After 28 years in office, Pat Browne's loss in the spring primary was a surprise upset. As the main critic of his brainchild, the NIZ, I have mixed feelings. Although I criticized him as recently as yesterday(about Rt. 22 funding), I always found him accessible. As a longtime blogger and scrutinizer of local politics, I never felt resentment or hostility from him, as I have from many others in local government.
This election has two state senate seats in contention. Browne's former seat has victor Jarrett Coleman(R) against Democrat Mark Pinsley. Considering that Pinsley did well against the formally entrenched Browne, I may have to refer to him as Senator Elect after November 8th. The second senate race is a new district for the area, featuring Dean Browning(R) against Nick Miller(D).
The newish 22nd state house seat pits Josh Siegal(D) against Robert Smith(R). Coleman, Miller and Smith all cut their political teeth on school boards. The 22nd was added several cycles ago to accommodate the growing Latino population. Matt Tuerk has promised to teach the victor, either Siegal or Smith, Spanish after the election.
photo: In 2014 I ran as an independent against eleven term Julie Harhart(R) and a Democrat
I'd hate to be voting in the state senate rwace pitting Coleman against Pinsley. Two equally bad candidates. The race between Miller and Browning should be interesting. I feel sorry for Allentown. The LV's most populous city has mostly terrible candidates.
ReplyDeleteNot sure about who will win, but I’d take Coleman, Smith and Browning over their democrat opponents any day.
ReplyDeleteShortly after Covid hit, Pinsley and Siegel were pitching a plan to hike local taxes. At a time when people were unable to work and struggling to pay their bills! That’s not the kind of thinking we need more of in Harrisburg.
As to Miller, he has a record of tax hikes and declining test scores on the ASD board. Again, not what we need in Harrisburg.
I’m not sure if that’s what Mr. O’Hare is referring to when he mentions terrible candidates, but I think it’s a very clear choice in all three races.