Everything You Need to Know About Navigating the 2020 Election

Part I: Everything you need to know about Navigating the 2020 Election

Sunday, September 20, 2020

EDITOR’S NOTE mail. Welcome to Navigating 2020. Any partisan content you see will be from the candidates and the political We realize this year has been like no other. parties themselves and clearly marked as such. We also know we face an all-important election in just 44 days – an elec- In the matter of fairness, we o ered each political party in Luzerne tion, much as the year, like no other. And we are intent to make sure you are County the same opportunity to advertise. ready to cast your ballot. This is the rst of three special sections to help So we hope you enjoy the work we have put into this section and the ones you get ready to do just that. to follow in the coming weeks. Our promise to you is that we will remain non-partisan in the pages of the And we sincerely hope you take the time to exercise your civic duty come special sections. Our only goal is to give you all the information you could Nov. 3 and vote. need to vote – whether you plan on doing that in person or through the – Times Leader F2

2 NAVIGATING ELECTION 2020 Sunday, September 20, 2020 ELECTION NIGHT

File photo Teams of Luzerne County workers spent long days painstakingly opening envelopes containing mail-in ballots following the June 2 primary election. Timing of election results up in the air By Jennifer Learn-Andes Michael Butera recently said several also will delay the final tally, officials day to “election week.” [email protected] legislative changes related to mail-in say. “We’ll take accuracy over speed every voting have been circulating at the state In the primary, completed ballots had single time,” Ouellette said. n influx of mail-in ballots that capital, with no final decisions. to be physically returned to the county Approximately 40,300 county vot- took longer to process in the That includes proposals allowing election bureau by 8 p.m. on Election ers cast their ballots by mail on June June 2 primary election ended counties to start opening up mail-in Day, and postmarks did not count. 2 — an option that was encouraged in the tradition of Election Night ballots 21 or 3 days before the election The state Supreme Court last week the coronavirus pandemic and available Acandidate victory announcements. granted the Democratic Party’s request with no excuse or reason required for — a process known as pre-canvassing Luzerne County and many others — so they are ready to be loaded into to order a three-day extension for the the first time due to state legislation needed more than a week to finish tabulators and tallied on election night, Nov. 3 general, which means mailed bal- that had passed last year. opening and scanning the ballots and Butera said. lots received by 5 p.m. Nov. 6 must be County officials are projecting the reach decisions on the ones flagged for “It could take as long as it did in the counted if they were postmarked by the number of mail-in voters will be in the missing signatures and issues. spring or be faster. We don’t know until time polls closed on Election Day. 50,000 range for the upcoming general. It’s still unclear if legislators will the state decides what it is going to do,” Because mail-in ballots take longer Teams of county workers had to reach a solution on changes to speed up said county Administrative Services to process, county Election Board Vice spend days opening outer envelopes, the process for Nov. 3. Division Head David Parsnik. Chairman Peter Ouellette said the See RESULTS | 3 County Election Board Solicitor Another deadline that has changed mindset needs to change from election F3

