Candidate Comments

We gave candidates the option to provide a couple sentences on why they ranked certain issues (Energy Affordability, Public Health, Climate Impacts and Environmental Degradation, Public Participation, and Affordable Housing) the way they did.

Current and future health are top priorities. Public participation will ensure proper prioritization and help improve affordability issues.

Alan Bradstock, US HD 14

I ranked Public Health first because of the current dismal state of healthcare in America. Second I picked Climate Impacts and Environmental Degradation because if we use up our planet, we don't get a do over. Public Participation is third because without the people getting involved no changes can happen. If the public was more involved in the ways of life in this country it would look very different, especially on local levels where every single vote counts. Fourth is energy affordability and fifth is affordable housing, these are last because if people would get involved then these prices wouldn't be so high. The resistance would have been there and there is power in numbers.

Amanda Shaffer, PA HD 64

Thank you for these questions. It was hard for me to rank public participation because it needs to be at the top of the list but also everything on this list as of the most importance.

Amber L. Neidig, PA HD 108

I think we need to tackle these in an order that reflects the magnitude of their importance and demonstrable benefit to the working person. That is not to say choice five is no where near as important as choice one, they are all about equal in my mind. Public input ends up as number five, and this is a very important choice, but it is up to an individual to decide how much they want to participate. I do think everyone should be civically engaged. Public health and housing are priorities one and two. Ensuring those same folks can power and heat their homes come close behind. The environmental impacts are a global issue that require international coordination and cooperation. Many people are worried about getting their next meal, if they can afford a lifesaving surgery or if they will even have a safe place to sleep tonight and the next. We need to ensure people security in the day to day first, then educate them of the greater threats we face that require changing our collective behaviors.

Andres R. F. Santiago, PA HD 5

I ranked these topics based on their direct impact on people’s everyday lives and their long-term importance to strong, healthy communities. I care most about practical policies that improve affordability, expand access to quality education and healthcare, protect public safety, and ensure government is responsive to the people it serves.

Andy Wagner, PA HD 128

The prevention of transmission of disease is one of the greatest factors in healthy outcomes for a national population. Through strong public health measures like vaccination campaigns, public service announcements, quality sexuality instruction, and other important drives, people not only avoid immediate death from the viral load itself, but their continuing effects like disability or early death. A healthy nation is a strong nation. Affordable housing helps relieve crowded conditions that often propagate disease transmission and it provides the dignity of privacy that all people deserve. Public participation ensures that decision-makers are not simply mired in statistics, but receive anecdotal data that can shape policy into being more effective. By mitigating climate impacts and environmental degradation, great swaths of the population are less negatively affected over time. And of course, providing energy affordability ensures greater safety and security of Everyday Americans to heat and cool our homes, power our communication tools, and meet our transportation needs.

Beth Farnham, US HD 13

So many of these important issues are related. In addressing the impacts of climate change and pushing for green energy jobs, you start to build a more sustainable and equitable future where a safe environment, a healthier planet, a future-ready workforce, and access to housing aren't just ideas politicians talk about and then kick the can down the road. We're running out of road! It's long past time to seriously tackle these issues with innovative solutions, and I will continue to be a champion for a cleaner, greener future in Harrisburg. It's not just an "environmental" issue - it's an economic, security, and moral imperative to act and be responsible stewards of our communities and our planet!

Rep. Brian Munroe, PA HD 144

My platform is built around working class issues and building working class power. I am a nurse and I believe that the problems with our healthcare system in PA have solutions that I believe I can have a direct impact on if I were to get into office.

I am highly interested in renewable and affordable energy, I have installed Solar at my own house and have benefited greatly from making that transition. I believe that we could create cheaper, cleaner, and safer energy programs in Pennsylvania and that this would benefit working class people for generations.

I am greatly concerned with both "Big-Picture" climate change, and local environmental issues. I believe this is a basic part of our civic responsibility, and I am gravely concerned with the potential consequences for the future if we do not take immediate strong action.

I believe strongly in the importance of public participation, and I believe that housing affordability is also a huge and serious issue, but in my district affordable housing is not as pressing an issue at this time, so I am going to have to push these issues towards the bottom of this list.

