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2024 elector’s guide

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Jessi Blanarik/For The Gazette

Centre County Gazette


Submitted by the League of Women Voters of Centre County

CENTRE COUNTY — The material in this guide was compiled by the candidates and the League of Women Voters of Centre County with assistance from the League of Women Voters of Pennsylvania. This material may not be altered or reprinted without the permission of the LWVCC.

Each candidate’s reply has been printed as submitted by the candidate. Candidates were invited to participate in the Vote411 online voter’s guide via email. All reasonable efforts were made to encourage candidates to participate. The candidates listed are those whose names appear on the ballot as of when the ballot was approved by the Pennsylvania Department of State. 

Candidates are listed according to their party and then alphabetically. Nothing in this guide should be construed as an endorsement or non-endorsement of any candidate, party or initiative by the League of Women Voters. 

 All Pennsylvania registered voters are eligible to vote for candidates in the General Election on Tuesday, Nov. 5. Please check your voter registration now.

KEY INFORMATION

  • To vote in Centre County, you must be registered in Centre County
  • Check your registration status at lwvcentrecounty.org
  • Register to vote, make changes to name, address or party by 5 p.m. on Monday, Oct. 21
  • Apply for an absentee or mail-in ballot by 5 p.m. on Tuesday, Oct. 29
  • Election Day is Tuesday, Nov. 5
  • Polls are open from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. for in-person voting
  • This Voter’s Guide may be taken into the voting booth
  • Mail-in ballot applications and ballots can be tracked at lwvcentrecounty.org

ELECTION INFORMATION

ONLINE:

Go to centrecountyvotes.gov 

Use resources at lwvcentrecounty.org

IN PERSON:

Contact the Centre County elections office, 420 Holmes St., Bellefonte, at [email protected] or call 814-355-6703

APPLYING FOR ABSENTEE OR MAIL–IN VOTING

Centre County registered voters who are ill, disabled or will be absent from the municipality on Election Day may vote by absentee ballot. In addition, any Centre County registered voter may choose to vote using the no-excuse mail-in ballot. You can request an application be mailed to you by calling the Centre County elections office at 814-355-6703 or you can apply online at “Vote by Mail” at centrecountyvotes.gov. 

Completed applications for absentee or mail-in ballots must be received by the county elections office by 5 p.m. on Tuesday, Oct. 29. 

If you are registered in another county, you must request your application from that county. Please check your registration status now.

COMPLETING YOUR MAIL-IN OR ABSENTEE BALLOT

When you receive your mail-in or absentee ballot, carefully follow the accompanying directions. Completed ballots must be received by the elections office no later than 8 p.m. on Tuesday, Nov. 5.

If you did not use the secrecy envelope before submitting your ballot, you damaged your ballot or you did not sign and date your outer return envelope, please contact the elections office for instructions, 814-355-6703. 

POLLING LOCATIONS

You can identify or confirm your polling place on centrecountyvotes.gov. If you have questions about the accessibility of a polling place, consult the elections office, 814-355-6703.

WRITE-IN VOTING

Information for write-in voting will be available at your polling place.

ELECTION DAY PROBLEMS

If your right to vote is challenged at the polls on Election Day and the problem cannot be resolved at the polling place, the judge of elections at the polling place should telephone the county elections office, 814-355-6703. The problem can be resolved by phone if your name appears on the county records. If it does not and you want to resolve the problem, then you can go in person to the elections office, 420 Holmes St., Bellefonte, where a judge from the Court of Common Pleas will be on duty to resolve election problems.

Alternatively, you can ask for and vote by provisional ballot. If the elections office determines that you are eligible to vote, your ballot will be counted. You will be given instructions on how to determine if your vote was counted. If you have any questions or need to report any problems, call 866-OUR-VOTE for assistance in English or Spanish or 888-API-VOTE for assistance in Asian languages.

VOTER IDENTIFICATION

If you are a new voter or if you are voting at a polling place for the first time, then you must bring your voter ID card or a photo ID such as a driver’s license, student ID or some other form of federal or state government-issued ID. Some forms of non-photo ID are also acceptable such as a firearm permit, current utility bill, bank statement, paycheck or government check which contain your current address. If you do not have any acceptable ID, then you will still be allowed to vote by provisional ballot.

If you are not a new voter and are not voting at your polling place for the first time, you are not at this time required to provide identification.

ONLINE VOTER’S GUIDE

VOTE411.org provides voters with a personalized ballot that includes candidate information from this Voter’s Guide as well as important election information. Links to this guide as well as other useful information for voters can be found on the LWVCC’s website at lwvcentrecounty.org

Membership in the League is open to all genders 16 years of age or older and inquiries are welcome. Contributions to support this activity are greatly appreciated. 

Visit lwvcentrecounty.org to make a tax-deductible contribution to LWVCC Education Fund or mail to LWVCC, P.O. Box 962, State College, PA 16804.

PRESIDENT

DEMOCRATIC 

Kamala D. Harris — president

Tim Walz — vice president

Website:kamalaharris.com  

REPUBLICAN

Donald J. Trump — president

J.D. Vance — vice president

Website: donaldjtrump.com

LIBERTARIAN

Chase Oliver — president

Mike Ter Maat — vice president

Website: votechaseoliver.com

GREEN

Jill Stein — president

Rudolph Ware — vice president

Website:jillstein2024.com

STATE RACES 2024

PENNSYLVANIA US SENATOR

Description of office — The United States Constitution prescribes that the Senate be composed of 100 members — two senators from each state. One-third of the total membership of the Senate is elected every two years. A senator must be at least 30 years of age, a citizen of the United States for at least nine years and be a resident of the state from which s/he is chosen at the time of the election.

Senators write and vote in favor of or against final bills and serve on various policy committees. The Senate has several exclusive powers not granted to the House including advice/consent on presidential nominations and treaties and conducting the trial of federal officials impeached by the House.

Term — six years

Salary — $174,000

2024 PENNSYLVANIA US SENATOR CANDIDATES

Robert P. Casey Jr.

Party — Democratic

County — Lackawanna

Occupation  U.S. senator 

Education — B.A., College of the Holy Cross, J.D., Catholic University of America

Campaign website —bobcasey.com
Q: What do you see as the most pressing issues facing the country and how would you address them?
A: I’m fighting for our rights, lower costs for working families, economic freedom for workers and our country’s children, seniors, veterans and people with disabilities. I see each of these fights as critical for our country. I’ve supported legislation to defend democracy, protect a woman’s right to choose and a worker’s right to organize. I’m holding big corporations accountable for greedflation and raising prices on working people while they rake in record profits.

I’ve helped pass legislation that will create tens of thousands of new jobs in Pennsylvania and saved pensions for tens of thousands of workers. I also helped pass the PACT to provide care to veterans who have suffered after being exposed to toxic burn pits. 

