Daley, O’Donnell vying for 148th House seat

The race for the 148th legislative district is on with less than one month until the 2022 general election.

Democrat Mary Jo Daley, a Democrat who currently serves as a representative in the State House of Representatives, faces off against Republican Fran O’Donnell on the Nov. 8 ballot.

The 148th legislative district constitutes parts of several Montgomery County municipalities including Ambler, Conshohocken and Narberth boroughs, as well as Lower Merion, Plymouth, Whitemarsh, and Whitpain townships. Of the 63,587 residents living in these areas, 466 voters were moved to vote in another district as part of redistricting.

Daley and O’Donnell were asked the following questions as part of a candidate questionnaire:

Daley

Why should voters elect you and not your opponent?

My office and I have been working hard over the past 10 years to serve our community faithfully and with dedication. Just in the last couple of years, I am proud to say that we have accomplished a lot despite being in the minority — my team and I helped secure funding for affordable housing in an effort to combat the housing crisis currently under way in Montgomery County; we also saw funding allocated to Whitemarsh Township intended to address improvements to our waterways and sewage systems. Additionally, my colleagues and I were able to secure a $896,000 grant to fund the purchase of energy-efficient school buses. We have begun to take steps like this to transition to a clean transportation system but there’s still so much more to do. In addition, I was extremely proud to help deliver much needed mental health funding as we seek to confront an epidemic that has touched all of us in some way.

As always, I will continue to advocate on behalf of our district in Harrisburg — whether it’s protecting a woman’s right to an abortion, defending voters’ right to have their vote counted, strengthening our economy, and combating climate change, I am committed to making sure your voice is heard.

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

Protecting reproductive rights. I have spent my elected career particularly focused on issues affecting women, this includes maintaining a woman’s right to make reproductive decisions without interference from the government. However, after the Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade this past summer, the mission has been altered. Now, I, along with like-minded colleagues, must face down the prospect of radical members of the State Legislature passing a constitutional amendment banning abortion. This must not happen. That’s why I will continue to do everything in my power to prevent it but I need your help. To defend this right, all of us must vote on or before Nov. 8th to make sure our voices are heard.

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?

Abortion and other reproductive decisions are currently legal in Pennsylvania. But, as I stated above, these rights are under threat. My sole mission, in this regard, is to defend these rights at all costs.

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?

As a Democrat in the minority I am limited in my power to pass legislation that would mitigate the costs of inflation, that’s why my colleagues and I are working hard to flip seats across the Commonwealth so that we can enact common sense policies that will save all of us money. With energy costs through the roof, now more than ever, we need to move swiftly towards a clean economy in order to decrease our dependence on expensive oil & gas — tax credits for EV along with comprehensive investment in EV infrastructure, a commitment to expansion and modernization our public transportation system, weatherization of our homes and commercial buildings would serve to move us towards a sustainable economy that would not be as affected by rising gas prices. In addition, continuing to work on lowering prescription drug costs for our seniors should also be a priority, for those on a fixed income are disproportionately affected by rising prices.

Also, property tax and rent rebates are good short-term solutions when it comes to high housing costs, however, a more long term solution is making sure there is enough affordable housing on the market. Public-private partnerships with developers, lenders, and municipalities can help ensure our stock of affordable homes keeps up with demand.

O’Donnell

Why should voters elect you and not your opponent?

I would first off like to say that I feel privileged to be able to participate in this election. I believe I have the skills and business knowledge to bring the $148 district concerns to Harrisburg. I believe the current administration in Harrisburg is lacking in the common sense practices that will bring jobs and stabilization to our neck of the woods. The energy price inflation can be stabilized by using our natural resources here in Pennsylvania that would allow for cleaner energy and also jobs. We also have the ability to help other nations with the excess propane that we could sell them.

As I look around the district and see the vacancies in our business districts, I have great concerns on how this happened and also have great ideas how to take the harness off the small business person and allow them to prosper. And what I hear from folks about wanting to get our schools back to the basics. Our children have fallen behind with covid and now more than ever need to get the basics taught and give them the proper life skills to excel.

The main issue, as our district is on the border of the city of Philadelphia line is crime. The current administration in Philadelphia has allowed repeat offenders to continue to be on the street. I want to be able to support and fund both our police and are mental health facilities to rehabilitate offenders.

Furthermore job training in our schools should be at a top priority so that we get ahead of the curve and not be putting away criminals but teaching our youth that there is hope that they can break out of poverty and live the American dream.

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

As it was stated in other elections, it’s the economy stupid. We have fallen down as a state in supporting our small business and and funding our for skills based education.

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?

As I canvas the voters in Pennsylvania in my district, this issue is not top of mind. I believe the power lies in the state to regulate. And I am willing to listen and also to debate what I am hearing from my district. I am merely an agent for change for my district. I will vote with my conscience and I will be open-minded to hear what other districts are telling their respective Representatives. We serve the people!

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?

I would do an inspection of all of the business taxes and fees that are currently strapping the hands of our small businesses. I would also look to see that any perks that go to mega businesses be offered to those of smaller businesses. We should review what resources we have in our state that we can allow either other states or countries purchase from us. We also could look to more efficiencies and how our government spends the current dollars given to us by our tax base. Just like we inspect our cars. I believe it’s time now for a true PA state inspection. We inspect our cars every year and we should inspect our government every day. After my family, I am there for my district I’m there for my state.