Election 2022: The race to represent the 99th House District

Oct. 5—Voters in the 99th Legislative District will have a choice when they head to the polls.

Political newcomer Joshua Caltagirone is challenging Republican incumbent Rep. David Zimmerman to represent the House district in Harrisburg. The district includes part of northern Lancaster County and Brecknock Township and Mohnton as well as parts of Spring and Cumru townships in Berks County.

State representatives serve a two-year term and receive an annual salary of $95,432.

We asked the candidates to respond to four questions:

Democrat Joshua Caltagirone

Residence: Mohnton.

Age: 30.

Background: Caltagirone is a project supervisor for Bachman's Roofing, Building & Remodeling in Wernersville and previously was a maintenance worker at Wernersville State Hospital. He attended Gov. Mifflin High School and later received his GED through a program offered by Reading Area Community College.

Website: jcforpa.com

Why should voters elect you and not your opponent?

My opponent was stripped of all his committee assignments by his own leadership because he put partisan politics ahead of representing the people. It's my belief he currently sits unable to speak for a majority of the new 99th District. The amount of excitement and hope of young blood with fresh ideas is deeply desired in the 99th District. The people want someone new like myself, someone that will attain committee assignments and speak up for their needs. I can and will be that voice for my district.

Assuming your victory, choose a single issue you would prioritize in the coming term — name it and describe what you want to accomplish.

Lowering taxes. Every single election cycle we hear of how politicians are going to lower our taxes and yet paycheck to paycheck we see no relief despite the state sitting on a surplus of taxpayer money. I might be a bit 'green behind the ears' as some would say but even I can see that our state is hemorrhaging money and hedging bad bets on the livelihoods of all taxpayers. I would work across the aisle to do what ever is necessary to stop the wasteful spending and ensure the people of Pennsylvania start receiving the relief and security they've paid for.

The U.S. Supreme Court ruling that overturned Roe v. Wade now leaves the decision about how to regulate abortions up to individual states. Describe the abortion legislation that you would like to see enacted in Pennsylvania?

Taking into account the separation of church and state, rape, incest and the life of the mother, I would fight to ensure the freedom for women to choose what to do with their bodies remains intact in Pennsylvania. I would also promote protection from prosecution legislation for all health care workers and patients who would be making one of the most difficult decisions of their lives.

Pennsylvania, like the rest of the nation, is suffering through a period of severe inflation. What specific steps do you believe need to be taken to address this issue?

A reduction in gas tax and earned-income tax to ensure the people have the money to survive day to day. The state of Pennsylvania has the second highest gas tax in the U.S., and we have yet to see our legislators do anything but increase it. Reflecting on the surplus of money the state of Pennsylvania has, it's time to give some relief back to the people of Pennsylvania.

Republican David Zimmerman

Residence: Lancaster County.

Age: 66.

Background: Prior to being elected to the seat in 2014, Zimmerman worked for an international agricultural company as a sales manager for seven states on the East Coast. He has served on the Lancaster County Agricultural Preservation Board, Lancaster County Transportation Committee and the Lancaster County Planning Commission. He was chairman of the East Earl Township Board of Supervisors.

Website: davezimmerman.us

Why should voters elect you and not your opponent?

I bring a track record and a staff that are committed to serving the constituency of the 99th District.

We get answers and do not accept no for an answer from state agencies for our constituents. We visit many businesses and farms on an ongoing basis to stay in touch with and hear what the needs are of our economic drivers and job creators. I weigh my decisions and votes on the constitution, the needs of our families in the district and the impact on all 13 million people that live in Pennsylvania.

Assuming your victory, choose a single issue you would prioritize in the coming term — name it and describe what you want to accomplish.

We must prioritize and take on the mental health issue, drug overdoses and suicide epidemics.

Home care needs are growing by leaps and bounds for both our elderly and for children, and especially during and since COVID. We need to establish innovative policy and good legislation that will begin to address each of these. I serve on the House Health Committee where all of the above are processed and considered. We need to conduct hearings to better understand the problems and develop clear solutions. This past year I proposed we start a Home Care Caucus, which is awaiting approval by leadership.

The U.S. Supreme Court ruling that overturned Roe v. Wade now leaves the decision about how to regulate abortions up to individual states. Describe the abortion legislation that you would like to see enacted in Pennsylvania?

I believe bringing Roe v. Wade back to the states was the right decision. Now it is up to each state on leaving in place current law or making changes. This federal decision changed nothing in Pennsylvania law. Our laws on abortion are exactly the same as they were prior to overturning Roe v. Wade. I personally believe in the sanctity of life and that we should do everthing we can to protect it.

Pennsylvania, like the rest of the nation, is suffering through a period of severe inflation. What specific steps do you believe need to be taken to address this issue?

The major driver of inflation is overspending by government. So it is imperative that we get this spending under control for the sake of our children and grandchildren. Food, energy to heat and cool homes and energy to drive our cars are each essential with out of control prices. We must focus on these three and especially as we head into a winter season.

Rolling back numerous unnecessary regulations in these three areas would go a long way. We must develop sound policy with long term solutions that bring down prices. Until we get these under control we risk food and shelter insecurities like we have never seen in our state and our country.