Job Description: Congress, the legislative branch of federal government, is composed of two houses, the Senate and the House of Representatives. A majority vote of both houses is necessary to pass a law. Every law concerning taxation must originate in the House of Representatives.

Term: 2 years

Salary: $169,300

Candidates were asked: "What should the federal government do to ensure that every American has health insurance coverage?"

Parts of Berks County: Townships of Colebrookdale, District, Hereford, Longswamp, Maxatawny, Rockland and Washington; Bally, Bechtelsville, Boyertown, Kutztown and Topton. Lehigh County: Upper Macungie (District 3)

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Bob Roggio

Phoenixville

No response

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Jim Gerlach

Chester Springs

D.O.B.: 1955

EDUCATION: 1977- Dickinson College, B.A.; 1980- Dickinson School of Law, J.D.

OCCUPATION: U.S. Representative

QUALIFICATIONS: 4 yrs.- PA House of Representatives; 8 yrs.- PA State Senate; 5 yrs.- U.S. house of Representatives; Numerous awards for work on pro-jobs, environmental, and human services issues.

RESPONSE: We should strive for universal access to quality health care – not through a governmental-run, "bureaucrat first, patient second" approach- but through common sense, market-based solutions, like: 1. permitting uninsured individuals to use their own tax dollars for a tax credit voucher to buy insurance; 2. permitting individuals and employers to buy affordable and portable insurance across state lines; and 3. passing meaningful medical malpractice reform to keep our good doctors from leaving our area.

All of Northampton and Lehigh counties except District 3 in Upper Macungie Township; parts of Montgomery County.

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Sam Bennett

Allentown

www.bennett2008.com

D.O.B.: 1957

EDUCATION: 1984, SUNY Oneonta, BA Art

OCCUPATION: Founder and statewide director, Properties of Merit of Pennsylvania

QUALIFICATIONS: Director of Properties of Merit of PA; civic work – resuscitating Mayfair Festival of the Arts, creating educational advocacy organization Good Neighbors, co-founding the student-led William Allen Construction Co; restoring Historic Benner Home; raising a family.

RESPONSE: As a mother and someone who helps an elderly relative with their mounting health care costs, I understand the pressures health care puts on middle-class families. We need universal health care to reduce costs, make American families more secure, and improve the competitiveness of American business. We need increased commitments to prevention and chronic care.

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Charles W. Dent

Allentown

www.dentforcongress.com

D.O.B.: 1960

EDUCATION: 1982, Pennsylvania State University, BS; 1993, Lehigh University, MPA

OCCUPATION: U.S. Representative

QUALIFICATIONS: State Representative (PA-132nd) 8 years; State Senate (PA-16th) 6 years; U.S. Congress, 4 years. Serves on Homeland Security and Transportation and Infrastructure Committees. Ranking Member of the House Subcommittee on Emergency Communications, Preparedness, and Response.

RESPONSE: (1) Give individuals the same tax treatment that businesses enjoy when purchasing health insurance. (2) Promote advances in healthcare information technology to streamline healthcare delivery systems, reduce costs and increase consumer awareness of healthcare choices. (3) Enact medical liability reform that will reduce costs, decrease frivolous lawsuits, and increase access to care. The State Children’s Health Insurance Program (SCHIP) should be reauthorized and responsibly expanded to provide coverage for the children of lower-income working families.

Job Description: The General Assembly, the legislative branch of state government, is composed of two houses, the Senate and the House of Representatives. A majority vote of both houses is necessary to pass a law. Every law concerning taxation must originate in the House of Representatives.

Term: 4 years

Salary: $76,163

Candidates were asked: "What should the federal government do to ensure that every American has health insurance coverage?"

In Lehigh County: Slatington; townships of Heidelberg, Lynn, Washington. In Northampton County: Walnutport, Lehigh Township. Parts of Berks County, Carbon County, Monroe County; all of Schuylkill County.

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Peter P J Symons, Jr.

Ashland

No response

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James J. Rhoades

Mahanoy City

D.O.B.: 1941

EDUCATION: 1964, East Stroudsburg University, B.S.; 1966, Lehigh University, M.Ed.; Graduate Studies: Lehigh University, Bloomsburg University, East Stroudsburg University, Penn State University.