Q: What changes, if any, would you support that would help Congress function more efficiently and effectively?
A: I support increasing ethical standards in Washington and reducing conflicts of interest to hold government officials to the high standards that Americans expect of them. I’m an original co-sponsor of the For The People Act, which would increase restrictions on coordination between super PACs and candidates.

I also co-sponsored and helped pass the Stock Act, which banned members of Congress from trading stocks based on non-public information and I back efforts to stop members from trading stocks entirely. I believe all of these steps aimed at increasing transparency and accountability will help make our Congress work better for Americans. I will continue to fight for greater transparency in politics. 

Q: What legislation would you support to protect voting rights and safeguard access to free and fair elections?
A: I am working hard to protect the fundamental right to vote from extreme MAGA Republicans across the country who are trying to erect new barriers to voting. I co-sponsored the Freedom to Vote Act to ensure every American can access the ballot box on an equal basis, including by setting minimum standards for early and mail voting, modernizing voter registration and ending partisan gerrymandering.

I am also an original co-sponsor of the John Lewis Voting Rights Advancement Act, which would ensure that voters in states with a history of voting rights violations have equal access to voting as all other Americans. In addition, I sponsored the Accessible Voting Act of 2021 to make it easier for seniors and those living with a disability to vote. 

Q: How do you view the role of the U.S. in responding to challenges facing the international community?
A: I believe we must protect our interests abroad with diplomatic engagement, working with allies and foreign assistance, coupled with our national security apparatus. Our nation is currently facing immense national security challenges, including competing with China, combating climate change alongside global allies, fighting terrorism, countering Russia’s aggression, supporting our ally in Israel and providing humanitarian aid in Gaza and combating the threat of nuclear terrorism. I have worked to address these challenges as a member of the Select Committee on Intelligence, where I have pursued a national security strategy that protects our interests, promotes human rights throughout the world, and supports those who serve our country. 

Dave McCormick

Party — Republican

County — Allegheny
Campaign website — davemccormickpa.com

Q: What do you see as the most pressing issues facing the country, and how would you address them?
A: -no response- 

Q: What changes, if any, would you support that would help Congress function more efficiently and effectively?
A: -no response- 

Q: What legislation would you support to protect voting rights and safeguard access to free and fair elections?
A: -no response- 

Q: How do you view the role of the U.S. in responding to challenges facing the international community?
A: -no response- 

John C. Thomas

Party —  Libertarian

County — Armstrong
Occupation — Educator

Education — Indiana University of Pennsylvania
Campaign website — linktr.ee/johnthomaspa

Q: What do you see as the most pressing issues facing the country, and how would you address them?
A: The most pressing issue is the loss of liberty due to the ever increasing size of the federal government. We lose economic liberties when the government prints money, devaluing our currency. We lose civil liberties when the government works with tech companies to police speech. We lose personal liberties when the government spies on us. This process is accelerated by America’s involvement in foreign wars. We address these problems by getting back to the Constitution.

The only wars America should be involved in are those posing a direct threat, declared by Congress. The only spending should be that directly authorized by Article 1 Section 8 of the Constitution. Every Amendment, especially those of the Bill of Rights, should be protected. 

Q: What changes, if any, would you support that would help Congress function more efficiently and effectively?
A: The United States Senate is a cartel of political elites, focused on extracting power and wealth from regular Americans and giving it to their cronies. I do not want them to be efficient or effective. We need Senators who are willing to slow the process. I will do all that I can to block the legislation elites use to make Washington more powerful at the expense of Pennsylvanians’ liberty. As long as the Senate is controlled by elites of the two major political parties, we should work to make them as inefficient as possible. 

Q: What legislation would you support to protect voting rights and safeguard access to free and fair elections?
A: Elections are a state issue. I am running for a federal office. I would block any legislation that would strip states of their rights to determine how to run elections. I would prefer that Pennsylvania pass voter ID laws, so every legal vote counts and no votes are offset by illegal votes. However, I am not running for the Pennsylvania legislature, so that is just the personal opinion of a Pennsylvania citizen. 

Q: How do you view the role of the U.S. in responding to challenges facing the international community?
A: The U.S. is too involved in internal affairs of foreign states. United States senators should be focused on getting America to be less involved in international affairs. Pennsylvanians are going broke, as our resources are making foreign bureaucrats rich. I would work to keep resources here in Pennsylvania, so that we can be peaceful and prosperous. 

Leila Hazou

Party — Green

County Pike

Occupation Business owner

Education MBA 

Campaign website — leilaforsenate.com

Q: What do you see as the most pressing issues facing the country, and how would you address them?
A: The economy — we need to stop funding wars across the globe and spend our money here at home. Human rights — everyone deserves basic human rights, and all people must have total control over their own bodies and their health. The environment — we need to move away from fossil fuels and build clean energy infrastructure. Health care and housing — every American should have health care and housing.

If we stop spending $800 billion per year in defense, we can easily guarantee this. 

Q: What changes, if any, would you support that would help Congress function more efficiently and effectively?
A: Remove money from our politics. Corporate and special interest lobby money shouldn’t determine policy. 

Q: What legislation would you support to protect voting rights and safeguard access to free and fair elections?
A: We need to pass the John Lewis Act to modernize and revitalize the Voting Rights Act by strengthening legal protections against discriminatory voting policies. We need to ensure that our technology and methods are secure so that voters have confidence in election outcomes. 

Q: How do you view the role of the U.S. in responding to challenges facing the international community?
A: The U.S. needs to be a model for peace, not for endless wars and regime change. 

Bernard Selker

Party — Constitution

County Clarion
Occupation Truck driver

Campaign website — martyselkerforsenate.com

Q: What do you see as the most pressing issues facing the country, and how would you address them?
A: The most pressing issues facing our country are the erosion of constitutional liberties, fiscal irresponsibility and federal overreach. As your U.S. senator, I will fight to restore our rights to free speech, religious freedom and the Second Amendment, while cutting wasteful federal spending and balancing the budget. I’ll work to return power to the states, allowing them to manage their own affairs without intrusive federal interference. 

Q: What changes, if any, would you support that would help Congress function more efficiently and effectively?
A: To make Congress function more efficiently and effectively, I would support several key changes. First, implementing term limits for members of Congress would reduce career politicians’ influence and encourage fresh perspectives. Second, I advocate for a return to a strict adherence to the Constitution, ensuring that legislation is within the federal government’s enumerated powers. Third, reducing the size and scope of government by eliminating unnecessary agencies and programs would streamline congressional focus. Lastly, I would push for transparency and accountability, ensuring that bills are thoroughly reviewed and understood before being passed, allowing for informed decision-making and reducing wasteful legislation. 

Q: What legislation would you support to protect voting rights and safeguard access to free and fair elections?
A: To protect voting rights and ensure free and fair elections, I would support legislation that upholds the integrity of the electoral process while safeguarding individual liberties. This includes implementing voter ID laws to prevent fraud, ensuring that all eligible voters have access to identification. Additionally, I advocate for measures that enhance transparency, such as requiring paper ballots or secure, verifiable electronic systems. I also support decentralizing election oversight, empowering states to manage their own processes without undue federal interference, thereby preserving the integrity of each state’s election system. 

