THE MORNING CALL THURSDAY OCTOBER 1, 2020 themorningcall.com LEHIGH AND NORTHAMPTON COUNTIES VOTERS GUIDE TO THE 2020 PENNSYLVANIA GENERAL ELECTION TUESDAY NOVEMBER 3 POLLS OPEN 7 A.M CLOSE 8 P.M. COVERAGE: Look for voter checklists on Monday, November 2, and follow the election all day, November 3, on themorningcall.com ■ Reports from the polls ■ Photos ■ Video ■ Live vote tallies ■ Follow on twitter @lvelection ILLUSTRATION: GETTY IMAGES THIS VOTERS GUIDE MAY BE TAKEN INTO THE VOTING BOOTH PREPARED IN COOPERATION WITH THE LEAGUE OF WOMEN VOTERS © 2020 LWVPA-CEF PRINTED AS A PUBLIC SERVICE OF THE MORNING CALL VOTERS GUIDE THE MORNING CALL THURSDAY, OCTOBER 1, 2020 2 Copyright 2020 LWVPA-CEF The League of Women Voters publishes this information neither to endorse or to reject the views of any candidate quoted and does not assume responsibility for the contents of a candidate’s reply. U.S PRESIDENT Duties: The President is the head of the state of the United States of America; the chief executive officer; and the commander in chief of all military forces. The powers of the president are prescribed in the Constitution and federal law. The president appoints the members of the Cabinet, ambassadors to other nations and the United Nations, Supreme Court justices and federal judges, subject to Senate approval. The president, along with the Cabinet and its agencies, is responsible for carrying out and enforcing the laws of the United States. The president may also recommend legislation to Congress. Term: 4 years. Limit of two terms. Salary: $400,000 Candidates were asked: What actions would you take to balance public health and economic recovery in the U.S., both in light of COVID-19 and for the long term? Vote for one Democrat JOSEPH R. BIDEN Philadelphia County www.joebiden.com Occupation: Former Vice President of the United States Response: It’s a false choice to think we have to choose between our public health and economy; they’re linked. On Day One, I’ll implement the COVID strategy I’ve laid out since March — surging testing and protective gear; distributing vaccines safely and free of politics; helping schools and small businesses cover costs; and getting state and local governments resources to keep educators, cops, and firefighters on the job. I’ll respect science and tell the truth, period. And I’ll build our economy back better, creating millions of good-paying jobs. I’ll revitalize manufacturing, build a clean energy economy, and boost caregiving — easing the squeeze on working fam- ilies, providing paid leave, and getting caregivers the respect and pay they deserve. Republican DONALD J. TRUMP No response Libertarian Party JO JORGENSEN No response ATTORNEY GENERAL Job Description: 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 cCommonwealth; 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: 4 years Salary: $167,838 Candidates were asked: What are your top three priorities to address as Attorney General? Vote for one Democrat JOSH SHAPIRO www.joshshapiro.org/ Occupation: Attorney General Education: Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from University of Rochester, Class of 1995. Juris Doctor degree, Georgetown Law, Class of 2002. Qualifications: no response Response: We must continue battling the heroin and opioid crisis that is taking 12 Pennsylvanians’ lives each day. Our efforts must focus on a multipronged approach of prosecuting high-level drug dealers, holding pharmaceutical companies accountable and making treatment more accessible and affordable. We must stand up for consumers against predatory lending companies, scammers, and others trying to take advantage of Pennsylvanians. That includes ensuring Pennsylvanians have access to affordable, quality health care. We must keep our communities safe, by collaborating effectively across law enforcement, reforming our criminal justice EDITORS Michelle Graupner — Lehigh County Julia Swan — Northampton County ELECTION INFORMATION Contact your county board of elections or go to www.VotesPA.com. The League of Women Voters of Pennsylvania Citizen Information Center also provides election information. Call 717-234-1576 with any questions or go to www.Vote411.org. ABOUT THIS GUIDE The material in this guide was compiled by the League of Women Voters of Pennsylvania-Citizen Education Fund. This material may not be altered or reprinted without the permission of the League. Each candidate’s reply has been printed as submitted, except to use standard abbreviations and by editing from the bottom when a candidate’s reply exceeded word limit. Those that exceeded the word limit are indicated by /// at the end of the response. Candidates were invited to participate in the Vote411online voters guide sponsored by the LWVPA-CEF and Patriot-News/PennLive 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 