Sunday, September 20, 2020 NAVIGATING ELECTION 2020 3 MAIL-IN VOTING Results

From page 2 shuffl ing the sealed secrecy envelopes inside and then opening those to access mail-in ballots that had to be unfolded and smoothed so they didn’t cause a jam when batches were fed into scanner/tabulators. The envelopes couldn’t be opened until 7 a.m. on Elec- tion Day under state law. Separate from state legislation out of her control, county Elec- tion Director Shelby Watchilla said she is trying to accelerate mail-in ballot processing by researching the The basics explained possible addition of an automated envelope File photo opener. Luzerne County Election Board members review flagged issues, such as missing signatures, on mail-in ballots following the June 2 primary. Photographed, from left, are These devices can Audrey Serniak, Joyce Dombroski-Gebhardt, Keith Gould and Peter Ouellette. open 40,000 envelopes By Jennifer Learn-Andes or reason required for free up election staff for state’s database. Ouellette provided some per hour and have [email protected] the fi rst time due to other election prepara- After fi lling out the been used successfully state legislation that had tions, Parsnik said. ballot, voters must place procedural reminders for and safely in other nless state legis- passed last year. The county election it in the white envelope, See MAIL-IN | 4 counties, Watchilla lators change the Mail-in ballots for the offi ce will continue han- seal it and then put that said. date, voters inter- general election are on dling the processing of envelope inside the one ★★ American Proud ★★ ★★ American Proud ★★ ested in casting track to be mailed by all returned ballots. with the label/barcode Utheir ballots by mail have the end of the month to be returned to the until Oct. 27 — a week to county voters who Mailing speci cs county. CADE’S before the Nov. 3 election requested them, said Attention to detail is During processing, — to request the option. county Election Director important to ensure a secrecy envelopes are Gold and Coin Store Luzerne County offi - Shelby Watchilla. mail-in vote is counted, shuffl ed as a way to pre- Buying cials are projecting the The county admin- offi cials say. vent the linking of ballots number of mail-in voters istration has decided Along with instruc- to specifi c individuals. • Scrap Gold and Silver• Large Currency • Dental Gold • Jewelry will be in the 50,000 to retain an outside tions, mail-in voters The outer envelopes range for the upcoming company — Ohio-based receive a ballot, a plain are scanned so the sys- “Don’t Delay-Cash in Today” general. Election IQ — to handle white secrecy envelope tem records which voters ★★★★★★ Approximately 40,300 the preparation and mail- with no identifying infor- have cast mail-in ballots. county voters cast their ing of ballots instead of mation on it and an outer For the upcoming elec- “You’ll Have it Made at Cade’s” ballots by mail on June performing that work envelope that contains tion, the state is covering 2 — an option that was in-house, said county the voter’s name and the cost of postage for 1187 Wyoming Ave Exeter encouraged in the coro- Administrative Services a label with a bar code mail-in ballots. (570) 762-1298 navirus pandemic and Director David Parsnik. that, when scanned, iden- County Election Board available with no excuse This outsourcing will tifi es that voter in the Vice Chairman Peter Highest Prices Paid 80969327 F4

4 NAVIGATING ELECTION 2020 Sunday, September 20, 2020

party that offers to per- or deputy sheriff, elimi- Mail-in form that task on their nating any mail delays, behalf. Watchilla said. From page 3 In the primary, com- The recent Supreme pleted ballots had to Court ruling also autho- mail-in voters based on be physically returned rized counties to use errors observed by the to the county election drop boxes for mail-in county Election Board bureau by 8 p.m. on Elec- ballots — something that following the June 2 pri- tion Day, and postmarks had been identifi ed as a mary: did not count. need by county election • Voters must sign the That has changed for board members. outer mailing envelope the general election. The containing the bar code. state Supreme Court last Security • Multiple ballots can- week granted the Demo- Only one valid ballot not be placed inside the cratic Party’s request can be issued to each same secrecy or mailing to order a three-day voter, tracked through envelope. If this hap- extension, which means the unique barcode. pens, the county cannot mailed ballots received Watchilla said there count the ballots because by 5 p.m. Nov. 6 must is no chance two ballots there would be no way to be counted if they were would be counted for determine which ballot postmarked by the time the same voter — one in is tied to the voter listed polls closed on Election person and one by mail on the envelope with the Day. — because the sign-in bar code. Mail-in voters can books at polling places • When selecting can- bring their completed fl ag voters who received didates, voters should ballots directly to the mail-in ballots. fully shade in the ovals election bureau in the In the primary, all vot- and be careful not to county-owned Penn ers who received mail- select more than the Place building at 20 N. in ballots had to use a specifi ed number of Pennsylvania Ave. in special provisional paper candidates — known as Wilkes-Barre. ballot if they appeared over-voting. No vote can As the election nears, in person. Provisional be counted in a race with the county also plans to ballots are counted last, over-voting because it is again permit voters to and the election data- impossible to determine take their ballots to the base shows if the county voter intent. counter at the Wilkes- already received a mail-in In addition, Ouellette Barre and Hazleton post ballot that would prevent stressed voters should offi ces, where the ballots the provisional one from mail or personally deliver will be segregated and being tabulated. their own ballots and picked up several times That procedure still never rely on an outside daily by a county courier remains in the Nov. 3 general, with one excep- tion, Watchilla said. J S Voters who received File photo mail-in ballots will be Leading up to the June 2 primary election, Luzerne County worker Dana McGonigle scans bar codes permitted to cast regular that track which voters have returned mail-in ballots. SPORTING GOODS ballots on the electronic machines at their polling said. If those materials with access controlled by of each political party Hunting • Fishing places if they bring in the are not presented, a Watchilla. and candidates or their never-returned mail-in provisional ballot will be Bi-partisan teams of representatives. Archery • Specialties ballot and entire packet required. election workers tabulate Updates on all election that had been sent by the Ballots are kept in a the mail-in ballots at notices are posted on the Supporting Your 2nd county so it can be void- locked room until they the county’s Penn Place election page at www. Amendment Rights ed or “spoiled,” Watchilla can be opened. The key building. Observation is luzernecounty.org. for 34 Years! is in another locked room open to a representative 254 WILKES-BARRE TOWNSHIP BLVD WILKES-BARRE, PA 18702 KEEP UP TO DATE ON ELECTION NEWS (570)824-4610 AT TIMESLEADER.COM 80968681 F5

