U.S. 5th District Congressional Forum
Thompson, Strano Taylor at Local Forum
CASTANEA – It was Republican incumbent Glenn Thompson against Democratic challenger Kerith Strano Taylor in the first of six joint appearances for Pennsylvania’s Fifth District Congressional seat between now and the Nov. 4 election.
The setting was the annual Clinton County Christian Coalition forum at the Big Woods Bible Church Tuesday night and Thompson and Taylor responded to audience questions in a rancor-free two hour give-and-take.
Thompson, from Howard Township, stressed what he said was his bipartisan approach in congress. In both his beginning and closing comments he said his leadership has been recognized by a variety of organizations.
Taylor, a Brookville attorney, was critical of congress, pointing out its all-time low approval rating. She said one of the country’s “biggest security risks” is that congress has “been bought.” She said the system is broken and it is time for the public to “say enough.”
Taylor was asked why she declined to answer a survey from the Christian Coalition sent to the two candidates. She said the questions can’t be answered in one word (as required by the survey form); instead, she said, she would prefer to “have a conversation” on the issues raised.
The survey answers were evaluated and rated, according to the Coalition, reflecting “a conservative Christian worldview.” Thompson garnered a 100 percent approval rating, including his support for “constitutional protection for marriage as one man and one woman.”
Taylor said the courts now make provision for same-sex marriages.
Both supported the recent Obama administration military action in Iraq and Syria, Thompson stating he “appreciates” Obama’s leadership but noting that terrorist groups there had grown in strength because of the void left by the departure of U.S. forces.
Taylor agreed, stating more should have been done in Syria a year ago, allowing a vacuum to be created.
Thompson was critical of the Environmental Protection Agency, accusing the EPA of a “political agenda” and stating it should go back to “using good science.” He said the country should follow the Constitution and allow Congress to make the laws, rather than actions by the executive branch.
Taylor offered support for the calls for an increase in the minimum wage, stating the last time that action occurred, the economy improved because more money was placed into circulation. Thompson was not supportive, saying that the cost of living will be forced up for those currently “just getting by.”
The two major party candidates disagreed on the Affordable Care Act; Taylor said all the unsuccessful House votes for repeal cost the country millions of dollars. Thompson, who has voted for repeal, said he was part of a number of changes subsequently made to the law.
Tuesday’s appearance was the only one locally. Both are to appear together on a regionally televised debate from Penn State’s WPSU on Oct. 27.