Aug. 10. The candidates are listed according to their party. Nothing in this guide should be construed as an endorsement or nonendorsement of any candidate, party or initiative by the League of Women Voters of PennsylvaniaCitizen Education Fund. ABSENTEE AND MAIL-IN VOTING Registered voters who are ill, disabled, may be absent from the municipality or choose to vote via mail-in ballot on Election Day may vote by absentee ballot or mail-in ballot. Completed applications for absentee and mail-in ballots must be received by 5 p.m. Oct. 27. Completed absentee and mail-in ballots must be received back to the board of elections by 8 p.m. Nov. 3. If an emergency arises (unexpected illness or business trip) after the Oct. 27 deadline, call your county board of elections for information on emergency absentee voting. In order to obtain an emergency absentee application you may need to provide proof of emergency. Any disabled voter having questions regarding the accessibility of a polling place should consult the county board of election. WRITE-IN VOTING Information for write-in voting will be available at the 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 board of elections. The problem could be resolved by phone if your name appears on the county records. If it does not and you want to try to resolve the problem, then you can go in person to the county board of elections, 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 it is later determined that you were 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 questions or need to report any problems, call 1-866OURVOTE for assistance in English or Spanish or 1-888-APIVOTE for assistance in Asian languages. IDENTIFICATION REQUIREMENTS FOR NEW VOTERS If you are a new voter of if you are voting at a polling place for the first time, then you must bring your voter ID card or photo ID such as a driver’s license, student ID or some other form of federal or state government-issued ID. Some forms of nonphoto ID are also acceptable such as a firearm permit, current utility bill, bank statement, paycheck or government check. If you do not have an acceptable ID, then you must be allowed to vote by provisional ballot. If you are a new voter and are not voting at the polling place for the first time, you are NOT required to bring or provide identification. ONLINE VOTERS GUIDE The Vote411Online Voters Guide is available at www.vote411.org. Links to this guide as well as links to Vote411 and other useful information for voters can be found on the League of Women Voters of Pennsylvania homepage: www.palwv.org. Information about the Lehigh Valley candidates may be found at www.lwvlehighcounty.org in the Voters Guide pages. Republican HEATHER HEIDELBAUGH Allegheny County heatherheidelbaugh.com/ Occupation: Trial Attorney Education: J.D., University of Missouri-Columbia School of Law; B.A. in Economics and Political Science, University of Missouri-Columbia Qualifications: Experienced trial lawyer with more than 35 years of courtroom experience who understands the complexities of the law, the intersection between policy and law, and how the law impacts the lives of citizens Libertarian Party DANIEL WASSMER Pike County Occupation: Attorney/ College Professor Qualifications: Educator, government attorney and someone with actual knowledge from courtrooms not a self aggrandized aspirational political office seat warmer.... Response: -Major Criminal Justice Police Reform. -Decriminalize Marijuana (and other drugs) shifting to a medical treatment options (someone with a state authorized “license” can sell drugs reaping a huge profit but a person selling a nickel bag of marijuana is charged with a crime shouldn’t be!) -Stopping the threat of Anti-Trust litigation by BOTH old parties which is used simply as a ploy to leverage “campaign contributions” as a form of legalized extortion against our competitive big tech firms and permitting a real “free market” to pick winners and losers (Note: This is the only time in modern history where companies delivering “convenience” and “lower prices for consumers” have been shaken down allegedly to protect consumers [what nonsense] Green Party RICHARD L. WEISS Allegheny County www.greenslate2020.org/ attorney_general Occupation: Lawyer Education: B.A. University of Pittsburgh J.D. University of Denver LL.M. American University M.B.A. University of Chicago Qualifications: Admitted to the Attorney Bar in Pennsylvania and New York. Response: 1. Save the taxpayers’ money. Reduce prison population by 50%, by not seeking cash bail, not bringing charges merely for drug possession or consensual relations between adults. Only those who are actually a threat to the community should be incarcerated. Others should be diverted from the prison system to programs designed to help them pay their debt to society and reintegrate into the community. Prosecutorial resources can then be directed to addressing violent crime, combating corruption and consumer protection. 