Election 2022: Your guide to the race for the 152nd state House district
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Incumbent Democrat Nancy Guenst faces an election challenge from Republican businessman John Weinrich in the 152nd district in Montgomery County.
Here's where the candidates stand on the issues.
Nancy Guenst
Age: 64
Party: Democratic
Occupation: State representative
Town of residence: Hatboro
What steps would you take to reduce polarization?
Polarization is a threat to our Democracy and needs to addressed, not ignored. It's a tough topic whether you're dealing with the far left or the far right. We need to communicate with each other, we need to listen, and we need to act. These will most likely be baby steps, but it's a beginning.
How would you handle legislation regarding abortion?
I believe that a woman's right to choose is a matter for her and her doctor.
How can we fund needed road and bridge improvements?
With the passage of our State budget in early July, and with Federal funding being released from Washington, we are well on our way to getting a lot of our infrastructure needs addressed.
What, if any, reforms to Pennsylvania's election law would you support?
Act 77, voted into law in 2019 with unanimous support, needs to stay in our lawbooks. One thing I would want to add is early counting of mail-in ballots.
Would you seek the adoption of any new gun control measures? If yes, what? If no, why not?
Yes, I am a gun owner and a hunter so I'm not trying to take anyone's guns away but there are a number of things that need to be addressed. Red flag laws, auto and semi-automatic rifles need to be addressed, along with gun locks and classes for those on firearm safety.
How would you position Pennsylvania to be a leader on environmental issues?
As vice-chair of the Climate Caucus I can tell you how important environmental issues are to me. I believe PA over the last few years has become more environmental/climate conscious and see many communities now involving EAC committees in their council and township leadership.
What should Pennsylvania’s minimum wage, now set at $7.25 an hour, be?
15.00 per hour at the least.
What, if any, procedural rules would you suggest or support for the 2023-24 legislative session?
Candidate did not respond to this question.
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John Weinrich
Age: 59
Party: Republican
Occupation: Realtor
Town of residence: Upper Moreland
What steps would you take to reduce polarization?
As a lifelong small businessman and Realtor, I’m well-schooled in the technique of producing positive results in an adversarial context. Real estate buyers and sellers have differing goals and I successfully negotiate with the parties to come to a satisfactory agreement for all. In a similar fashion, I would be honored to represent 62,000 people with bipartisan and common-sense genuine leadership. As well, I publicly declare that President Trump LOST the 2020 election fair and square. The meritless claims otherwise are distractions which need to stop in order for us toperform the peoples’ real business.
How would you handle legislation regarding abortion?
I feel that with such a critical and deep-rooted issue, it is one best put on an entire state ballot referendum for the constituents to decide directly.
How can we fund needed road and bridge improvements?
One current problem is that Harrisburg’s elected leaders continually raid the “Motor Vehicle Fund”. This earmarked revenue stream needs be used for its intended purpose of maintaining our roads! We must maximize these monies and allow all union and non-union companies to offer bids. The outdated “prevailing wage” qualification for bidding on a public project is costing the taxpayers an enormous amount of money and is a fundamentally unfair business practice.
What, if any, reforms to Pennsylvania's election law would you support?
To achieve progress on the PA state level, term limits for the House and Senate are a must! Could you imagine if we didn’t have term limits for Governor, Lt. Governor, Attorney General and other statewide offices? Basically, we must break the cycle of career politicians. Officials need to serve citizens to the best of their ability and retire to private life after a maximum of 8 years.
Would you seek the adoption of any new gun control measures? If yes, what? If no, why not?
Pennsylvania citizens currently have the right to defend themselves and should retain those (Castle Doctrine and Stand Your Ground) protections. Right to conceal carry permit holders must undergo and pass a comprehensive background check with the County Sheriff's office. Gun law violators need to be prosecuted to the fullest extent. However, the sale of high capacity assault rifles should not be available to the general public PERIOD.
How would you position Pennsylvania to be a leader on environmental issues?
Our beautiful natural resources need to be preserved and handed to the next generation in better condition than we are currently experiencing. We must address the shortage of car charging stations throughout the state; if we are to have electric cars become mainstream, drivers need to recharge while on the road. Striving for clean drinking water and pure air are essential to the environment and life's enjoyment. Any company found violating our EPA laws will be held accountable.
What should Pennsylvania’s minimum wage, now set at $7.25 an hour, be?
As a lifelong businessman, I advocate for a free enterprise system of business. The state government needs not over-regulate; I have seen tremendous over-regulation and all the added costs of adhering to increasing mandated regulations. PA consumers are the ones to pick up the tab for any costly program mandated by Harrisburg. There havebeen suggestions to legislate a 100% increase in the minimum wage and this action would certainly be to the detriment of our inflation crisis. Currently, in the free market, many businesses have already raised their minimum wage jobs to $12, $14 and $16/hour, exemplifying that we do not need it to be legislated.
What, if any, procedural rules would you suggest or support for the 2023-24 legislative session?
All Pennsylvania's citizens pay millions and millions of dollars to staff and conduct every Spring "Primary" election, however, just the Democratic and Republican party voters are permitted to participate! Only a few states still have this archaic and undemocratic practice. We are currently excluding millions of citizens from their right to cast a voteand depriving their voice in our government. I would support a bill that Primary elections must be open for ALL voters — including 3rd party, independent and non-partisan.
This article originally appeared on Bucks County Courier Times: Voters Guide 2022: Race for Pennsylvania's 152nd legislative district