Caleb McCoy, PA HD 79

As a member of the Union Energy Westmoreland County Steering Committee, my focus is on building public awareness and pushing the project for orphaned and abandoned gas wells forward, with Union Energy serving as the primary driving force behind the entire well-plugging initiative. The project strategically connects immediate local hazards—like methane leaks and air or water pollution—with long-term economic and clean energy goals, demonstrating how environmental remediation directly powers skilled union job creation and community health across Westmoreland County.

Cherri Rogers, PA HD 58

People need homes in which to heal, but I’ve said it before and I’ll continue saying it everywhere I go: All our conflicts are intertwined. There is no way to comprehensively address the profound issues that face us if we allow ourselves to falter on one flank, over another. Addressing these issues will take all of us, from every corner and profession. These rankings don’t represent the full breadth of work ahead or how I ultimately interpret the priorities of the 3rd District. I value the feedback of my neighbors and comrades. For us to heal the world around us, we need to change the systems that harm us, and the world we inhabit.

Rep. Chris Rabb, US HD 3

In addition to being a State Representative I am a pastor. The center of the intersection between ministry and political engagement is people. To care for them, is to care for policy that shapes and impacts their lives. The health of the public makes everything else possible or impossible.

Rep. Dan Williams, PA HD 74

I ranked these topics in this way because my district is in serious need of affordable and attainable housing options, and healthcare. My district's main economic draw, outside of the government and schools, is the eco-tourism and if we don't protect the environment, then there is now way for people to survive here. I know that protecting the environment is the most important because if we don't have that, then we have nothing. However, my campaign is putting primary focus on housing and healthcare because voters don't usually see the environment at their main focus and I can't work on protecting it if I don't get elected. I intend on legislating and advocating for housing and public health with protecting and prioritizing the environment in mind.

Dominique Azzollini, PA HD 139

I ranked affordable housing first because rising housing costs are putting real pressure on working families, seniors, and young people trying to build a future in our communities. Energy affordability is also a major concern because families should not have to choose between keeping the lights and heat on and paying for other necessities. I also value meaningful public participation in decisions that affect our communities, while recognizing that public health and environmental protection are important considerations in building safe, affordable, and sustainable communities.

Dylan Altemara, PA HD 39

I ranked public participation first because communities should have meaningful input in decisions that directly affect them. Affordable housing and energy affordability followed because both have an immediate impact on whether families can afford to stay in their communities. Public health and environmental impacts are also important to me, and I see all five of these issues as closely connected.

Fern Leard, PA HD 120

I found this question virtually impossible to answer. My ranking reflects what I hear most often from voters in the district where I am running. However, all of these issues are critically important to me and would be an area of focus if I am elected to serve.

Hadley Haas, PA HD 44

These are hard to rank, because they are all important. The biggest concerns in my district are cost-driven, so I ranked housing and energy affordability as the highest priority.

Rep. Heather Boyd, PA HD 163

"For too long, corporate special interests in Harrisburg have dictated our energy policy at the expense of public health and our climate. Pennsylvania has a constitutional right to clean air and pure water, but legacy pollution and corporate loopholes continue to put our communities at risk. In the State Senate, I will fight to close hazardous waste loopholes, modernize our power grid with union-built renewable energy, and direct critical infrastructure funding to the communities most impacted by industrial pollution."
I have worked with PSR PA for several years. I live in Susquehanna County and have seen the harm caused by fracking. I have given tours in my county to the leaders of PSR PA, so they could see what a fracked county looks like. I am a mom and a teacher and a life-long environmentalist who believes we must have clean air and water.

Jackie Baker, PA SD 20

I put energy affordability and public health first because families need to afford everyday life and know their air, water, and neighborhoods are safe. Public participation comes next because residents should help shape the decisions that affect them; affordable housing and environmental protection also matter, and I want practical solutions that lower costs, reduce harm, and deliver results people can see.

James Julius, PA HD 45

I believe all of these issues are equally important and should be addressed together because they are deeply interconnected and often affect one another. I have placed affordable housing first because, first and foremost, everyone should be able to afford a safe and stable place to live. Meaningful progress requires addressing housing alongside energy affordability, public health, environmental impacts, and public participation.