2. Reformation of the system of policing. Citizen Review Boards are only a start. Community and police must establish standards of conduct and need special prosecutors for police misconduct. 3. Promote Restorative Justice. AUDITOR GENERAL Job Description: 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 federal funds that are allocated to Pennsylvania state programs. Term: 4 years Salary: $167,838 Candidates were asked: What are your top three priorities in office? Vote for one Democrat NINA AHMAD Philadelphia County www.ninaforpa.com Occupation: Former Deputy Mayor Education: Ph.D. in Chemistry, Postdoctoral Training in Molecular Genetics Qualifications: Policy Maker (Deputy Mayor & Advisor to President Obama on AAPI) Co-owner-Community Development finance business Trustee of Foundation, Grant making Chair-$40MM in grants and Investment Committee: oversight on halfbillion-dollar endowment. Board Member, National Organization for Women Response: Healthcare, Educa- tion and Jobs: To reduce healthcare costs I will find efficiencies in reimbursements to pharmacy benefit managers (PBMs), 3rd-party administrators of prescription drug programs. I will lead the design of an audit to assess pandemic preparedness incorporating the lessons learned from the current COVID-19 pandemic on all fronts including healthcare, education, and the economy. Developing data-driven analyses to identify funding gaps in education, I will advocate for equitable funding, universal pre-K, and affordable postsecondary education. I will harness science and technology to create family sustaining jobs of the future and will advocate for work force development dollars to be invested in this sector. Republican TIMOTHY DEFOOR Dauphin County www.defoor4pa.com/ Occupation: Dauphin County Controller Education: Harrisburg Area Community College, Associates of Arts, Para Legal Studies; University of Pittsburgh, Bachelor of Arts, General Studies (concentration Sociology and History); Harrisburg University, Master's of Science, Project Management Qualifications: Former Special Investigator, Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, Office of Inspector General; Retired Special Agent, Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, Office of Attorney General; Dauphin County Controller (2016 to present); Former Certified Internal Auditor with the International Organization for Standards Response: 1) We are in a COVID-19 world. Both the federal and state governments are distributing grants and other COVID-19 funding to individuals, small business, and large businesses. My first priority as Auditor General is to make sure those funds were allocated to those individuals and businesses for who they were intended. 2) Work to have a more transparent government. For example, I will work to end political loopholes like the “honor system” that THE MORNING CALL THURSDAY, OCTOBER 1, 2020 Response: 1. Keep PA SafeThe Commonwealth Attorneys Act states one of the main roles of the AG is criminal prosecutions. This would be my top priority. The AG works with local DAs and law enforcement to keep PA residents safe, including a strong commitment to addressing drug trafficking and the opioid crisis. 2. Put People Before Politics-Restore the AG’s Office to following mandates set forth in the Commonwealth Attorneys Act and perform lawyering for the people of PA versus using the office for political gain. 3. Protect the Mentally Ill-Establish a Blue Ribbon Panel of experts from PA to examine the treatment of the mentally ill, address the current state of mental illness, and more. The panel would issue a Report suggesting structural changes. Education: BA - Adelphi University 1983 MBA - Adelphi University 1986 JD - New York Law School 1989 VOTERS GUIDE up for consumers against predatory lending companies, scammers, and others trying to take advantage of Pennsylvanians. That includes ensuring Pennsylvanians have access to affordable, quality health care. We must keep our communities safe, by collaborating effectively across law enforcement, reforming our criminal justice system to ensure equal enforcement, taking crime guns off our streets, and much more. 3 VOTERS GUIDE allows state agencies to keep high-dollar, taxpayer funded contracts hidden from the public. 