Election 2022: Your guide to the race for the 18th state House district
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Republican incumbent K.C. Tomlinson faces an election challenge from Democrat Laurie Smith in the 18th state House district.
Here's where the candidates stand.
Kathleen "K.C." Tomlinson
Age: 34
Party: Republican
Occupation: State representative
Town of residence: Bensalem
Q: What steps would you take to reduce polarization?
A: The political environment today is entirely too toxic, and I believe that is because it is driven by the extremes in both parties. Most people are not far left or far right – they find themselves somewhere in the middle, with their own opinions on issues informed by their life experience.
It is our responsibility as legislators to keep this truth in mind as we work on behalf of our constituents. I will always work to serve their needs, and not the interests of a political agenda.
How would you handle legislation regarding abortion?
As a young woman, I believe we should protect access to safe and legal abortion in Pennsylvania. I do not believe in late-term abortions for non-medical reasons, which is already law in Pennsylvania
While I respect and value the right to life, we should not abandon current PA law which includes critical protections for the health and safety of both mother and child and protect victims of rape and incest.
How can we fund needed road and bridge improvements?
Improving our state’s infrastructure is critical to our economic recovery. As State Representative, I will always work to ensure that your community sees its fair share of funding for these important projects.
We must take a comprehensive approach to solving the challenges posed by an aging infrastructure, including our electrical grid and other public utilities. Working together with federal & local officials, I am confident that we can deliver the results Pennsylvanians deserve.
What, if any, reforms to Pennsylvania's election law would you support?
This session, I was proud to support the PA Voting Rights Protection Act.
This Act would have expanded upon current voter ID law, required regular election audits, and directed counties to provide voters with a scannable, durable, Voter Registration Card.
This Act would make it easier to vote as well, allowing for in-person early voting, implementing a more practical timeline for mail-in voting, and providing regulations for county-run drop boxes.
Would you seek the adoption of any new gun control measures? If yes, what? If no, why not?
Any legislation related to gun ownership in Pennsylvania must strike a balance between public safety and the protection of the rights guaranteed by our state constitution.
I am the prime co-sponsor on legislation which would help keep guns out of the hands of criminals who, under current law, have been disqualified from owning a firearm. This legislation will help enforce existing laws and keep our streets safe, while respecting the rights of law-abiding citizens.
How would you position Pennsylvania to be a leader on environmental issues?
I am proud to have supported important environmental initiatives during my first term in office, including, as one example, additional funding for the Growing Greener program.
This program has protected more than 78,000 acres of farmland, restored more than 1,600 acres of abandoned mine land, and helped reduce flooding and water pollution through 400 watershed protection projects and more than 100 drinking and wastewater treatment improvements.
What should Pennsylvania’s minimum wage, now set at $7.25 an hour, be?
There is no question in my mind that the minimum wage must be raised in Pennsylvania. It is so important that we go about raising the minimum wage in such a way that provides real economic benefits to our families, while protecting the ability of our local small businesses to grow and hire even more of our neighbors.
I look forward to working with my colleagues in the coming session to find a real solution to this critical issue.
What, if any, procedural rules would you suggest or support for the 2023-24 legislative session?
As a freshman member, I have seen firsthand how the legislative process can be stalled by outdated rules or procedures. I believe that any changes that are made allow for greater debate on the challenges that face our communities across the Commonwealth.
I am proud to be a member of the PAOne Caucus, which is made up of Republicans and Democrats working together to find common ground and change outdated procedural rules.
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Laurie Smith
Age: 45
Party: Democratic
Occupation: Former teacher
Town of residence: Bensalem
Q: What steps would you take to reduce polarization?
A: As a teacher, I’ve spent 14 years listening, mediating, debating, and collaborating in and out of the classroom. The best outcomes come from collaboration and cooperation, but I will never compromise my values or vote against what is best for our community. People are tired of division and extremism. Leadership should focus on improving people’s lives and livelihoods — not bans, censorship, and partisan politics. In Harrisburg, I will fight for commonsense solutions that help Bensalem families.
How would you handle legislation regarding abortion?
Decisions about motherhood should be between a woman, her family, & doctor. Currently women in PA have access to abortion services up to 24 wks. With Roe gone, that is in jeopardy. The PA House & Senate rushed through a constitutional amendment to lift legal abortion protections by restricting access regardless of rape, incest, or when the life of the mother is at stake. This overreaching restriction is meant to criminalize & intimidate women & doctors, & ultimately ban access to abortion in PA.
How can we fund needed road and bridge improvements?
Investments in roads and bridges are more than just investments in infrastructure, they’re investments in good paying jobs for Pennsylvanians. Alternative resources, outside of fuel taxes and tolls, need to be pursued to increase revenue and offset expenditures. Funding for infrastructure improvements should continue to be shared between state and local governments. I intend to actively work with local council to prioritize and fund local initiatives.
What, if any, reforms to Pennsylvania's election law would you support?
The 2020 presidential election was one of the most secure elections in US history. Despite that, our country remains deeply divided and our democratic republic is in jeopardy due to the misinformation & undue scrutiny that occurred after the last presidential election. I would support legislation that prohibits electoral & voter intimidation to protect our constitutional freedoms & allow for the peaceful transfer of power. We have a fundamental duty to protect election integrity.
Would you seek the adoption of any new gun control measures? If yes, what? If no, why not?
I will support and advocate for life saving laws that keep communities safe by keeping guns out of the hands of those who should not have them. I support comprehensive background checks, red flag laws, and mandatory firearm safety training for first time gun buyers. I would also support legislation that requires gun owners to report when their firearm has been lost or stolen.
How would you position Pennsylvania to be a leader on environmental issues?
I believe that the most pressing environmental issue is climate change. We are already experiencing the effects here in PA. Just last summer, Bucks County endured multiple tropical storms, a “100 year” flood, and a record 7 tornadoes. We need to act now to lower carbon emissions, and move PA to 100% renewable energy by 2050.
What should Pennsylvania’s minimum wage, now set at $7.25 an hour, be?
The minimum wage needs to be increased in order to allow workers to earn a living wage, realistically compete in a tight labor market, & boost economic growth. The minimum wage should be immediately raised to $10 per hour to reflect basic inflation. Then, gradually increase compensation over the course of a few years to minimize the negative effects on small businesses by providing them with time to plan the increase. The last time minimum wage was increased in PA was 2008.
What, if any, procedural rules would you suggest or support for the 2023-24 legislative session?
The general operating rules for the House of Representatives should be equitably followed with integrity, regardless of the majority leader's political party. Procedural rules should support consistent and targeted committee involvement to provide an additional level of controls, oversight, and promote transparency.
This article originally appeared on Bucks County Courier Times: Voters Guide 2022: Race for Pennsylvania's 18th legislative district