Q: How do you view the role of the U.S. in responding to challenges facing the international community?
A: I believe the role of the U.S. in responding to international challenges should be grounded in a policy of non-interventionism and respect for national sovereignty. Our focus should be on maintaining a strong national defense to protect our own borders while avoiding entangling alliances and unnecessary foreign conflicts. The U.S. should prioritize diplomacy and trade over military intervention, seeking peaceful solutions that respect the rights of other nations to govern themselves. By leading through example, promoting liberty and supporting free markets, we can positively influence the world without imposing our will through force. 

PENNSYLVANIA ATTORNEY GENERAL

Description of office — The basic duties of the Attorney General, as outlined by the Commonwealth Attorneys Act, are to: serve as the Commonwealth’s chief law enforcement officer; collect all debts, taxes and accounts due to the Commonwealth; represent the Commonwealth and all its agencies in any action brought by or against the Commonwealth; administer the provision relating to consumer protection laws; and represent the Commonwealth and its citizens in any action brought about for violation of the antitrust laws.

Term — four years

Salary — $197,748

Vote for one

PENNSYLVANIA ATTORNEY GENERAL CANDIDATES

Eugene DePasquale

Party — Democratic

County — Allegheny

Occupation — Attorney/adjunct professor

Education — B.A., College of Wooster, MPA, University of Pittsburgh and J.D., Widener University School of Law.

Campaign website — depasqualeforag.com

Q: What are your top three priorities to address as attorney general?
A: My top priorities are protecting our democracy, defending reproductive freedom and protecting against corporate greed. Protecting our democracy is the greatest task and potential crisis we face — which the attorney general will be front and center on. Reproductive freedoms are under attack across the country. From when to choose not to have a family through abortion to when to choose to have a family through IVF treatments, I believe Pennsylvanians should have the freedom to make those decisions for themselves. As attorney general, I will be your legal advocate against corporate greed. I will crack down on businesses and CEOs taking advantage of consumers and help defend workers from wage theft, stop price gouging and close tax loopholes. 

Q: What specific challenges does the Pennsylvania criminal justice system face, and how would you address them?
A: As attorney general, I will work with law enforcement to protect our communities by investing in prevention tactics and holding those who threaten our safety accountable. I will work to restore trust between residents and local law enforcement to ensure our police can best serve and protect the Commonwealth. 

Q: What do you see as the primary challenges to achieving equality under the law?
A: There are so many places that we have challenges achieving equality under the law, including LGBTQ protections, the criminalization of addiction and disparities in how the law treats people of different races and ethnicities. As attorney general, I would enforce the law equally, but also advocate for changes in the law that gave Pennsylvanians greater protections from these inequalities. 

Dave Sunday

Party — Republican

County — York

Occupation — District attorney

Education — Finance degree from Penn State, 2002 and J.D., Widener Law, 2007
Campaign website — davesundayforag.com

Q: What are your top three priorities to address as attorney general?
A: Addressing the fentanyl epidemic by coordinating with our federal partners and local prosecutors and law enforcement to target the organizations that traffic it to our communities. Ensuring our seniors and consumers are protected from fraud by using the tools at our disposal to target those who prey on Pennsylvanians. Protecting our youth from exploitation. 

Q: What specific challenges does the Pennsylvania criminal justice system face, and how would you address them?
A: Our criminal justice system is in need of focus. For too long I believe attorneys general in Pennsylvania have tried to expand the office and use it to wage political culture war fights which distracts from the core mission of the office.

I want to refocus it on the things that it is empowered to do by targeting organized crime and the drug epidemic, protecting our seniors and youth from fraud and exploitation and protecting our consumers. We must also bring our resources to bear in communities that are being hit particularly hard by crime. Using our concurrent jurisdiction and building partnerships with our local officials I believe this can be accomplished 

Q: What do you see as the primary challenges to achieving equality under the law?
A: Inequal application of the law is a major challenge. Prosecutors who put their own personal agendas and beliefs ahead of the written law create a situation where what is a punishable crime in one jurisdiction is not in a neighboring one. This sends the wrong message to offenders and the community. Our criminal justice system and our entire society is built on the idea of Equal Justice Under the Law. When that principle is broken faith in our institutions is shattered and chaos and lawlessness follow.

Robert Cowburn                                            

Party — Libertarian

County — Allegheny 

Occupation — Attorney
Education — J.D., 2016 Suffolk University Law School; B.S., Sports, Arts and Entertainment Management, 2011 Point Park University; A.A.S., Manufacturer Automotive Technology, 2008 Community College of Allegheny County
Campaign website — cowburnforag.com 

Questions: 

Q: What are your top three priorities to address as attorney general?
A: -no response- 

Q: What specific challenges does the Pennsylvania criminal justice system face, and how would you address them?
A: -no response- 

Q: What do you see as the primary challenges to achieving equality under the law?
A: -no response- 

Richard L. Weiss

Party — Green

County — Allegheny

Occupation — Lawyer

Education — B.A., Pitt, J.D., LLM and MBA

Campaign website — www.gpofpa.org/donate

Q: What are your top three priorities to address as attorney general?
A: End slavery by requiring prison labor to be paid market wages. Prison labor benefits a few with cheap labor while the public pays for their incarceration.

Protect renters, the homeless and workers from unfair practices, like price-fixing, lack of affordable housing and shelter, discrimination and wage theft.

Pursue polluters for cleanup of over half a million uncapped wells in Pennsylvania, and drug makers for the consequences of the side effects of their products. Pursue politicians to return gifts and support a gift ban to make corruption illegal. The Green Party accepts no corporate donations. Support the Green Party of Pennsylvania by donating here gpofpa.org/donate. The Green Party works for the people not the corporations. 

Q: What specific challenges does the Pennsylvania criminal justice system face, and how would you address them?
A: My campaign will challenge the state to pay market rates for prison labor. The Philacor program installed 10 industry shops where laborers make pennies an hour. When there isn’t a profit motive to keep prisoners incarcerated, then incarceration and the costs to the public will fall. I am also a proponent of the Disability Integration Act which will help patients with disabilities access in home and long-term services prior to being institutionalized or incarcerated. Incarceration should be for dangerous actors only. Most can be directed to non-carceral programs. Restorative justice programs have shown less recidivism than incarceration. Treat drug abuse as a medical issue, not with incarceration. Decriminalize cannabis. 