3) Bring in subject matter experts to audit the progress and performance of any new and expensive initiatives and projects to determine how and if tax payer dollars are being spent wisely. Libertarian Party JENNIFER MOORE Montgomery County Occupation: No Response Education: Master's of Business Administration-Grand Valley State University Bachelors of Business Administration-Management, Grand Valley State University THE MORNING CALL THURSDAY, OCTOBER 1, 2020 Qualifications: Chair of the Board of Auditors, Upper Providence Township 4 Response: 1. Transparency: How many times have you heard a fellow Pennsylvanian joke about the "temporary" Johnstown flood tax that we have been paying since 1936? How about the gas tax, or turnpike tolls that are consistently repurposed for other projects? Taxpayers deserve to know where their money is going. Funds should be spent on what they were appropriated for. 2. Covid-19 has significantly impacted our state. Areas like education, healthcare, small business and unemployment have all been affected. It will be very important to audit the performance of related programs as well as ensuring that funds were properly allocated. 3. Combat government waste and inefficiency. I will work to ensure effective use of taxpayer dollars. Green Party OLIVIA FAISON Philadelphia County Occupation: Retired Scientist Education: Queens College Flushing, NY BA Degree - February, 1985 Major: Biology Minors: Chemistry; Music University of Nebraska Medical Center - Minority Health Careers Opportunity Baccalaureate Program 1983 Highest Academic Achievement Award - 4.0 GPA - 1983 Oratory Award - 1983 Citizenship Award - 1983 Qualifications: I am a mother, a grand mother and a great grand mother (my most impressive qualifications). I have worked as a receptionist, a legal secretary, and a medical secretary, a lab technician, a computer, math, and science teacher, an analytical chemist and a scientist at the time of my retirement. Response: 1) There is a desperate need for a third party. I welcome the values that the Green Party Pillars describe Grassroots Democracy, Ecological Wisdom, Social Justice, and Peace. (I would like to throw in Honesty and Respect). 2) Racist Laws like the Supreme Court's Dred Scott Decision show how deep racism is ingrained in our society. Unfair laws and practices like voter suppression, purging voters off lists, and long voting lines must end. 3) Quality Education & Climate Change Growing up, I remember the fog being so thick, you could not see down the street. Upon my return, no one can recall the last time they have seen fog hit the streets of Philly. We have lost a very important regular occurring weather pattern without anyone noticing! STATE TREASURER Job Description: The duty of the Pennsylvania treasurer is to safeguard the commonwealth’s financial assets, which total more than $120 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: serves as chairperson of the Board of Finance and Revenue, which selects banks to serve as depositories for state money; sets interest rates paid on commonwealth deposits; and hears and decides state tax appeals. Term: 4 years Salary: $167,838 Candidates were asked: What is the most important duty of the State Treasurer? If elected, how would you carry out that duty? Vote for one Democrat JOE TORSELLA Montgomery County www.joetorsella.com Occupation: Treasurer of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania Education: University of Pennsylvania (B.A.); New College, Oxford University Qualifications: Current Treasurer of Pennsylvania; former Ambassador to the UN for Management and Reform; former President and CEO of the National Constitution Center; former Philadelphia Deputy Mayor for Policy and Planning Response: From Day One, my most important duty has been restoring integrity to an office too often marred by scandal: 3 of the last 5 elected Treasurers have been indicted. Upon taking office, I immediately banned the use of middlemen to win investment contracts and introduced Treasury’s first conflict-of-interest policy and Chief Integrity Officer. My top priority now is building solutions to help Pennsylvanians recover from Covid-19 on solid financial ground. We created the Keystone Scholars program, which gives at-birth college and career savings accounts to every child born or adopted in Pennsylvania, and we fight to hold Wall Street accountable to taxpayers, as trustees for our public pension systems and through legal action when necessary. Republican STACY L. GARRITY No Response Libertarian Party JOE SOLOSKI Centre County joesoloski.com Occupation: CPA SelfEmployed Education: Indiana University of Pennsylvania — Bachelors of Science Degree in Business Administration — Accounting Major Passed the CPA Examination in 1985 Qualifications: I'm a Libertarian that advocates for small government. I also operated my own accounting practice for more than 30 years. Response: The State Treasurer must monitor the revenue inflows and disbursement outflows of the Commonwealth, as well as managing the invested funds of the State of Pennsylvania. My years of background as a Certified Public Accountant lend themselves well towards those responsibilities. Managing and