things PA House with Rep. Ryan Warner. Rep. Ryan Warner brings his blue-collar roots and rural heritage to the state Capitol as the representative for the 52nd Legislativ…
This week, we are ta…
This week, we are talking all things PA House with Rep. Ryan Warner. Rep. Ryan Warner brings his blue-collar roots and rural heritage to the state Capitol as the representative for the 52nd Legislative District serving parts of Fayette and Westmoreland counties. He was first elected to serve in the state House in November 2014. A native of Fayette County, Ryan and his family have been long-time members of the community, having operated a family farm and successful logging business. Ryan's community involvement also includes volunteer work with the United Way, where he organized food drives and…
Commonalities discusses all the things your grandmother told you not to discuss with friends: Politics, Religion, and Finances. This week, we are talking religion with Mary Sampey of Christ the Divine…
Commonalities discus…
Commonalities discusses all the things your grandmother told you not to discuss with friends: Politics, Religion, and Finances. This week, we are talking religion with Mary Sampey of Christ the Divine the Divine Shephard parish in the Roman Catholic Diocese of Pittsburgh. Mary discusses many aspects of her faith journey and talks about her new podcast “From Sheep to Shephard,” which will debut on Monday, March 6 at 10am on Facebook and Spotify (search for Christ the Divine the Divine Shephard). As always, Commonalities can be heard on WMBS Radio 590AM 101.1FM every Tuesday and Thursday f…
National politics and even statewide legislation get the lion share of coverage by the media. However, the government that is closest to the people can have some of the most influence. This week on Co…
National politics an…
National politics and even statewide legislation get the lion share of coverage by the media. However, the government that is closest to the people can have some of the most influence. This week on Commonalities I sit down with Mayor Bill Gerke, mayor of the City of Uniontown. We talk everything from high school sports to parking garages to recreational and economic drivers. As always, Commonalities can be heard on WMBS Radio 590AM 101.1FM every Tuesday and Thursday following the 11:00 AM local, district, and statewide news; or downloaded at www.Commonalities.online and found anyplace you do…
My guest this week is Greg Rothman who was elected to the State Senate in November 2022 to represent the people of the 34th Senate District, which includes Cumberland and Perry counties and northern D…
My guest this week i…
My guest this week is Greg Rothman who was elected to the State Senate in November 2022 to represent the people of the 34th Senate District, which includes Cumberland and Perry counties and northern Dauphin County. He previously represented the 87th Legislative District in the House of Representatives. Rothman chairs the Senate Game and Fisheries Committee, which helps manage and protect the commonwealth's natural resources and considers legislation affecting hunting, fishing and conservation, and is vice chair of the Agriculture and Rural Affairs committee. His also a member of the Appropri…