Election 2022: Your guide to the race for the 29th state House district
Republican Diane Smith and Democrat Timothy Brennan are seeking the 29th state House seat in Bucks County.
Here's where they stand on the issues.
Tim Brennan
Age: 45
Party: Democratic
Occupation: Attorney
Town of residence: Doylestown Borough
Q: What steps would you take to reduce polarization?
I would work with the same character and civility as I have on council. In 2019, when asked about the biggest issue facing our community, I noted the division that permeates every level of society, saying our “political processes are broken and… we need to work to repair them… At times we all may disagree, but we need to recognize there is far more that brings us together than divides us.” Appreciating that is rare in politics, but it’s necessary for progress and a functioning democracy.
How would you handle legislation regarding abortion?
Those in power in Harrisburg continue to work to criminalize abortion, even for rape, incest, or when a mother’s life is at risk. They attempt to demean women exercising reproductive rights and limit access to contraception. This type of extremism isn’t what PA wants and women's healthcare shouldn’t be politicized. I believe privacy and reproductive rights are fundamental rights we must protect. I will stand against efforts to restrict these rights and support protecting them under state law.
How can we fund needed road and bridge improvements?
Our roads, bridges and infrastructure have not been a priority for those in power; we rank last nationally in many categories and see it locally each winter. As a borough official, we address roads yearly and build reserves for the future. PA deserves the same responsible stewardship. Our legislature has failed to fund infrastructure or address structural deficits while subsidizing shale and big business at the expense of our future. These are not Main Street priorities and I would reverse that.
What, if any, reforms to Pennsylvania's election law would you support?
We must make the case that being able to vote is not a partisan issue and back it up with legislation to protect our right to vote, solidify our expectation each vote will be counted, expand voting access and support local election boards. I have spent my life fighting for electoral fairness, volunteering as an election protection attorney and working on redistricting reform. I support automatic voter registration, pre-registering 16 y/o's to promote civics and expanded early in person voting.
Would you seek the adoption of any new gun control measures? If yes, what? If no, why not?
After each mass shooting, politicians condemn the violence and offer condolences, but those in power in Harrisburg still stand in the way of real change. Our first responsibility as elected officials is the health, safety, and welfare of our citizens. To protect our citizens, our children and our quality of life, we need to strengthen background checks, limit assault weapons, provide better regulation of lost guns and provide life-saving protection to those at risk of suicide or harming others.
How would you position Pennsylvania to be a leader on environmental issues?
The Delaware River Basin is a precious resource that needs our dedicated stewardship. It provides drinking water to 15 million people, water for farms and drives nearly 4 billion dollars in yearly local industry and entertainment. I will work to protect these resources and to create more open space, incentivize clean energy and energy independence, upgrade our infrastructure, make public transit green and create good paying clean energy jobs. I did it on council and will do it in Harrisburg.
What should Pennsylvania’s minimum wage, now set at $7.25 an hour, be?
I grew up waiting tables in my parents’ restaurant and spent my career as a workers compensation specialist fighting for working people. I know what workers are feeling when they work more, produce more, but are earn less. PA needs to set a living wage to allow workers to support their families, improve family and civic lives and reduce human service spending. We also need to expand healthcare, family leave and resources for those caring for young children or an older or disabled family member.
What, if any, procedural rules would you suggest or support for the 2023-24 legislative session?
I would make it easier for bills with broad bipartisan support, such as those that a majority of members co-sponsor, to receive an up or down vote from the full PA State House. Unfortunately, the parties and committee structure have stalled many useful reforms in committee including redistricting reform, ethics reforms and so many other useful solutions. The people want a functional body and working to change these rules would build people's trust in these institutions and their leaders.
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Diane Smith
Age: 59
Party: Republican
Occupation: Realtor
Town of residence: Doylestown Township
Q: What steps would you take to reduce polarization?
Like so many of my neighbors, I am tired of the partisan bickering that leads to nothing being done on the issues that matter most to our communities families. As our next State Representative, I am committed to working with colleagues in both parties to get things done on behalf of the 29th District. I do not believe that any one Party has a monopoly on good ideas, and we cannot continue to operate with our partisan blinders on. I will lead by example in this important effort.
How would you handle legislation regarding abortion?
As with all the major questions facing our Commonwealth, I do not believe that the extremists in either Party should drive the conversation on this critical issue. I will not vote to ban abortion outright in Pennsylvania nor do I believe in on-demand late-term abortion as a form of birth control. If elected, I will continue to support current PA law which protects necessary exceptions for the health and safety of the mother.
How can we fund needed road and bridge improvements?
Modern, well-maintained infrastructure is critical to the health of our community. Good roads, safe bridges, reliable utilities, and effective public services provide the space for families and small businesses to thrive and grow. As a legislator, it will be a top priority of mine to find new and creative solutions to improve the state of our struggling infrastructure. The resources to build 21st century infrastructure in Pennsylvania exist and it is our responsibility to use them effectively.
What, if any, reforms to Pennsylvania's election law would you support?
In a time when polarization has taken hold of our country, there is bipartisan agreement that reforms must be made to our voting laws. An example of the type of compromise legislation I would support was the PA Voting Rights Protection Act that was passed in the House last year. This bill provided security measures like expanded Voter ID and regular election audits. It also added in-person early voting, standardized the use of ballot drop boxes, and improved the reliability of mail-in ballots.
Would you seek the adoption of any new gun control measures? If yes, what? If no, why not?
Keeping our communities safe is a top priority of mine. As with any legislation that will come before me, I will carefully consider the specific details and implications for our community. Having worked in the State House for 10+ years, I have seen firsthand how bills can morph over time before they actually come to the floor for a vote. That said, I believe that every right we enjoy as Pennsylvanians are subject to common-sense regulations that do not cross that critical line of infringement.
How would you position Pennsylvania to be a leader on environmental issues?
We are so fortunate to live here in Central Bucks County with clean air, clean water, and a natural beauty that we have all worked so hard to preserve. It is absolutely critical that we do everything we can do ensure that the riches we enjoy are passed down to the next generation. As a mother and a grandmother, it is so important to me that all our families are able to enjoy what we sometimes take for granted. We must come together to promote common-sense protections for our environment.
What should Pennsylvania’s minimum wage, now set at $7.25 an hour, be?
I recognize the need to increase the minimum wage in Pennsylvania for the first time in years, but we must do so without hindering the ability of our local small businesses to grow and create new jobs in our community.
What, if any, procedural rules would you suggest or support for the 2023-24 legislative session?
I look forward to the opportunity to use my experience working with the House of Representatives to address exactly these kinds of issues. We must advance rules and procedures that promote transparency and accountability in the legislative process. I am committed to making change that will best serve the people of the 29th District.
Independent candidate Rob Ronky could not be reached for comment.
This article originally appeared on Bucks County Courier Times: Voters Guide 2022: Race for Pennsylvania's 29th legislative district