working with people within the Treasurer's Office is also an important requirement. Having worked with hundreds of clients, over the years, as well as working with my clients' employees, I will take that operating experience with me to the Office of the Treasurer to make that Office a great place to work as well as operating the Office at the lowest cost and most efficient way possible. Green Party TIMOTHY RUNKLE Lancaster County www.greenslate2020.org/ Occupation: Environmental Project Manager Education: BS Geology, Millersville University Qualifications: EcoDistricts Accredited Professional, Green Party of Pennsylvania Treasurer (2017 - present) Response: Through the many boards on which the State Treasurer serves, they function as the head investor of the Commonwealth’s financial investments. The State Treasurer has the ability to direct sustainable and ethical investments including which banks hold your tax dollars or how the state pension funds are managed. The duty of transparency, through right-toknow legislation requires the State Treasurer to be clear about the State’s business. I will take the office beyond transparency and to a place of responsible management of your investments. Job Description: Congress, the legislative branch of the federal government, is composed of two houses. The upper house is the Senate. The lower house is the House of Representatives. A majority vote by both houses is necessary to pass a law. All bills must pass the House and Senate and be signed by the President. The U.S. Constitution requires that the House of Representatives be composed of elected representatives (also called congressmen or congresswomen) from each state. There are 435 members of the House of Representatives. The number of representatives from each state is proportioned accord- STATE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES Term: 2 years Salary: $174,000 Candidates were asked: What would be your top priorities as a U.S. Representative over the next two years? Democrat PETER SCHWEYER Republican No candidates 131ST DISTRICT In Lehigh County: Townships of Lower Milford; Salisbury (Ward 3, Division 1); Upper Milford; Upper Saucon. Boroughs of Coopersburg and Emmaus. In Northampton County: Lower Saucon Township, Districts 1, 2, 4, 7, 8. Vote for one Term: 2 years Salary: $90,335 Candidates were asked: If elected, what election reforms would you support to ensure that all citizens who want to vote are able to securely, privately and independently cast a ballot? 22ND DISTRICT Allentown Wards 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 (Division 1), 7, 8 (Divisions 1, 2), 12, 14 (Division 2) 16, 19. Vote for one Democrat 7TH DISTRICT Vote for one Democrat SUSAN WILD wildforcongress.com Occupation: United States Representative Education: American University, B.A. George Washington University, J.D. Qualifications: U.S. Representative, PA 07 Response: Serving during the COVID-19 crisis has reiterated the critical needs of access to quality, affordable health care for all; and ensuring we support working families and small businesses. In my first term in Congress, I led the charge on health care fights, Intern with rep Bob Freeman’s district office. Response: Act 77 was a major step in the modernization of our state’s elections. However, I believe it is just the first of many steps that need to be taken. The first reform I would support would be automatically sending every registered voter in Pennsylvania a mail in ballot. This would be just the first step to a more fair and equitable election process, with the eventual fully electronic voting. Republican MILOU MACKENZIE www.mac4rep.com Occupation: Business Owner from ensuring the USMCA trade deal wouldn’t raise the price of prescriptions, to securing mental health care for seniors in the Older Americans Act, to introducing legislation during the COVID-19 crisis to open an emergency ACA enrollment period. On the Education and Labor Committee, I advocated for minimum wage increases and other supports for working families. In the wake of COVID-19, main street will need unprecedented support as it bounces back –– this is a top priority of mine. Republican LISA SCHELLER No Response which included shortening the voter registration time before an election, requiring hand-marked ballots, and allowing no excuse absentee ballot voting. There are certainly other reforms that can be made to encourage voting (such as pre-registering of 17-year-olds who will be 18 at time of election), and these should be considered in concert with efforts to stop voter fraud so that we can ensure the integrity of our elections. 