Sunday, September 20, 2020 NAVIGATING ELECTION 2020 5 IN-PERSON VOTING

File photo Luzerne County Election Director Shelby Watchilla demonstrates the voting process on the county’s new ballot marking devices. Casting ballot at polling place still an option By Jennifer Learn-Andes On the new touchscreen machines, to be read, county Election Director sessions and answered questions about [email protected] voters will make selections as they did Shelby Watchilla has noted. the system, which was purchased from with the old devices. But instead of The tabulator step is essential Dominion Voting Systems Inc. Luzerne County voters interested in touching a screen box to lock in their because that’s when votes are cast, The county started poll worker train- casting their ballots in person Nov. 3 votes, they will receive a paper print- Watchilla said. Poll workers will remind ing on the new machines last week, will use new voting machines — most out to verify their selections before voters because their ballots won’t be Watchilla said. for the ﬁrst time. they feed the paper into a tabulator to cast if they leave the polling location The machines were reserved for the be read and saved in compliance with a with their ballot, she said. Polling locations disabled in the June 2 primary due state paper-trail mandate. Public demonstrations of the new In the primary, the number of voting to coronavirus pandemic challenges Residents who cast paper ballots at machines were held for four days last sites was temporarily reduced from recruiting and training poll workers, polling places in the primary already week in the courthouse rotunda on 144 to 58 to alleviate concerns about with others voters required to cast used part of this new system when they River Street in Wilkes-Barre. County paper ballots. placed their ballots into the tabulators Election Board members conducted the See IN-PERSON | 6 F6

6 NAVIGATING ELECTION 2020 Sunday, September 20, 2020 In-person

From page 5 proper social distancing and pandemic-related shortages of poll workers and polling places. The plan is to return to all pre-coronavirus pandemic polling places on Nov. 3. County Manager C. David Pedri said he will release a list by the end of the month stating any polling locations unwilling to host an election due to coronavirus concerns, such as elderly residential facilities. Election workers will wear masks and have hand sanitizer available for voters, said county Administrative Services Division Head David Parsnik. As in the primary, voters without masks will be politely asked to wear a face covering for the protection of others, although those refusing will still be permitted to vote, ofﬁcials said. Voters also will be expected to adhere to social distancing guide- lines as much as possible inside polling places and outside if there are lines to get in. Reminder signs will be posted. Upon arrival, voters must sign in on an electronic poll book. Parsnik said it’s still unclear if the county will provide voters with a take-home stylus or clean a shared stylus between uses with disinfecting wipes. Special screen wipes will be used to clean the ballot marking devices, File photo he said. Luzerne County’s new election system to be used Nov. 3 requires voters to make selections on a touchscreen as they did with the old devices. F7