Q: What do you see as the primary challenges to achieving equality under the law?
A: Pennsylvania has the fifth highest rate of discrimination cases of any state and some of the most proportionately disabled cities and counties in our country. People with disabilities often require reasonable accommodations. It will take an attorney general who holds workplaces and institutions accountable for their lack of accountability for addressing systemic discrimination in hiring and reasonable accommodation practices. Ending prison slave wages will remove the profit motive for incarceration, lowering prison population and reducing costs to the public. End cash bail — the judge should determine whether the actor is a danger to the public and must be held pending trial. Those jailed must be prioritized for a speedy trial. 

Justin L. Magill

Party — Constitution

County  Erie
Occupation — Attorney

Education — B.A. criminal justice, Edinboro University, M.A. public policy, iberty University, J.D., Roger Williams School of Law

Q: What are your top three priorities to address as Attorney General?
A: Election security. Elections officials must be held to the law when certifying elections. Voter registration rules must be cleaned up.

Parental rights. Schools must recognize parental rights and provide transparent services that give parents full access and decision — making ability concerning their child’s education, health and well-being.

Government accountability. Any accusation about inappropriate action by public functionaries must be looked at and appropriate action taken. Public trust must be restored. I will work to secure the individual rights of Pennsylvanians and ensure transparency in all areas of governance. I will work to ensure all public functionaries are accountable to the people they serve. 

Q: What specific challenges does the Pennsylvania criminal justice system face, and how would you address them?
A: Ingrained, wrongheaded thinking on how the criminal justice system is supposed to work has created an assembly line of criminality. The protection of juries against bad laws and bad government actors has been pushed aside in favor of plea deals and a high-speed assembly line that allows Pennsylvania residents to be abused by bad law. As Attorney General my office will, in our advisory role, work to educate Pennsylvania’s public functionaries and the general public on how we can work toward correcting the system. The excellent attorneys of the Office of Attorney General will also assist with refocusing the goals for the future in protecting Pennsylvanians. 

Q: What do you see as the primary challenges to achieving equality under the law?
A: Equality under the law is achieved by securing the individual rights of every human being. When governments move from securing those rights to violating those rights, we see inequality and abuse under the law. We see those abuses regularly in Pennsylvania as one group of human beings is allowed to terminate other human beings. We saw businesses being closed and prevented from operating because they were deemed “unessential.” We see homes taken away Pennsylvanians can’t afford to give government enough of their money. Until government is returned to its limited role of securing our rights, there will be continued abuses of individuals and groups. I will work hard to educate our public functionaries on securing our rights. 

Eric L. Settle

Party — Forward

County — Montgomery

Occupation — Attorney

Education — J.D. with honors, George Washington University; B.A., cum laude, Colgate University; Harriton High School

Campaign website — ericsettle4ag.com

Q: What are your top three priorities to address as attorney general?
A: Keeping Pennsylvanians safe. The attorney general has direct responsibility for prosecuting drug trafficking, child predators, organized crime and public corruption. As attorney general, I will work to reduce the number of illegal guns on the streets, often the direct cause of the violence that citizens are experiencing.

Protecting democracy. As an independent attorney general who is not beholden to either major party, I will ensure that election challenges are handled fairly, and that the proper winner of any election will be recognized as the elected official.

Protecting health care access. I am concerned about nonprofit hospitals being acquired by for-profit businesses. With my unique health care experience, I can hold them accountable and protect health care access. 

Q: What specific challenges does the Pennsylvania criminal justice system face, and how would you address them?
A: The criminal justice system is challenged by the need to reduce crime in Pennsylvania and to address the historical unfairness in the justice system, particularly as it relates to people of color. We see this duality play out in cities like Philadelphia where progressive prosecutors are seen by many as being soft on crime as they prioritize redressing historical grievances. In the end, a prosecutor must put the effective administration of justice as a higher priority to support the efforts of law enforcement and to seek a safer environment in the community. At the same time, we must find the resources necessary to create impactful diversion and rehabilitation programs to reduce the number of offenders who truly require incarceration. 

Q: What do you see as the primary challenges to achieving equality under the law?
A: I think that implicit bias plays a very large role in the inequity in the criminal justice system. We must recognize that law enforcement, prosecutors and judges need to recognize that this bias is real and often unconscious and try to avoid treating defendants differently based on factors like race. Greater diversity in the judiciary and in law enforcement will improve this but more work is necessary to make the justice system truly equal. 

PENNSYLVANIA AUDITOR GENERAL

Description of office — The principal role of the auditor general is to determine whether state funds are being used in accordance with the purpose and guidelines that govern each use of the Commonwealth’s dollars. The auditor general conducts financial and performance audits of individuals, state agencies and organizations that receive state funds, including school districts, state liquor stores and public employee pension funds. These audits are designed to measure how effectively government programs are using public money to meet their stated goals and objectives. The office performs more than 6,000 audits each year and is responsible for auditing all Pennsylvania state programs that are allocated federal funds.

Term — Four years

Salary — $197,748

Vote for one

PENNSYLVANIA AUDITOR GENERAL CANDIDATES

Malcolm Kenyatta

Party — Democratic

County — Philadelphia

Occupation — State Representative

Education — B.A. in public communications and a minor in political science, Temple University; M.S. in strategic and digital communications, Drexel University; and completed the Harvard Kennedy School’s Executives in State and Local Government program
Campaign website — malcolmkenyatta.com

Q: What improvements, if any, would you make to the auditor general’s office?
A: As auditor general, I will rebuild the bureau of school audits, restart the annual compliance audits ended by the current auditor general and demand accountability from all our schools — including cyber charter schools.

I will stand up for our workers by creating the first ever Bureau of Labor and Worker Protections and use the power of the office to take on wage theft, employee misclassification and union busting. I will use the office to measure and support efforts to make communities healthier and safer. We need transparency on how huge hospital nonprofits and long-term care providers use state dollars. 

Q: How can you make the work of the auditor general’s office more transparent to the public?
A: I’m running for auditor general because it’s time for the underdog to be a watchdog for Pennsylvania’s working families. To ask the tough questions, to help reimagine and streamline government, and to help build the coalitions to fix what’s wrong. It’s what I’ve done as a State Representative for nearly five years, working to protect workers’ rights, enact common-sense gun safety policies and root out government corruption and waste. We deserve a government that works for working families. That starts with being serious about fixing what’s broken. And it means having an auditor general who isn’t afraid to stand up for those too often forgotten by our government. 

Tim DeFoor

Party — Republican

County — Dauphin

Occupation — Auditor General

Education — Associate degree in paralegal studies from Harrisburg Area Community College, bachelor’s in psychology from University of Pittsburgh and earned a second bachelor’s in sociology and history. Master’s in project management from Harrisburg University of Science and Technology.
Campaign website — defoor4pa.com

Q: What improvements, if any, would you make to the auditor general’s office?
A: Under Tim’s leadership, the auditor general’s office has focused on transforming the office in various ways, which include: how the Department recruits and retains employees; how it audits, making the work more efficient and effective for the taxpayers; and how it is building the next generation, focusing on the need for financial literacy education to be taught across the entire Commonwealth through the Be Money Smart initiative. 