132ND DISTRICT Allentown Wards 6 (Division 2), 8 (Divisions 3, 4, 5, 6, 7,), 10 (Divisions 3, 4), 11 (Division 3, 4, 5, 6, 7), 13, 13 (Division 1), 15, 17 18. South Whitehall Township Districts 1, 2, 7. Vote for one KEVIN BRANCO Education: Cedar Crest College Occupation: Business Owner/Personal Trainer Qualifications: I have been a successful small business owner in the Lehigh Valley for more than 30 years. I have lived across our community for my entire life, raised my own family here, and am a taxpayer here. I understand the concerns of local families and seniors, and will fight for their concerns in Harrisburg Education: BA, Muhlenberg College, Political Science & Psychology MA, Lehigh University, Political Science Response: I support the recent election reforms, Qualifications: State Representative, 2013-Present Allen- Brancoforstaterep.com Education: BS Political Science (Kutztown University) Saucon Valley High School Qualifications: BS in Political Science with minors in Speech Communication and Public Administration. Completed the House of Representatives Fellowship Program (places with the Local Government Committee). Democrat MIKE SCHLOSSBERG voteschlossberg.com Occupation: State Representative THE MORNING CALL THURSDAY, OCTOBER 1, 2020 Job Description: In Pennsylvania, the legislative branch of government is composed of two houses: the Senate is the upper house and the General Assembly is the lower house. A majority vote by both houses is necessary to pass a law. In the General Assembly, there are 203 members. Representatives must be at least 21 years old, have been citizens and lived in their respective districts one year before their election, and must live in their districts during their terms of service. ing to its population, with 18 representatives from Pennsylvania. A representative must be at least 25 years old, have been a citizen of the United States for the past seven years, and be an inhabitant of the state they represent at the time of the election. The House of Representatives is responsible for creating the budget and initiating bills to collect taxes and other money. The House is also responsible for impeaching federal officials (the Senate then tries the case) and electing the president if there is a tie in the Electoral College. VOTERS GUIDE U.S. HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES 5 VOTERS GUIDE town City Council, 2010-2012 Response: If I had a magic wand, I would make Pennsylvania Vote by Mail state. Every citizen should given a mail in ballot and the chance to vote by mail. I would also enable same-day voter registration and open primaries, among other changes. Republican MICHAEL MCCREARY No response City of Bethlehem (Lehigh County portion). Townships of Hanover; Salisbury Wards 1, 2, 3 (Division2); Whitehall Districts 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 8, 9, 12. Boroughs of Catsauqua, Coplay, Fountain Hill. Vote for one DAVID MOLONY 134TH DISTRICT In Lehigh County: Townships of Lower Macungie; Salisbury Wards 4, 5; South Whitehall Districts 3, 4. Boroughs of Alburtis, Macungie. Parts of Berks County Vote for one Democrat MARC I. BASIST www.Basistforstaterep.com Democrat Occupation: Local Small Business Owner JEANNE MCNEILL Education: Graduate of Boston University School of Management www.McNeillforPA.com Occupation: Current State Representative Education: Freedom High School, 1978 THE MORNING CALL THURSDAY, OCTOBER 1, 2020 Republican No response 133RD DISTRICT 6 ess for voters. Any reforms moving forward should have funding in the state budget to clearly communicate the reforms and easy access for voters. Qualifications: Elected in 2017, I have a 100% voting record. In the 2019-2020 session alone I’ve sponsored/ co-sponsored 717 bills, such as capping insulin costs, veterans, seniors, animal rights, among others. I am on the Labor & Industry & Gaming committees & Dem Chair, Commerce, Economic Development Subcommittee Response: I believe the automations put into place in recent years in PA, as well as the reforms passed in act 77 address many of the issues being addressed in the Federal “For the People Act” in the US Senate, Such as online voter registration, no excuse mail in voting and extending the deadline for mail in and absentee ballots to Election Day. As this is the first election with the new reforms, compounded by the current health crisis, I would like to review what worked well & what needs improvement to ensure a smooth, clear proc- Qualifications: My decades long experience as a small business owner in the private sector makes me uniquely qualified to work across party lines to bring about bipartisan solutions. I have not been jaded by being a career state employee and politician; only being capable of seeing issues through party affiliation Response: Voting by mail was an excellent first step to increase voting participation in PA but we still need to do better. Unlike my opponent blocking Gov. Wolf’s Reform Proposal from moving forward for a vote; I support increasing