Sunday, September 20, 2020 NAVIGATING ELECTION 2020 7 NATIONAL MEDIA 2020 Election: Will it be déjà vu all over again? By Bill O’Boyle ing book “The Forgotten: How [email protected] the People of One Pennsylvania County Elected Donald Trump ILKES-BARRE — In and Changed America.” 2016, most political Bradlee talked with several observers didn’t see NEPA people and he said he a Trump victory on keeps in touch with many of Wthe horizon. them. He said he’s been told Despite drawing thousands there are far more Biden signs of people to every rally he held, in the region than were out for Donald Trump couldn’t win Hillary Clinton in 2016. the presidential election, the Are the signs a sign? experts and polls all said. Fact check: There are still They were wrong. plenty of Trump signs dotting Now, four years later, we the local landscape, however. asked a few national media “I see a very different election people how they see the 2020 this time than in 2016,” Bradlee election. Can Trump win anoth- said. “The foremost reason is er term, or will former Vice that Trump is the president — President Joe Biden energize he has a record. The country is the Democratic Party and its in a meltdown on his watch.” members to defeat the incum- Bradlee said the COVID-19 bent Republican. pandemic has been “a disas- In 2016, the “flip to Trump” ter” and it’s spilled over to the movement caught the eyes of nation’s economy. national and international media “And he’s been impeached,” — after the fact, of course. Bradlee added. “He lies con- Representatives from the stantly — nothing he says can Wall Street Journal, Time and be believed anymore. He uses Newsweek magazines, Reuters, the Justice Department as if it’s Le Monde of Paris, TV crews his own law firm. from Germany, Australia, “I just think that people have Canada and Japan, The Wash- had enough of him.” ington Post, New York Times All that said, Bradlee and more descended upon the acknowledges that Trump still county to find out why Trump has a strong following. was so popular. “He’s taken over the Republi- can Party,” he said. “The party doesn’t stand for anything — Times Leader File photo Ben Bradlee, Jr. Ben Bradlee Jr. wrote a best-selling book “The Forgotten: How the People of One Pennsylvania County Elected Donald Bradlee penned the best-sell- See MEDIA | 8 Trump and Changed America” about Luzerne County’s impact on the 2016 presidential election. F8 F9

Republican Party of Luzerne County

believes in the spirit of the 2020 Election We encourage you to Register to Vote, Vote IN PERSON because Your VOTE Counts! Visit Luzerne County Republican Party on Facebook or email