Q: How can you make the work of the auditor general’s office more transparent to the public?
A: Tim has transformed and improved how the auditor general’s office conducts public and charter school audits to ensure that administrators and school boards are accountable and transparent with taxpayer dollars. 

Reece Smith

Party — Libertarian

County — Allegheny

Occupation — Financial services

Education — Bachelor’s in economics
Campaign website — votereece.com

Q: What improvements, if any, would you make to the auditor general’s office?
A: First, I would actually audit the state government. In the past four years the auditor general’s office has conducted about 20 audits of state departments, agencies and funds. In that same time span they conducted over 12,000 audits in total. That means only 0.17% of their audits look at the state government.

As well, I want to audit the governor’s office and the offices of the leaders in the legislature, as personal offices are some of the most high-risk places for corruption, especially for the most powerful.

Additionally, I want to have regular press conferences reviewing audit results and letting people know exactly what their money was spent on. When was the last time you heard about the results of an audit? 

Q: How can you make the work of the auditor general’s office more transparent to the public?
A: I want to make the auditor’s general office more transparent by holding regular press conferences reviewing audit results and letting people know exactly what their money was spent on. 

Eric K. Anton incomplete, not submitted

Party — American Solidarity

County — Dauphin

Occupation — None

Education — M.A. in public administration and policy 

Q: What improvements, if any, would you make to the auditor general’s office?
A: -no response- 

Q: How can you make the work of the auditor general’s office more transparent to the public?
A: -no response- 

Alan Goodrich

Party — Constitution

County — Tioga

Occupation — Retired U.S. Army, Christian school principal

Education — B.S. in civil engineering, USMA West Point, NY; M.A. in organizational leadership, Chapman U. 

Q: What improvements, if any, would you make to the auditor general’s office?
A: Focus on being honest, efficient and helpful. 

Q: How can you make the work of the auditor general’s office more transparent to the public?
A: Welcome public inquiries and provide timely responses to questions. 

PENNSYLVANIA STATE TREASURER

Description of office — The duty of the Pennsylvania treasurer is to safeguard the Commonwealth’s financial assets, which total more than $160 billion in public monies. The office manages several programs in order to better serve the financial needs of Pennsylvanians.

The Treasury Department is also responsible for: reuniting unclaimed property with its rightful owner; investigating loss, theft and fraud involving Commonwealth checks; reviewing real estate leases and contracts entered into by Commonwealth agencies; and maintaining the Pennsylvania contracts electronic library.

The treasurer has specific duties in addition to the oversight of the department: serving as chair of the Board of Finance and Revenue, which selects banks to serve as depositories for state money; setting interest rates paid on Commonwealth deposits; and hearing and deciding state tax appeals.

Term — Four years

Salary — $197,748

Vote for one

PENNSYLVANIA STATE TREASURER CANDIDATES

Erin McClelland

Party — Democratic

County — Allegheny

Occupation — Process improvement consultant

Education — B.S. in psychology and economics, M.S. in psychology

Campaign website — erinmcclelland.com 

Q: What improvements, if any, would you make to the state treasurer’s office?
A: I would expand the information you could see in the database of state contracts, including searching vendors by union/non-union as well as women and minority-owned businesses. I will provide a recommended vendor list that complies with U.S. trade policies for fulfilling state purchases such as ensuring we are not purchasing from companies that use slave labor, child labor or conflict-mined materials. I would not invest in foreign holdings and would reinstate the pension investment standards that existed before pension de-regulation in 2003. 

Q: How can you make the work of the state treasurer’s office more transparent to the public?
A: Transparency is a word that is thrown around loosely in politics. However, it is only truly achieved if it is demonstrated at times when it is inconvenient and when we make mistakes. Elected officials identifying errors in the interest of improving performance rarely happens. That must change.

The current treasurer’s asset report only states what is going well. It does not identify opportunities for improvement. I would let the taxpayers know where I think we could improve our mistakes we may have made, the cause of the mistake and the correction. I also hope to move toward incorporating ESG (environmental, sustainability, governance) ratings into investment standards if that rating should be established as a viable measure. 

Stacy Garrity

Party — Republican

County — Bradford

Occupation — Pennsylvania State Treasurer
Education — B.S. in finance with a minor in economics, Bloomsburg University, Certificate Cornell University Business Management Institute

Campaign website — garrityforpa.com

Q: What improvements, if any, would you make to the state treasurer’s office?
A: I will build on the progress made during my time in office. Since January 2021, I’ve worked with my bipartisan team at the treasurer’s office to set a new record for returning unclaimed property (more than $274 million in a single year and more than $600 million altogether), to earn the first-ever Gold Rating from Morningstar for our PA 529 College and Career Program (making it one of the top two programs in the nation) and to nearly triple the assets in the PA ABLE savings program for people with disabilities (to over $115 million). I will continue cutting fees for both of the Treasury’s savings programs: PA 529 (so far, I’ve saved account owners more than $11 million) and PA ABLE (so far, I’ve cut fees three times). 

Q: How can you make the work of the state treasurer’s office more transparent to the public?
A: Transparency is a core principle under my watch. Every dollar that comes to Treasury and every dollar paid out belongs to the taxpayers. They deserve to see exactly what’s happening with their money.

Before I took office, the Pennsylvania Treasury Department received a “C” rating for transparency. That’s unacceptable, so I immediately went to work improving transparency at all levels. I added many new features to the Transparency Portal on Treasury’s website, making it easier for people to see our state’s expenditures, revenue and budget. I added county-level data for all of Treasury’s programs, and I revamped the Fiscal Health Scorecard which allows people to easily compare Pennsylvania’s fiscal performance to other states. 

Nickolas Ciesielski

Party: Libertarian

County — Westmoreland

Occupation — Engineer
Education — B.S. in mechanical engineering, Carnegie Mellon University

Campaign website — nickcforpa.com 

Q: What improvements, if any, would you make to the State Treasurer’s office?
A: The biggest issue to me is state debt. The legislature should not be spending future generations of Pennsylvanians into debt. The federal debt is over $35 trillion, with a debt per citizen of over $104,000. The Treasury dashboard reports a debt per capita of almost another $4,000. I will refuse to issue any bonds that would further grow the state debt. Additionally, I will push to eliminate state pensions and convert all government employees to a 457 retirement plan to prevent taxpayers from running the risk of needing to bail out the pension fund, which is currently 64% funded. I will also include a significant Bitcoin allocation in state investment funds, including the pension fund. 

Q: How can you make the work of the state treasurer’s office more transparent to the public?
A: The transparency portal does not provide an easy breakdown of what the investment pools are actually invested in. The public deserves to know where their money is being invested and determine if those investments align with their values. Additionally, I will make all records public and implement a system to crowdsource auditing the state treasury, allowing average citizens to earn small rewards while helping to hold their government accountable. 

