A look at the race in the 187th Legislative District
A Democrat is running to unseat a Republican incumbent in the 187th Legislative District.
The district includes Kutztown and Lyons and Maxatawny Township in Berks County and six townships in Lehigh County.
State representatives serve a two-year term and receive an annual salary of $90,300.
We asked the candidates to respond to this question:
The impact of the coronavirus pandemic has been widespread and severe, affecting everything from the economy to health care to education. As the state fights to recover from this global health crisis, what specific steps do you feel need to be taken to aid that recovery?
Democrat Michael Blichar Jr., 25, Kutztown.
Background: An academic coach at Northampt on Community College, who is s t udying student affairs in higher education administration at Kutztown University and is a member of the Kutztown Borough Planning Commission. Website: voteblichar.com Answer: COVID-19 has had devastating impacts on our commonwealth affecting thousands of people. I believe it is going to take real leadership in Harrisburg to accomplish a recovery plan that is going to be meaningful.
COVID has exacerbated the problems that have always existed. The budgetary and policy priorities needed to address this problem are there, we just need the right leadership to stand up for the people and implement them.
For small businesses and workers, I plan to fight for technical and financial assistance, remove unnecessary tax barriers, raise the minimum wage, implement more protections for workers and focus on job creation, especially in rural areas.
In health care, I will work to expand Medicaid and Medicare, implement safe staffing levels, lower the cost of prescription drugs and finally give nurse practitioners fullpractice authority.
For families and children, I will invest in quality and affordable child care and early learning options and provide more state dollars to public education so folks in my district are not the ones fronting the bill in high property taxes.
We can get these things done, but not with the current leadership. We need someone who will fight for everyone, I plan to do just that.
Republican incumbent Gary Day, 53, Heidelberg Township, Lehigh County.
Background: Incumbent, previously was the director of marketing and human resources for Service Electric Cablevision and the executive assistant to the mayor in Allentown.
Day did not provide a response to this question.