OCCUPATION: State Senator

QUALIFICATIONS: Fmr. Teacher/ Coach, Pottsville & Mahanoy City High Schools; Fmr. Principal, Mahanoy Area Junior High School; State Senator, 28 years

RESPONSE: The healthcare crisis has been at the forefront of policy discussions on both the state and national levels for sometime. The need for widely available health insurance coverage is demonstrated by the fact that there remains a significant and debatable number of uninsured adult Pennsylvanians. While state programs such as adult Basic and Pennsylvania’s Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP) can offer assistance to the uninsured, there is still much more that needs to be accomplished that meets the needs of all concerned parties (medical, insurance, hospitals, government, etc.) and arrive at a consensus to serve all people of all ages.///

Term: 2 years

Salary: $76,163

Candidates were asked: "What should the federal government do to ensure that every American has health insurance coverage?"

Lehigh County: Allentown Wards 12,14(Division 1), 16 and 19; Coopersburg; townships of Lower Milford, Salisbury Wards 2, 3, 4, Upper Milford (Western District), Upper Saucon. Northampton County: Lower Saucon Township (Seidersville District).

DEMOCRAT

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No Candidate

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Karen D. Beyer

Allentown

D.O.B.: 1962

EDUCATION: 1991, William and Mary, B.A. Government

OCCUPATION: State Representative

QUALIFICATIONS: 2 term incumbent state representative; elected in special election July 2005. Previously elected Saucon Valley School Bd. President, Nov. 2004.

RESPONSE: The Federal government should fill-in the divide of the uninsured, improve quality of care, control rising health care costs. This is one of the most important issues facing Americans today. Improve access, create partnerships with private insurers, subsidize private insurance for our working poor, pursue abuse of the taxpayer money spent on Medicare/Medicaid systems. These are just a few major issues the federal government can do to ensure health care coverage for all Americans.

City of Allentown Wards 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 13, 17 and 18.

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Jennifer L. Mann

Allentown

No response

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Mike Welsh

Allentown

http://friendsofmikewelsh.com

D.O.B.: 1962

EDUCATION: I received my degree in Business Management from DeSales University in 1985. OCCUPATION: I became a business representative for the Liberty Mutual Insurance Co in 1985 and retired in 2006. I have worked for Parkland School District and most recently as a substitute teacher for Sacred Heart Regional School in Allentown.

QUALIFICATIONS: Active member of the community, President of The Men of the Cathedral and member of the executive committee of the Cathedral Choir. Long time Youth Soccer Coach. I am a resident of Allentown and am familiar with and have personally been a victim of Allentown’s crime problem.

RESPONSE: As a State Representative, I would support legislation introduced by the federal government that ensures all citizens receive both quality health coverage and prescription drug coverage. I believe any plan introduced should be offered to individuals or families who are unable to obtain insurance through an employer based plan. I do not believe this should be a government run health program.

Lehigh County: Allentown Wards 6, 14(Div. 2) and 15 (Div.1); Bethlehem Wards 10, 11, 12 (Div.1) and 13 (Div. 2); Catasauqua, Coplay, Fountain Hill; townships of Hanover, Salisbury Ward 1, Whitehall Districts 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 8, 9. Northampton County: Bethlehem Wards 1, 2, 3, 4, 5.

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Joseph F. Brennan

Fountain Hill

D.O.B.: 1964

EDUCATION: BA Moravian College, 1986; Notre Dame High School, 1981

OCCUPATION: State Legislator

QUALIFICATIONS: Currently serving in first term in the State House. Committee Assignments; Consumer Affairs, Commerce, Liquor Control, Gaming Oversight. Member of Northampton County Council 1998-2002.

RESPONSE: Did not provide.

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No candidates

Lehigh County: Alburtis, Emmaus, Macungie; townships of Lower Macungie, Salisbury Ward 5, South Whitehall (Districts 3, 4, 5), Upper Macungie (District 4), Upper Milford (Eastern District). Parts of Berks County.

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No candidates

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Douglas G. Reichley

Emmaus

www.votedougreichley.com

D.O.B.: 1961

EDUCATION: 1983, Lafayette College, B.A.; 1986, Dickinson School of Law, J.D.