Troy Bowman 

Party — Constitution

County — Lancaster
Occupation — Information technology/network administrator
Education — Associate of Science degree from Grantham University 

Q: What improvements, if any, would you make to the state treasurer’s office?
A: – no response – 

Q: How can you make the work of the state treasurer’s office more transparent to the public?
A: – no response – 

Chris Foster

Party — Forward

County — Allegheny
Occupation — Real estate sales associate
Education — Bachelor of Arts
Campaign website — chrisfosterforpatreasurer.com

Q: What improvements, if any, would you make to the state treasurer’s office?
A: As an independent state treasurer, I will ensure the office serves all Pennsylvanians, regardless of party interest. Aligned with the Forward Party’s sensible, independent approach, I’ll enhance transparency and accessibility, empowering citizens to understand how their tax dollars are managed. We’re building a movement from the ground up, focused on fiscal responsibility and collaboration, ensuring a secure and prosperous financial future for everyone. 

Q: How can you make the work of the state treasurer’s office more transparent to the public?
A: As state treasurer, I’ll implement user-friendly tools that empower citizens to track spending and investments, ensuring accountability. My focus will be on creating an open, clear and responsive government, making sure everyone understands how their money is used. 

PENNSYLVANIA US REPRESENTATIVE

Description of office — The U.S. Constitution requires that the House of Representatives be composed of representatives from each state, elected in proportion to population. There are 435 members of the House of Representatives, with 17 representatives allotted to Pennsylvania after the 2020 census.

A U.S. representative must be at least 25 years old, have been a citizen of the United States for the past seven years, and be a resident of the state they seek to represent at the time of the election (though not necessarily the same district). The House of Representatives is responsible for introducing and voting on bills, resolutions and amendments and for approving the budget. Representatives also serve on various policy committees. The House may send articles of impeachment of elected officials to the Senate and elects the president if there is a tie in the Electoral College.

Term — 2 years

Salary — $174,000

Vote for one

PENNSYLVANIA US REPRESENTATIVE DISTRICT 15 CANDIDATES

Zach Womer

Party — Democratic
County — Centre
Occupation — Student
Education — B.A. in psychology, Denison University. Current 1L in Penn State Law’s J.D. program.
Campaign website — womeforpa.com

Q: What do you see as the most pressing issues facing the country, and how would you address them?
A: The first issue, which should concern everyone in the country regardless of political affiliation, is the continued consolidation of our markets. Mergers and acquisitions of large corporations have made our markets uncompetitive, and completely subject to the whims of monopolistic corporations.

We need to break up these companies to reduce their institutional power and help the American consumer. The next most significant issue is trade. The North American Free Trade Agreement and China’s entry into the World Trade Organization have destroyed former manufacturing communities, like mine, forcing American workers to bargain against undeveloped markets is a terrible deal for the American worker and has thus robbed workers of the American dream.

Q: What changes, if any, would you support that would help Congress function more efficiently and effectively?
A: I strongly support institutional changes that remove corporate influence in elections, make congressional races more competitive and better represent the country’s voters. At present, we have an uncompetitive system backed by corporations, which causes ideological gridlock, except when those backed by corporations want to kick back to the folks who got them elected. If we want Congress to function well, we need to clean up the corruption, polarization and nonsense in our system.

Q: What legislation would you support to protect voting rights and safeguard access to free and fair elections?
A: I support any and all legislation that makes it easier for American citizens to vote. Most prominently, I believe Election Day ought to be a national holiday so that hard-working Americans can still access the polls. Beyond that, I would support legislation that greatly enhances the civic education of Americans so that more people in the country understand just what they are voting for.

Q: How do you view the role of the U.S. in responding to challenges facing the international community?
A: I believe that the United States certainly has a role in international aid, however, what is unacceptable is when the United States takes care of foreign nations before ensuring the needs of its own citizens are taken care of. In the present moment, there are massive issues in the United States, and I am quite perturbed that the so-called, “elites” of our country are significantly more focused on international affairs rather than our own.

Glenn GT Thompson

Party — Republican

County — Centre
Occupation — Member of Congress, PA-15
Education — B.S., Pennsylvania State University, M.A., Temple University
Campaign website — GTThompson.com

Q: What do you see as the most pressing issues facing the country, and how would you address them?
A: The metrics might suggest the economy is doing well, but at the end of the day people are feeling very different. We have more than 9 million jobs open, with an alarming amount of people unemployed and underemployed. Meanwhile, our southern border remains unsecured, creating a massive humanitarian crisis and security concerns. We need to get this work done.

In Congress, I have consistently worked in a bipartisan manner to achieve common ground. I credit my career in health care, lifetime in scouting and working as an EMT and firefighter. Each provided me the ability to work with people from all walks of life. I believe the constituents expect no less. It is an honor to serve them and I am humbled by their continued support.

Q: What changes, if any, would you support that would help Congress function more efficiently and effectively?
A: Congress was designed to have checks and balances. This was deliberate and the legislative process is not easy. However, I do not believe the process is flawed, but rather it is often hijacked by bad actors, who are starved for media attention.

Every day I work to find common ground with my colleagues from both sides of the aisle. This has led to collaboration on a lot of issues, from serving our veterans, bringing tele-medicine to rural communities, to modernizing career and technical education. Every success starts with finding common ground with my colleagues from across the political spectrum. Building better relationships is the key to success and one thing I personally strive for to ensure a better working Congress.

Q: What legislation would you support to protect voting rights and safeguard access to free and fair elections?
A: Free and fair elections are the foundation of our democratic system of government. It is imperative we maintain the integrity of our electoral process and ensure every eligible American’s right to vote. While I encourage efforts to reduce illegal activities in our federal elections, Congress needs to respect the role state and local governments play in shaping their own electoral processes. Discrimination of any kind is completely unacceptable. This is not a partisan issue; all Americans should push for inclusion and participation in the electoral process. The 2018, 2020 and 2022 elections had the highest turn out in decades, signaling a really positive trend.

Q: How do you view the role of the U.S. in responding to challenges facing the international community?
A: The U.S. plays a critical role in shaping international policy together with those countries that share our values. There are a number of diplomatic tools at our disposal to discourage bad actors from inflicting harm. America does more to support democracy across the globe than any other country. I am a strong supporter of the U.S. Institute of Peace, which Congress established in 1984 with President Reagan, to improve national security and global stability by reducing violent conflicts. We should always strive to mitigate conflict through diplomacy, but as an Army dad, I know we must also have the best funded, highly trained, and lethal fighting force on the planet. And we must be there for our troops when their service concludes.

PENNSYLVANIA STATE SENATOR

Description of office — The General Assembly is the legislative branch of government in Pennsylvania. It is composed of two houses: the Senate is the upper house, and the House of Representatives is the lower house. A majority vote in both houses is necessary to pass a law. The Pennsylvania Senate consists of 50 members, representing one district each, with an equal number of constituents.