[email protected] 80969064 Paid for by Republican Party of Luzerne County F10

10 NAVIGATING ELECTION 2020 Sunday, September 20, 2020

polls have been all over did not materialize, like Media Trip Gabriel David Weigel Ben Bradlee, Jr. the map. He said it a suburban vote surge New York Times Washington Post Author seems to be a very fluid overwhelming losses in From page 7 race. rural areas, and subur- “The one thing for ban women jumping — they just support Trump. certain is that both maybe at the last minute It’s become a cult.” candidates know they — for the chance to elect Biden, Bradlee said, is must carry Pennsylvania, a female president.” the “un-Hillary.” He said which explains their His story said Clinton the former VP is a mod- frequent visits — Trump ended up losing the erate who doesn’t talk to Old Forge a couple votes of white women by down to people. of weeks ago and to nine points, according to “Biden is a uniter; Latrobe; and Biden’s vis- exit polls, and losing the Trump is a divider,” its to his hometown and suburbs by four points. Bradlee said. “Trump to Pittsburgh in recent Meanwhile, voters with- behaves as the president weeks,” Gabriel said. out college degrees, of his base, not of the who had backed Barack country. It’s like he has Trip Gabriel is a national National reporter covering Well-known former David Weigel Obama’s 2012 bid by 15 hypnotized his base.” correspondent. He politics. deputy managing editor The Washington Post points, went for Trump Bradlee said Trump’s covered the 2016 and 2012 Education: Northwestern of the Boston Globe Ben Weigel said patterns by seven points. 2016 contention that he presidential campaigns, University, B.S. in Bradlee Jr., oversaw the in the last couple of non- Weigel’s story said is so popular, he could including spending all of Journalism, 2004. Globe’s investigation of presidential elections Trump won three coun- 2015 in Iowa for the run-up shoot someone on 5th David Weigel is a national Boston’s clerical sexual show that the gains that ties — Erie, Luzerne, to the state’s caucuses. political correspondent abuse scandal that was Avenue in New York City Trump made were not Northampton — that and get away with it still He travelled extensively covering Congress and later made into the movie in battleground states to grass-roots political “Spotlight,” the name of fully erased in 2018 He were carried by the 2012 holds true. said some patterns con- Obama-Biden ticket; “Trump is living in an write about candidates movements. the investigative unit. and interview voters. tinue. Clinton won one county, alternate universe where He is the author of “The He also penned the He has served as the Show That Never Ends,” a best selling book “The “The polling we’ve Chester, that the party he’s been able to main- Mid-Atlantic bureau history of progressive rock Forgotten: How the People seen indicate Lackawa- had lost four years ear- tain his base,” Bradlee chief, covering poverty music. of One Pennsylvania nna County will be much lier. said. “His base gives in Appalachia and the County Elected Donald kinder to Biden than “That obscures the him a pass on everything corruption trial of an ex- Trump and Changed Clinton,” Weigel said. scale of Republican because they like him the Virginia governor. America.” “But to win Pennsylva- gains, which turned way he stirs things up nia, Biden must have places that Obama had every day and sticks it to “took a flyer” on Trump ton four years ago. “That’s because he is the conservatives in the lost by a few points into the media. And he can in 2016. Gabriel noted that likely to give up ground Democratic Party come places where Clinton lost be cruel on Twitter. His “They wanted wanted Trump improved on in southeast Pennsylva- over and vote. by landslides,” Weigel’s base seems to lap it up.” someone who was going the 2012 Republican nia compared to 2016,” Weigel, like Bradlee, story stated. “In 2018, So what will it take to to turn over the dining nominee, Mitt Romney, Gabriel said. “The noted Trump’s constant Democrats romped back defeat Trump? Bradlee room table and break by about 55,000 votes Philadelphia suburbs rude tone is a sharp con- and swept Pennsylvania’s says most voters have some china,” he said. combined in Luzerne and have swung very sharply trast to Biden’s persona. statewide elections, but already made their deci- “But four years ago, Lackawanna counties. against Republicans in And, he said. Biden has some of these voters sion — leaving few unde- Trump was an outsider. “That’s more than his the last three elections, said repeatedly that he didn’t come back. Even cided remaining. Now he’s a president total statewide margin of which have largely been will preserve Social Secu- Sen. Robert P. Casey Jr. He said the major cam- with a record.” victory (44,000 votes),” a referendum on Trump. rity and Medicare. (D), the scion of Scran- paign event yet to hap- Gabriel said. “He won Biden is not going to Weigel also said the ton’s most successful pen will be when the two Trip Gabriel Luzerne by 20 percent- win Luzerne — or let’s televised debates will be political family, watched candidates debate. The New York Times age points. He didn’t put it this way, if he key. his vote share decline in Bradlee said he feels Gabriel said Northeast carry Lackawanna, but does win it, he will carry “Trump has made so Northeast Pennsylvania. Trump made a strategic Pennsylvania — the he cut his losses to 3.5 the state in a landslide. much fun of Biden, say- Statewide, his margin error by trying to make Scranton media market points from Romney’s Biden’s task is to just cut ing he can’t talk without from 2012 to 2018 grew Biden out to be a dodder- of about 16 counties — 27-point deficit — devas- into Trump’s winning a teleprompter,” Weigel from 10 points to 13 ing fool who is out of it is going to be crucial this tating.” margins in Luzerne and said. “Biden must dis- points. But instead of totally. year as it was in 2016. To carry Pennsylva- to improve on Clinton’s prove that, must narrowly winning Phila- “I see a very low bar He said the region nia again, Gabriel said very poor showing in show strength.” delphia’s outer suburbs, for Biden to clear in the only includes about 12 Trump has to do even Lackawanna.” In a recent story Wei- he won them in a rout; debates,” Bradlee said. percent of the statewide better in the region and Gabriel said he hesi- gel wrote for The Wash- instead of romping in the “Trump has painted him electorate, but it’s where in these counties, which tates to say how the two ington Post, he said in Northeast, he fought to as a guy with Alzheim- Trump did incredible he said is possible, but a counties are currently 2016, “Democrats bet on er’s and who is out of it.” damage to Hillary Clin- challenge. leaning. The latest state a few trends that simply See MEDIA | 11 Bradlee said voters F11