OCCUPATION: State Representative

QUALIFICATIONS: State Representative 2003 – present; Lehigh County Deputy District Attorney 1989-2000; former president of Allentown YMCA and Emmaus Kiwanis; 2005 PA Legislator of the Year from Association of Rehabilitation Facilities; 2007 Minsi Trails Good Scout Award.

RESPONSE: The federal and state governments should broaden health insurance coverage through tax incentives to private employers to maintain and expand health care coverage. By providing tax credits to employers who purchase insurance plans with wellness initiatives, we can produce healthier employees and avoid the prospect of more expensive hospitalization to treat chronic illnesses. In addition, the government must pursue steps to reduce medical costs, such as comprehensive tort reform to reduce defensive medical practices.

The following candidates were asked,

"What should state government do to ensure that every Pennsylvanian has health insurance coverage?"

Lehigh County: City of Allentown ward 15 (divisions 2, 3, 4); City of Bethlehem wards 12 (division 2), 13 (divisions 1, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8). Northampton County: City of Bethlehem wards 6, 7, 8, 9, 14, 15, 16, 17; Bethlehem Township ward 2.

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Steve Samuelson

Bethlehem

D.O.B.: 1960

EDUCATION: 1978, Liberty High School; 1986, Lehigh University, BA in Government

OCCUPATION: State legislator

QUALIFICATIONS: I am a hands-on legislator with a long record of service to our community, and I am a consistent advocate for reform in Harrisburg.

RESPONSE: I support the access to basic care legislation which would expand the state's Adult Basic health insurance program and provide medical coverage to about 250,000 people including the 80,000 currently on the Adult Basic waiting list.  I voted yes when the A.B.C. legislation passed the house in March and was sent to the Senate. I also supported the 2004 expansion of the PACE/PACENET prescription drug program for seniors.

No candidates

City of Easton; Boroughs of Freemansburg, Glendon, Hellertown, West Easton and Wilson; Townships of Bethlehem wards 3, 4 (district 1), Lower Saucon (Hellertown, Leithsville, Lower Saucon, Shimersville and Wassergass districts), Williams.

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Robert Freeman

Easton

D.O.B.: 1956

EDUCATION: 1975, Easton Area High School; 1978, Moravian College, BA History-Political Science, magna cum laude; 1984, Lehigh University, MA History

OCCUPATION: State legislator

QUALIFICATIONS: State Representative, 1982-1994, 1998-Present; Chairman, House Local Government Committee. Authored Elm Street Law to revitalize urban neighborhoods. Legislative expertise in smart growth issues to reduce sprawl and promote urban revitalization.

RESPONSE: I voted for CHIP to provide health insurance coverage to children, AdultBasic offering insurance to low-income working adults, and Cover All Kids initiative. I voted to establish PACE prescription drug program and expansions of PACE, making more seniors eligible. I support Pennsylvania Access to Basic Care proposal to provide health care coverage to thousands of uninsured working adults. Ideally I favor a system of universal health insurance guaranteeing affordable, quality healthcare for all.

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Ronald Shegda

Hellertown

www.ronshegda2008.com

D.O.B.: did not provide

EDUCATION: 1977, University of Pennsylvania, BS; 1984, Tufts University, MA

OCCUPATION: Small business consultant

QUALIFICATIONS: Hellertown Planning Commission, 4 years; Life-long active citizen and advocate; leadership positions with volunteer organizations; published writer on public affairs and issues.

RESPONSE: Harrisburg should primarily rely on private market solutions including (1) Tort Reform, meaning limitations in lawsuit awards to lower medical mal-practice costs. (2) Allow workers to maintain coverage at group rates when leaving an employer. (3) Allow Pennsylvanians to buy lower cost policies in other states. (4) Reduce expensive state regulations, such as requiring certain higher-cost riders that may not be needed for individuals or families. I would encourage education and hearings on this issue.

Boroughs of Bangor, East Bangor, Nazareth, Portland, Roseto, Stockertown, Tatamy; Townships of Forks, Lower Mount Bethel, Palmer, Upper Mount Bethel, Upper Nazareth, Washington.

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Richard T. Grucela

Martins Creek

D.O.B: 1946

EDUCATION: 1968, East Stroudsburg University, BS Secondary Education; 1974, East Stroudsburg University, MA Political Science

OCCUPATION: State Legislator

QUALIFICATIONS: Lower Mt. Bethel Township Supervisor Chairman, 6 years; Northampton County Councilman, 14 years – President, 4 years, Vice President, 2 years; PA House of Representatives, 10 years.