Senators must be at least 25 years old, have been a citizen and a resident of the state four years and a resident of their respective districts one year before their election, and shall reside in their respective districts during their terms of service. The Senate develops budget packages, makes taxation decisions, allocates spending and passes laws —including redistricting in collaboration with the House of Representatives.

In addition, the Senate tries officials impeached by the House and authorizes executive appointments. Senators serve on various policy committees that may propose legislation. Term — 4 years 

Salary — $106,422

Vote for one

PENNSYLVANIA STATE SENATOR DISTRICT 25 CANDIDATES

William McGill

Party — Democratic
County — Clinton
Occupation — Retired manager in the automobile industry

Education — High school diploma

Q: What do you see as the most pressing issues facing Pennsylvanians, and how would you address them?
A: Voting rights and I would expand voting, not restrict it. Reproductive rights and the right to choose for women, I will always fight for the rights of all people. Raising minimum wage by supporting any senate bill that proposes to. Broadband access in rural Pennsylvania to bring all Pennsylvania residents access to connection. Health care and stopping hospital closures in rural communities by introducing legislation to address the concern.

Q: What changes would you support making to Pennsylvania’s voting laws to expand access, ensure security and support local election officials and processes?
A: Mail in voting is safe. It’s been tested time and time again and the courts have stated no fraud has been identified. Legislation to place the responsibility on county election offices and allowing them to do the job they are tasked with. I would support exploring easier voting by technology use of PCs and cellphones. I believe when you renew or receive a driver’s license, you should be automatically registered to vote as long as you’re a legally qualified to do so.

Q: What legislation would you support to comply with the Commonwealth Court’s ruling that Pennsylvania’s school funding system is unconstitutional and must be reformed?
A: Education is too important to leave to chance. We certainly need to fund our rural schools equally and provide broadband and better connectivity services to accommodate students statewide.

Q: What changes, if any, would you support making to Pennsylvania’s abortion laws?
A: Pennsylvania needs to lead on this topic and protect choice by realizing abortion is Health care and allowing women, their partners, family, doctors and their clergy to advise them. Doctors are the experts in this issue not religion and definitely not government. This issue has no place in politics, instead it’s a private and personal decision under the care and discretion of health care providers. I will lead the charge to codify it in Pennsylvania.

Cris Dush

Party — Republican
County — Jefferson

Campaign website — DushForSenate.com

Q: What do you see as the most pressing issues facing Pennsylvanians, and how would you address them?
A: -no response-

Q: What changes would you support making to Pennsylvania’s voting laws to expand access, ensure security and support local election officials and processes?
A: -no response-

Q: What legislation would you support to comply with the Commonwealth Court’s ruling that Pennsylvania’s school funding system is unconstitutional and must be reformed?
A: -no response-

Q: What changes, if any, would you support making to Pennsylvania’s abortion laws?
A: -no response-

PENNSYLVANIA STATE SENATOR DISTRICT 35 CANDIDATES

Wayne Langerholc, Jr.

Party — Republican
County — Cambria
Campaign website — langerholcforsenate.com

Q: What do you see as the most pressing issues facing Pennsylvanians, and how would you address them?
A: -no response-

Q: What changes would you support making to Pennsylvania’s voting laws to expand access, ensure security and support local election officials and processes?
A: -no response-

Q: What legislation would you support to comply with the Commonwealth Court’s ruling that Pennsylvania’s school funding system is unconstitutional and must be reformed?
A: -no response-

Q: What changes, if any, would you support making to Pennsylvania’s abortion laws?
A: -no response-

PENNSYLVANIA STATE REPRESENTATIVE

Description of office — The General Assembly is the legislative branch of government in Pennsylvania. It is composed of two houses: the Senate is the upper house, and the House of Representatives is the lower house. A majority vote in both houses is necessary to pass a law. The Pennsylvania House of Representatives consists of 203 members representing one district each, with an equal number of constituents.

Representatives must be at least 21 years old, have been a citizen and a resident of the state for four years and a resident of their respective districts one year before their election and shall reside in their respective districts during their terms of service.

The House develops budget packages, makes taxation decisions, allocates spending and passes laws — including redistricting in collaboration with the Senate. The House also has the exclusive authority to impeach public officials. Representatives also serve on various policy committees that may propose legislation.

Term — 2 years 

Salary — $106,422

Vote for one

PENNSYLVANIA STATE REPRESENTATIVE DISTRICT 77 CANDIDATES

H. Scott Conklin

Party — Democratic
County — 
Centre 
Occupation — 
State Representative 
Education — 
Clearfield County Vocational Technical School 
Campaign website — 
linktree.com/conklinforpa 

Q: What do you see as the most pressing issues facing Pennsylvanians, and how would you address them?
A: Protecting personal freedoms, the right to vote and ensuring all Pennsylvanians are heard. Protecting our environment so farmers can continue to produce, the outdoors can be enjoyed and our children have a future home. Protecting workers’ rights. We need to ensure that every worker in the Commonwealth receives good wages and is treated with dignity in the workplace.

Q: What changes would you support making to Pennsylvania’s voting laws to expand access, ensure security and support local election officials and processes?
A: My election package would address the issues that have arisen. It would allow pre-canvassing and put in clearer guidelines for the system. We also need to step back and publicly appreciate and support the public servants who step forward year after year to ensure our elections are fair and secure. Public officials need to step forward and clearly articulate the process to regain trust where it has been lost. The procedures are in place and need to be publicized over and over again.

Q: What legislation would you support to comply with the Commonwealth Court’s ruling that Pennsylvania’s school funding system is unconstitutional and must be reformed?
A: The governor’s budget proposal goes a long way to address the education funding issues we face. The initiatives he has put forth on reforming higher education and the bold investments he has put toward public schools are a great starting point for the discussion that will unfold. I look forward to working with him and my colleagues to address the need this ruling clearly illustrates.

Q: What changes, if any, would you support making to Pennsylvania’s abortion laws?
A: Big government should not tell us what we can do with our bodies, who we can love and who we must worship. The right to bodily autonomy should be enshrined in the Pennsylvania Constitution. Full stop.

Marie Librizzi

Party — Republican
County — Centre

Occupation — Business owner
Education — College

Campaign website — marieforpa77.com

Q: What do you see as the most pressing issues facing Pennsylvanians, and how would you address them?
A: Government spending is out of control. Our legislators, for years, have not stood up to this fact. We must limit our spending to that which is necessary and cut wasteful spending that does no good for anyone. Trillion dollar deficits will ruin the country. Pennsylvania citizens cannot run their personal finances the way the government runs the budget. It’s time to finally quit “kicking the can down the road” and put the country and Pennsylvania on a sustainable monetary path. When government provides sound fiscal policy, it encourages business growth and the jobs that follow. Business and jobs are lost. Over regulation of business activities does the same thing.