Jeff Warren, PA HD 137

I think all of these issues are very important, most of them are directly addressed by my campaign. My ranking is based on what I think the constituents my district need the most. They are directly feeling the costs of rising energy costs, housing costs, and issues with their health, both due to healthcare and pollutants. For this reason, my focus as a leader will be to work on getting those things more manageable for people before focusing on climate impacts and public participation.

Jeremy Benscoter, PA HD 117

Although I feel that each one is equally important and would rank them all a 1, I chose my rankings by taking into consideration what the constituents in the 97th have voiced during our conversations.

Jess Branas, PA HD 97

We have many options to lower energy costs, such as nuclear, hydro, natural gas, fossil fuels, clean-burning coal, and, as a backup, wind and solar. If we lower the cost of transporting building materials (by reducing the gas tax, toll road costs, and, if necessary, putting a moratorium on the gas tax if it goes over $90 a barrel), greatly reduce the regulations for building a home, and reduce permitting costs, then this will bring down the cost of homes. By creating safe neighborhoods and educating people on better ways to eat and exercise, it will improve overall public health. Once the first three are accomplished, then public participation will come naturally. Finally, climate impacts and environmental degradation are the last areas of consideration, but as the District improves, so will this area, and people will take pride in their neighborhood.

Jim Edwards, PA HD 35

The 46th district has faced health and environmental challenges for too long. Families have been sounding the alarm over rare childhood cancers linked to nearby industry, and our current senator continues to ignore the data. At the same time, our elderly, rural community has been hit hard on two fronts: soaring utility bills driven by data centers and multi-day blackouts. As boom-and-bust industries move into our area, we are struggling with soaring housing costs. Residents are forced to compete with corporations buying up land at extreme prices, which drives up the cost of living for everyone. It’s time for a voice that puts people first.

Jodi Borello, PA SD 46

First of all, these are all top 10 issues for our nation and for Pennsylvania. I tried to rank them in order of things that work toward accomplishing all 5. For instance, housing our people and creating homes for the younger generation, is probably foundational to each of the other concerns. Addressing climate impacts and environmental degradation by transitioning to sustainable energy sources is key to affordability...

Rep. Joe Webster, PA HD 150

Its hard to even rank these for me because all of them are so important. I think currently we have a massive housing and affordability crisis that needs to be addressed yesterday, thus why I ranked them so high. With that we also need public participation in that process and not just have the government come up with solutions without consulting folks on the ground. This doesn't mean I don't view public health or the environment as priorities, its just that people won't care about the environment if they don't have a place to live, or can't afford to power what home they do have. Its a hierarchy of needs.

To me all of these are important and will be strong positions I'll take as a representative.

John Zangari, PA HD 171

Public health has to sit at the top of my list because it's the foundation everything else depends on. It doesn't matter how affordable your energy is or how much housing gets built if the air, water, and soil around it aren't safe. Climate impacts and environmental degradation follow right behind for the same reason. Public participation comes next because every fight I've been part of has depended on residents having a seat at the table before decisions get made, not after.

Energy affordability lands last not because it doesn't matter, but because it's the most downstream concern of the five. My advocacy on data center legislation has specifically pushed back on the framing that prioritizes cheap, unchecked energy expansion over oversight, or the need to scramble and build gas-fired power plants (either co-located or nearby) adjacent to communities where these projects are being proposed.

Sen. Katie Muth, PA SD 44

All of these issues are of high priority to me and the constituents of my district. I ranked these topics in order of what I have been hearing as pressing issues on doors from my constituents while on the campaign trail. I want to be clear that the issues I ranked low are still very high priorities for me and should be high priorities for all elected officials.

Kristin Egan, PA HD 142

Without your health, you have nothing, correct? But there are so many factors that contribute to good health. These social determinants must be addressed at the same time we are addressing public health issues. I think it is also important to remember you can’t come in and just tell communities what to do. In order to create good habits and lasting impact people need to be active participants in their heart. So, I choose public participation first to hear from communities, understand their concerns and the challenges they face. I then choose to address social determinants that impact health (stable housing, environment, energy). Addressing these issues then sets us up to have success in allowing people time, space, and recognition that caring for themselves is important.

I’d like to think we can prioritize all these issues to bring about positive health outcomes.

