Legislative Candidates Debate Issues at Christian Coalition Event

CASTANEA — The incumbents played up their accomplishments and the challengers indicated it was time for a change at the annual Clinton County Coalition candidates night tonight.

The incumbents were state Rep. Mike Hanna (D-Clinton/Centre) and U.S. 5th district Congressman Glenn Thompson (R-Centre). The challengers were Hanna’s November 8 foe Republican Stephanie Borowicz and Thompson’s opponent Democrat
Kerith Strano-Taylor.

The sharpest give-and-take was between Hanna, seeking a record 14th term and Borowicz, a newcomer to the local political scene. Borowicz, wife of a Jersey Shore area pastor, spoke of her Christian faith, saying she prayed and God called on her to run; she said she would “allow the Lord to lead me” in her decisions if elected to Harrisburg.

Borowicz called for less government regulation, less taxes, and less government spending. She said “politicians don’t get it.”

Hanna took exception to what he said were misleading and inaccurate statements directed at him in multiple GOP mailers in support of Borowicz. He said he was proud of what he has been able to do for his district, returning what he said was $2 for every $1 sent to Harrisburg. He said he has built his reputation on his ability to work with business in creating family-sustaining jobs in the county, citing the growth of First Quality, the county’s largest employer. He noted a letter of personal endorsement from Thomas Enero, one of the project directors for the proposed Renovo Energy Center.

Hanna said future goals include a $4 billion state cut in school real estate taxes. Borowicz was less specific in her comments, noting she was not familiar with some of the legislation brought up for discussion at the well-attended event.

The night was divided into two one-hour segments for the four candidates. Thompson and Strano-Taylor ended the evening. Thompson took exception to media characterizations that congress was “gridlocked.” He cited a number of legislative accomplishments, including tax code improvements, elimination of Common Core and the effort to stem the country’s opiate problems.

Strano-Taylor said she has seen too many children the victim of neglect and there needs to be an effort to rebuild the middle class. She said “tomorrow doesn’t look like it’s going to better” and she wants to go to Washington to work to improve the country.