Q: What changes would you support making to Pennsylvania’s voting laws to expand access, ensure security and support local election officials and processes?
A: I would support a law that makes it clear that only legal state residents are permitted to vote. Every citizen would be required to show proof of citizenship when they register and also show a state issued ID when they vote. Absentee and mail in voters would be required to include the number from their state issued ID on their ballot. Absentee and mail in ballot voters should only be permitted to deliver their ballots to county and municipal offices during normal business hours or have them delivered by the USPS.

Q: What legislation would you support to comply with the Commonwealth Court’s ruling that Pennsylvania’s school funding system is unconstitutional and must be reformed?
A: HB 2370 is far from perfect but at least it puts Pennsylvania’s school districts on a road to providing equitable funding. It is imperative that school districts look to implement sound management practices so that any waste in school district operations can be eliminated. Far too long administrators have made decisions without the knowledge or input from the staff who see the funding issues as they relate to the education of our children. I would propose a team be established in every school which includes parents, office staff and teachers who would advise administration on funding priorities.

Q: What changes, if any, would you support making to Pennsylvania’s abortion laws?
A: I would suggest an amendment resulting from questions posed on the ballot at an election. These answers would allow the citizens of Pennsylvania to vote on any changes. The abortion issue is a private and personal issue. What our Pennsylvania residents choose and vote for would allow their input and not have the decisions of elected officials forced upon them.

PENNSYLVANIA STATE REPRESENTATIVE DISTRICT 82 CANDIDATES

Paul Takac

Party — Democratic

County — Centre

Occupation — Pennsylvania State Representative

Education — B.A. SUNY at Buffalo, M.A. Southern Methodist University, M.S. Maryland University of Integrated Health
Campaign website — paultakac.com

Q: What do you see as the most pressing issues facing Pennsylvanians, and how would you address them?
A: Full and fair funding for public education, including relief for local taxpayers, cyber charter reform, college affordability and expansion of career and technical education. Protecting individual freedom, including reproductive, LGBTQ+ and voting rights. Ensuring affordable and accessible health care, especially in underserved communities. Creating economic opportunities across Pennsylvania and supporting working people and families by investing in local economies and rural areas, including housing, infrastructure and human services. Protecting the environment and addressing climate change by reducing emissions and supporting a broad-based energy portfolio, including renewable energy. Supporting first responders, veterans and family farms.

Q: What changes would you support making to Pennsylvania’s voting laws to expand access, ensure security and support local election officials and processes?
A: We should make it as easy as possible for every eligible voter to participate in our democracy. That is why I support maintaining the beneficial provisions of Act 77, including vote by mail, extended registration and the use of secure drop boxes located in multiple convenient locations, especially in historically underrepresented communities.

I also support same day registration, extended in person voting opportunities and allowing independent voters to participate in party primaries. I also believe we must minimize barriers to timely administration of elections by allowing pre-canvassing and expediting ballot curing or correction. And lastly, I support budgetary and legislative support to help protect our election workers.

Q: What legislation would you support to comply with the Commonwealth Court’s ruling that Pennsylvania’s school funding system is unconstitutional and must be reformed?
A: As a member of the Education Committee, and someone who benefited from a high-quality public education and spent his career working with educators, I have no greater priority than ensuring that every child in Pennsylvania has the opportunities and resources they need to succeed, regardless of ZIP code.

I fully support the recommendations in the majority report of the Basic Education Funding Commission and have voted in favor of every effort thus far to enact them. They include increased state funding for districts with an insufficient tax base or with greater numbers of students with specialized needs, property tax relief for overburdened local taxpayers and the reform of cyber charter school reimbursements, reporting and transparency.

Q: What changes, if any, would you support making to Pennsylvania’s abortion laws?
A: Like the majority of Pennsylvanians, I believe we must protect the freedom of everyone to control their own bodies and make their own reproductive health care decisions, including abortion. Such decisions are deeply personal and must only be made by that person and their doctor. The government has no role or standing in that decision. I not only oppose any new restrictions but fully support enshrining such constitutional protections at both the federal and state level. I also support shielding Pennsylvania health care providers and patients from out of state investigations, prosecutions or sanctions. Finally, I oppose public funding of any organization that does not provide counseling on the full range of reproductive health care options available.

Therese Hollen

Party — Republican

County — Centre

Occupation Retired

Education — B.S. in Education
Campaign website — electhollen.com

Q: What do you see as the most pressing issues facing Pennsylvanians, and how would you address them?
A: Pennsylvanians are worried about the economy, inflation and illegal immigration, which is linked to rising crime. Many feel our government has left them behind, but it’s time to put their needs first. Reducing red tape and cutting taxes in Harrisburg will help businesses thrive and create more opportunities in the 82nd district. We can also fight inflation by tapping into Pennsylvania’s energy resources, lowering costs for essentials like heating and groceries. Illegal immigration has turned every state into a border state, bringing more violent crime. As your state representative, I’ll stand against legislation that puts others ahead of Pennsylvanians.

Q: What changes would you support making to Pennsylvania’s voting laws to expand access, ensure security and support local election officials and processes?
A: As a representative, I would support an exploratory committee to research blockchain voting technology and advocate for strict chain of custody requirements for ballots. Additionally, I would push for more universal efforts to ensure the accuracy of voter rolls across the Commonwealth to restore faith in our elections across the board.

Q: What legislation would you support to comply with the Commonwealth Court’s ruling that Pennsylvania’s school funding system is unconstitutional and must be reformed?
A: The burden of school funding should not fall solely on property owners. However, we must create a system that delivers a strong public education because our children deserve the best chance for success. As a former teacher in Pennsylvania’s “T,” I’ve seen firsthand the importance of providing economically disadvantaged students with the best opportunities. We must balance and address the needs of our students by offering the best learning environments, whether that’s through traditional public schools, online programs or private charter schools.

Q: What changes, if any, would you support making to Pennsylvania’s abortion laws?
A: I believe abortion is such a personal issue that every Pennsylvanian should have the direct right to vote on our abortion laws. I pledge to fight for any abortion legislation to be decided by ballot, giving Pennsylvanians the opportunity to have a direct say. In a state as diverse as ours, this is the only way to truly govern an issue as private as abortion, allowing the people to choose the laws that govern us. Whether pro-choice or pro-life, the people must have a voice in shaping this legislation.

PENNSYLVANIA STATE REPRESENTATIVE DISTRICT 171 CANDIDATES

Kerry A. Benninghoff

Party — Republican
County — Centre

Campaign website — benninghoff171.com

Q: What do you see as the most pressing issues facing Pennsylvanians, and how would you address them?
A: – no response –

Q: What changes would you support making to Pennsylvania’s voting laws to expand access, ensure security and support local election officials and processes?
A: – no response –

Q: What legislation would you support to comply with the Commonwealth Court’s ruling that Pennsylvania’s school funding system is unconstitutional and must be reformed?
A: – no response –

Q: What changes, if any, would you support making to Pennsylvania’s abortion laws?
A: – no response –