Rep. Lisa Borowski, PA HD 168

Climate impacts and environmental degradation must be first due to without a safe and clean environment, nothing else can be accomplished.

Lisa Gourley, PA HD 66

I live in Washington County, Pennsylvania, the most heavily fracked county in our state. My home is completely encompass by Oil & Gas infrastructure. Southwestern Pennsylvania has been extracted from for over 100 years. Oil was first found here next coal, steel, and natural gas. The fossil fuel industry is continuing to harm people in my communities. Poisoning our air, water, and destroying our land all this destruction benefits the fossil fuel executives. For far too long the people of Southwestern Pennsylvania have not had say when industry comes to town. It is time that we have a choice. Since we are an energy producing state, we should be producing all forms of energy. We should not be limited to just Oil & Gas. Pennsylvania's and consumers would like to see a change. We want to continue to live in one of the most beautiful parts of our country and state without being inundated by poison, pollution, and industry.

Lois Bower-Bjornson, PA HD 50

The make-or-break issues for a family are simple: can you get the healthcare you need without going broke, can you own a home you can actually pay off, and can Pennsylvania produce enough energy—especially geothermal—to bring down the grocery bill, the power bill, and the cost of getting to work.

Marty Young, US HD 6

All of the above are very important to me! I will be a strong advocate for those issues! I have had Josephine from your group speaking at our data centers education town hall and appreciate the work you do.

Meriam Sabih, PA HD 131

All five of these are vitally important and interconnected. A representative is responsible for overseeing the safety and wellbeing of his constituents. All of these need to be addressed, but there has to be an order in which things get handled. Many of these will have to be addressed at the same time. Putting these in an order of importance does not do them justice and cannot adequately address how and when they will be dealt with.

Michael Walker, PA HD 6

Honestly this was hard - they are all hugely important. However, I believe that the way to make a real impact on important health and sustainability issues right now is to tell the truth: In the short and long-term, there are huge opportunities to make life more affordable if we concentrate on sustainability.

Rep. Mike Schlossberg, PA HD 132

Public participation is the common thread that guides our community needs, professional research, and government funding. Having stakeholder buy-in and a belief in science (can't believe I had to write that), is vital to changing minds and building good policy.

Missy Barnes, PA HD 93

In reality, it’s a 5-way tie for first place. The realization of each priority individually impacts and overlaps with the others. The commonwealth requires leadership that can create and execute comprehensive plans and actions that address each of the five priorities to achieve sound public health overall. In addition to these five topics, well funded public education also provides a firm foundation for our communities.

Rep. Nikki Rivera, PA HD 96

I care about public health first because everything else falls in line with that, whether it's mental or physical our health is number1 #VOTE PILAR

Pilar Cavallo Campisi, PA HD 136

I would honestly argue that all of these issues are #1 and #2, but that wasn't a choice. Public health has to take top priority because lives are at stake. Our vulnerable population is in a critical state. Energy affordability has to be #2 because this winter will be especially harsh for rural PA and I fear we are going to see a dramatic rise in cold-related deaths. Public participation can drive mitigation of some of those issues, which is why it's #3. Environment is being ignored and the effects will be born largely by the vulnerable, as with affordable housing. We also need to institute a rural home improvement program to help homeowners upgrade existing housing because much of the available housing inventory is older and requires efficiency upgrades. These are difficult problems, but ones which must be addressed as quickly as possible.

Ray Bilger, US HD 15

I'm running to represent people, and participation is low. The House seat I'm seeking was designed for an engaged population. It covers only a 2 year term, keeping the representative thinking in terms of what constituents want, not telling them what to think. We need to actively re-engage them in the debates over their own futures. It's the only way we're going to overcome all the corporate money that's flooding the system.

If we had a better mix of energy sources in this country, we could rely on renewables to help through the current energy affordability challenges. That strategy would also serve the public health far better than burning fossil fuels, and of course help us to address climate and environmental impacts. Put another way, shifting to renewables can make meaningful progress against three of these priorities.

Rebecca MacTaggart, PA HD 48

It is extremely difficult to rank the important issues above as my experience as a State Representative has taught me most often these issues are related and intertwined. Their level of importance increases or decreases, depending on the clear and present danger presented for each occurrence. I respectfully ask that you look at my voting record and the legislation that I supported in my past two terms as a State Representative to make your final endorsement assessment. Thank you.

