Two face off in hot contest for seat in the 161st District
BROOKHAVEN >> No matter the outcome of next month’s election, the 161st Legislative District will continue to be represented by a woman.
Democratic incumbent Leanne Krueger-Braneky and Republican challenger Patti Rodgers Morrisette participated in a forum at the township building Thursday night attended by more than 100 constituents. The event was moderated by the League of Women Voters and questions were submitted by audience members. The district includes Aston and Nether Providence townships, Brookhaven, Rose Valley, Rutledge and Swarthmore boroughs and portions of Ridley Township.
Krueger-Braneky, of Swarthmore, was elected last year and serves on the Children and Youth, Environmental Resources and Energy, Labor and Industry and Liquor Control committees. Rodgers Morrisette, of Ridley Township, is a realtor who has been active in Delaware County politics for many years and is involved in a number of community and church-related organizations.
The queries were as varied as those in attendance, ranging from the so-called “bathroom bill” (legislation that would regulate access to public facilities by transgender individuals on the basis of the sex they were assigned at birth) to a woman’s right to choose, an increase in the minimum wage to services for seniors. The candidates seemed to agree on certain topics, while they diverged on others.
The forum opened with several questions about education, specifically amendments to the charter school law and funding for districts and teacher pensions. Both felt changes to charter school legislation would free dollars needed for public schools. Rodgers Morrisette said tax dollars paid by local residents should benefit local schools, rather than be diverted to other areas of the state.
“The money should stay in our district, not be sent to Philadelphia or Pittsburgh,” she added. “We have teachers and students who need help and we need the funds here.”
Krueger-Braneky, who said she voted to bring $1.4 million to schools in the Penn Delco, Ridley and Wallingford Swarthmore school districts, noted Pennsylvania is in the lower tier regarding state educational funding. While most states provide 50 percent of the funding for local districts, she said Pennsylvania offers only 37 percent.
“School funding is a top issue in this district,” she added. “We need to provide equity without placing the burden on taxpayers.”
Noting the move would be one of convenience for customers, both candidates advocate changes to the Pennsylvania Liquor Control Board, but from different angles. Rodgers Morrisette said she is “fully in favor of privatization,” noting the state would continue to receive revenue from sales tax and liquor license sales and renewals. Krueger-Braneky said she backs “modernization,” as the $526 million in the state budget from tax revenue supports schools, seniors and prescription benefits.
When asked to tell voters something about themselves which cannot be found in their official bios, Rodgers Morrisette pointed to her profession as a Realtor.
“Don’t tell my boss, but I often do a lot of work to keep people from not selling their homes,” she said. “I want to help them get from point A to point B and live a happier life.”
Krueger-Braneky pointed to her 4-year-old son, Wendell.
“When I come home he often asks what I did that day, like questions about solar panels,” she said. “He inspires me to do this job.”