RESPONSE: We recently passed legislation in the House and sent it to the Senate that would ensure the availability of health insurance coverage for all Pennsylvanians.

No candidates

Boroughs of Bath, Chapman, Pen Argyl, Wind Gap; Townships of Bethlehem wards 1, 4 (division 2), Bushkill, East Allen, Hanover, Lower Nazareth, Moore, Plainfield

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No candidates

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Craig Dally

No response

Lehigh County: Slatington; townships of South Whitehall (Districts 1, 2, 6, 7, 8), Washington and Whitehall (Districts 1, 7, 10, 11). Northampton County: North Catasauqua, Northampton, Walnutport; townships of Allen and Lehigh.

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No candidate

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Julie Harhart

North Catasauqua

D.O.B.: Did not provide

EDUCATION: Allentown Central Catholic High School; Bethlehem Business School: Dale Carnegie Graduate

OCCUPATION: Legislator/State Representative, 183rd Legislative District

QUALIFICATIONS: I have served seven terms in the PA House of Representatives and am a full time legislator. Committee member of the Professional Licensure, Commerce, Tourism and serve as Vice Chairman of the Children and Youth Committee.

RESPONSE: The Federal Government’s role should be to work hand-in-hand with health care providers, hospitals, health care underwriters, pharmaceuticals and employers to obtain the best practices available within their sectors with the goal of reducing the cost of health care and maximizing the number of insured citizens. This approach would preserve our current private sector plans and insure consumer driven choice that keeps patients in charge of their own health care decisions.

Lehigh County: townships of Heidelberg, Lowhill, Lynn, North Whitehall, Weisenberg, Upper Macungie (Districts 1, 2, 3). Parts of Berks County.

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John R. Ritter

Neffs

D.O.B.: 1950

EDUCATION: 1977, East Stroudsburg University BS, Summa cum Laude 1988, MAE Kutztown

OCCUPATION: English Teacher

QUALIFICATIONS: PEA President, 2 yrs; Vice President, 4 yrs; Representative Council Member Chair, Grievance and CBC Committees; Parkland Strategic Planning Committee, Elected by Colleagues; Blue Heron Lake Hunting and Fishing Club, Board Member, Membership and Bylaws Chair

RESPONSE: The healthcare system is broken. Hardworking people cannot afford healthcare and are forced to choose among shelter, food, gas, other necessities and medical care. Anyone reading this knows relatives or friends, even ones with coverage, unable or struggling to pay for healthcare. Federal and state governments must find common ground and work toward reducing administrative costs, encouraging preventative medicine, and assuring access to all citizens. The current system is economically unsustainable and causes unnecessary suffering.

Richard A. Stine

Fogelsville

www.richardastine.com

D.O.B.: 1985

EDUCATION: 2008, Kutztown, B.A. Political Science

OCCUPATION: Server/Bartender

QUALIFICATIONS: NCC Political Science Club President, 2004-2006; NCC Student Senate Treasurer, 2005-2006; Kutztown College Democrats Vice President, 2006-2007, President 2007-2008

RESPONSE: I believe the federal government should adopt the health care plan outlined by Senator Barack Obama. This type of voluntary system would not force those not wanting the help of the federal government to accept it and such a plan would not offer punitive measures such as wage garnishment against those that still could not afford it, measures that would be exacted under other proposed plans.

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Gary Day

Germansville

No response

Allen R. Cerullo

Fogelsville

www.electcerullo.com

D.O.B.: 1956

EDUCATION: BS Computer Science, DeSales University, 1989

OCCUPATION: PPL, Information Services Department

QUALIFICATIONS: Weisenberg Township Judge of Election, Thirty-four years of experience in private industry, working for PPL for the last thirty years.

RESPONSE: Private industry is more effective at providing health insurance than any government agency. I favor the immediate and thorough evaluation of our entire health system to promote an educated and informed discussion to address issues of spiraling costs, malpractice litigation and the medical malpractice insurance dilemma. Pennsylvanians deserve affordable and effective health care choices which can only be achieved by creative solutions based on accurate facts.