Rep. Chris Pielli, PA HD 156

My priorities are energy affordability, public health, climate and environmental protection, affordable housing, and public participation. Energy affordability comes first because families, farmers, and small businesses need reliable energy at a cost they can afford. Public health is also essential, especially expanding access to affordable health care, addressing rural health-care deserts, and protecting clean air and drinking water. As a farmer, I understand how climate change, extreme weather, flooding, drought, and soil degradation affect agriculture and rural communities. Affordable housing is necessary for families, seniors, workers, and young people to remain in their communities. Finally, residents should have a meaningful voice in government decisions through transparency, accountability, and public participation.

Rick Telesz, PA HD 8

All 5 of these are imperative. Energy prices are skyrocketing and hurting the poor and middle class across the country. We need to bring energy prices down. Everyone deserves access to quality and affordable health care. Climate impacts cause respiratory problems in Philly as well as many other issues. We need to do all we can to better the climate.

Rob Gurtcheff, PA HD 170

People cannot afford their utility bills, which impacts their health through too hot homes and in summer and too cold homes in winter. Public participation is necessary to include all voices in developing policies for all of these issues. Public health and climate impact/environmental degradation are linked. Affordable housing is important, but the others are critical to address.

Ron Ruman, PA HD 196

A healthy community encompasses so much. I have a record as a borough elected official of invested in environmental projects because I know of the positive impacts in holds on community members. I also know an environmentally sound community will have lower costs because there will be less stress on infrastructure.

Sara Agerton, PA HD 88

I ranked public health first because every environmental and energy decision ultimately comes back to the health and safety of the people who live here. Energy affordability is also a major priority for me because families should not be expected to absorb higher utility costs created by large industrial users. I believe we can protect our environment, strengthen our economy, create good jobs, and give affected communities a meaningful voice without forcing working families to choose between environmental responsibility and affordability.

Shay Micco, PA HD 9

I ranked these based on what I see affecting people across House District 15. Climate impacts and public health are at the top because our communities are already dealing with flooding, extreme weather, environmental concerns, and the effects those issues can have on people’s health. Affordable housing and energy costs are a major concern for working families trying to stay in their communities. Public transportation is also important because rural areas have limited options, which can make it difficult for people without a car to get to work, school, healthcare, and other necessities.

Sydney Speicher, PA HD 15

Without housing, you can't exist. People in my district can't afford their basic needs, such as water and heat. Climate impacts are real, and private equity is buying up our energy, our homes, and they don't care about the envioronment of people, only their pockets and they are ruining everything that matters. Public health will improve if we can fix the first 3, and public participation always matters, but the other 4 take priority.

Rep. Tarah Probst, PA HD 189

My reasoning for having first choice for all of them is they are all extremely important. Those situations and areas are vital and can help our community in many different ways.

Thomas Johnson, PA SD 28

My ranking reflects what I believe has to come first for Pennsylvania families.

1. Energy Affordability
2. Affordable Housing
3. Public Participation
4. Public Health
5. Climate Impacts and Environmental Degradation

I believe affordability is the foundation. When people are struggling to pay their electric bill or afford a place to live, it becomes much harder to focus on anything else. Lower housing and energy costs can give working families more financial breathing room and more time to enjoy their families, participate in their communities, and take better care of themselves.

When people have that stability, I believe they are more likely to get involved in their neighborhoods and have a stronger voice in decisions that affect their communities. Community involvement can also help people feel connected, valued, and invested in where they live.

Public health is extremely important, but I believe we also have to address some of the economic pressures that make it harder for people to prioritize their health in the first place.

Climate and environmental issues are important as well. My position isn't that they should be ignored. I believe Pennsylvania will be in a better position to address those challenges when families can afford to live here, pay their bills, participate in their communities, and have the stability to focus on the future.

Timothy McCune, PA HD 36

Public participation has and will always been a priority for me, especially in regard to policy development. I placed affordable housing and climate impact ahead of public health not necessarily because they are more important, but I see both of those as being keep factors in improving public health outcomes.