the days for counties to be required to send out ballots to 28 days, votes to be counted if they are postmarked on or before election day and received by the county the Friday after the election, allow counties to start processing ballots up to 21 days before election day, and allow countries to fill poll worker vacancies up to 60 days before the election. Additionally, I would support an effort to increase in person early voting in PA. Republican RYAN E. MACKENZIE www.RyanForPA.com Occupation: State Representative Education: Graduate, Parkland High School; B.S., Finance and International Business, New York University; Master of Business Administration, Harvard University Qualifications: Current state Representative committed to protecting taxpayers, creating jobs, strengthening education, and reforming government. Former Director of Policy for PA Department of Labor & Industry. Response: In the House, I advocated for and voted in favor of the recent election reforms. These actions — reducing the time period before an election to register to vote or request an absentee ballot, allowing for no excuse absentee voting, eliminating state party voting, etc. — were all positive steps for our system. Now, we must continue to find ways to get more people registered to vote, encourage participation, and make sure that elections are safe and secure. 135TH DISTRICT In Northampton County: City of Bethlehem (Northampton County portion). Township of Bethlehem (Part, Wards 02 and 03 [Division 01, 02, and 03]). Vote for one Democrat STEVE SAMUELSON No response Republican SCOTT J. HOUGH www.houghforpa135.com Occupation: not provided Education: Bethlehem Catholic High School; DeSales University - B.A. Criminal Justice; Temple University School of Criminal Justice Programs Qualifications: Private sector security and venue man- agement Response: Voting is one of the greatest rights that citizens in the US have. If electronic balloting systems are going to be used, we need better and safer technology. Higher pay and better training for poll workers is a must. Essential voter services work best when they are provided at polling places. I do not support mail-in voting when the ability to vote in person is safely an option. The same applies to personal electronic devices for voting. There is to much risk of ballot and voter fraud when mailed, transmitted or collected outside of a polling place. It is important that a vote is cast legally, which is why I support Voter ID laws. If we have to show an ID to fly or to enter a government building, then it should be presented when voting. 136TH DISTRICT In Northampton County: City of Easton, Townships of Lower Saucon (Districts 03, 05 and 06), Palmer (Districts Eastern, Middle [Division 02] and Western) and Williams. Boroughs of Freemansburg, Glendon, Hellertown, West Easton and Wilson. Vote for one Democrat ROBERT FREEMAN Occupation: State Representative Education: Easton Area High School, 1975; Moravian College, BA History & Political Science, Magna Cum Laude, 1978; Lehigh University, MA History, 1984. Qualifications: State Rep. 1982-1994, 1998-present. Democratic Chair, House Local Gov't Committee. Authored Elm St. Act to revitalize older neighborhoods and authored law to protect Appalachian Trail from development. Expertise in smart growth, farmland preservation, & urban revitalization. Response: Mail in ballots have greatly expanded access to voting. We should also Republican No candidates 137TH DISTRICT In Northampton County: Townships of Forks, Lower Mount Bethel, Palmer (Part. Districts Middle [Division 01], Upper Easton and Upper Western), Upper Mount Bethel, Upper Nazareth and Washington. Boroughs of Bangor, East Bangor, Nazareth, Portland, Roseto, Stockertown and Tatamy. Vote for one Democrat KATELIND BRENNAN Occupation: not provided Education: B.S. in Political Science and Criminal Justice from Kutztown University Qualifications: Worked for local government in many different capacities for the past 35 years Republican JOE EMRICK No response Democrat TARA ZRINSKI Vote4zrinski.org have personal reason for being unable to vote in person is essential. Everyone should have the opportunity to have their voice heard. Making sure that voting is secure and fair is also top of my list, that is why I would support Voter ID legislation to prevent voter fraud. Occupation: not provided Education: BA Liberal Arts, Drew University, Philosophy and English (1997) MATS, Moravian Theological Seminary, Theological Studies (2005) MAPC, Moravian Theological Seminary, Pastoral Counseling (2007) Qualifications: Currently hold elected office as a Northampton County Councilwoman and chair of the Energy, Environment and Land Use Committee and the Ad Hoc Committee for Industrial Hemp. I serve on the LNNA Board of Governors, Conservation Districts and Wildland’s’ Conservancy Boards. Response: To ensure our democracy, we must have free and fair elections to which all eligible citizens have a fair and equal opportunity to vote and to have their votes counted. If elected, I would propose legislation to improve the voter registration process, improve electronic voting systems, prevent disenfranchisement on or near Election Day and advocate for expansion of the vote by mail option. We must take a serious look at the barriers to voting that disenfranchise communities and eliminate them when at all possible. Republican ANN FLOOD www.voteannflood.com Occupation: not provided Education: B.S. Biology Moravian College 138TH DISTRICT Qualifications: not provided In Northampton County: Township of Bethlehem (Wards 01, 03 [Division 04] and 04), Bushkill, East Allen, Hanover, Lower Nazareth, Moore (Districts Eastern and Response: Protecting the rights of citizens of Pennsylvania and our country is very important to me. Making sure that seniors, those who are medically compromised or 183RD DISTRICT In Lehigh County: Townships of South Whitehall Districts 5, 6, 8; Washington; Whitehall Districts 7, 10, 11. Borough of Slatington. Vote for one Democrat JASON RUFF www.votejasonruff.com Occupation: Self Employed Education: Graduate of Northampton High School 1995, BS in Business Administration, Kutztown University 2010 Qualifications: Slatington Borough Vice-President, Member Northern Lehigh Regional Multi-Municipal Comprehensive Planning Committee, Lehigh County Blight Task Force, Local Business Owner, Community Leader Response: We've made great strides in modernizing our election code because being able to vote is something we all value, but the system is rigged against many and voter participation in Pennsylvania continues to drop. Increasing Vote By Mail options increase participation and eliminating straight-party voting promotes research, but we need further reforms to level the playing field for third-party candidates and ability to include all eligible voters in all elections. We would benefit with increased bipartisan encouragement from the state to register and vote, and make it easier to register through more state agencies, or even giving eligible voters a window of time to register and cast a ballot at their county election office would help. Republican ZACH MAKO No response 187TH DISTRICT In Lehigh County: Townships of Heidelberg, Lowhill, Lynn, North Whitehall, Upper Macungie, Weisenberg. Parts of Berks County. Vote for one Democrat MICHAEL BLICHAR JR. www.voteblichar.com Occupation: not provided Education: B.A. Political Science from Kutztown University M.Ed. Higher Education Administration from Kutztown University Qualifications: Michael has served as a community leader and advocate in the district for a number of years. He has served as a trustee on the Kutztown University Council of Trustees, is a member of the Kutztown Borough Planning Commission, and was a candidate for state rep in 2018. Response: Act 77 put in place much needed reform to our elections in the Commonwealth. I am proud that Pennsylvania has opened the door for mail-in ballot voting which will bring much needed access to our election for folks who cannot get to the polls physically on election day. However, there are a number of other actions that must occur. I am a proponent of automatic voter registration upon turning 18, addressing voter suppression that targets people of color, senior citizens, and college students. I will also work to expand early voting and fight to set and enforce standards to ensure that all polling places have sufficient voting machines, poll workers, and other resources to avoid long lines. THE MORNING CALL THURSDAY, OCTOBER 1, 2020 Response: I would support increased access to voting for all registered individuals. Consideration needs to be given for voting with the use of modern technology with the appropriate security measures in place. I would support voting via email, again with a secure process, and encourage the expanded use of mailin ballots. Point Phillips) and Plainfield. Boroughs of Bath, Chapman, Pen Argyl and Wind Gap. Vote for one VOTERS GUIDE allow same day registration on Election Day with those registering that day voting by provisional ballot. And we should make Election Day a legal holiday to give voters more time to get to the polls without having to juggle their work schedules. Republican GARY DAY No response 7 VOTERS GUIDE Local News at Your Command The Morning Call is on the Amazon Echo. Get the latest local news, business, sports, weather and entertainment headlines delivered to you from your personal assistant. Simply enable and add The Morning Call from the Skills Store to your THE MORNING CALL THURSDAY, OCTOBER 1, 2020 Flash Briefing and say, “Alexa, what’s in the news?” themorningcall.com/alexa 8