Sunday, September 20, 2020 NAVIGATING ELECTION 2020 11 WHO’S RUNNING: LOCAL AND STATE RACES By Bill O’Boyle are unopposed — along with three statewide ofﬁ ces and two [email protected] Congressional seats. WILKES-BARRE — Six seats in the Pennsylvania House And oh yeah, voters will decide on who will be the Presi- of Representatives are up in this election — two candidates dent of the United States.

STATE LEGISLATURE 116th Legislative Tarah Toohil, Republican for our senior citizens in 117th Legislative (incumbent) nursing homes and per- District Age: 40 sonal care homes. District Todd Eachus, Democrat Residence: Butler Economy: I have Karen Boback, Republican Age: 57 Township fought for increased (incumbent) Residence: Butler Education: Hazleton wages for my constitu- Unopposed Township Area H.S., Dual Bachelor ents and over the years Age: 69 Education: Pitzer Political Science & Soci- we have had wages Town of residence: College of the Claremont ology with Concentration double and even triple. I Harveys Lake Borough Colleges, B.A. Law & Legal; PSU Dick- am dedicated to ﬁ ghting Education: BA/MS Family: Wife, Ellen; inson Law School, J.D. the economic depression Misericordia University; sons, Anthony, Benja- Family: Resides with that the COVID-19 crisis MS Marywood Univer- min, and Nathan. her husband, Scot Bur- has brought to small sity; PhD University of Eachus previously khardt, and their chil- businesses and our work- Pennsylvania served as Majority Lead- dren in Drums. ing families. Family:Husband of 46 Eachus Toohill er in the Pennsylvania Key issues: Health & Education: Families years, Buz Boback; two House of Representatives. Safety: I worked locally are struggling to regain children, Karen and Ber- programs to encourage Key issues: Raising deaths. to create the Greater some semblance of nor- nard; two grandchildren. recent graduates to stay the Quality of Education: Advocating for Sweep- Hazleton Area COVID- malcy for their children. Key issues: My major in the area. Every year, it seems that ing Transparency: I’m 19 Task Force to stabi- Children in Pennsylvania focus is on anything Addressing the Opioid property taxes increase proposing sweeping anti- lize food banks, create are being exposed to Coronavirus-related. Epidemic: We need to while our quality of edu- corruption legislation to quarantine housing, and increase levels of domes- People want to get back take a two-pronged to cation decreases. The end state-level gerryman- coordinate daily with tic violence, drug and to work but, in the mean- address opioid usage in Hazleton Area School dering, restricting the local hospitals. From alcohol abuse by caretak- time, they need money to Luzerne County: From a District has faced the inﬂ uence of lobbyists in the beginning of the ers, and physical, sexual survive. Students want criminal justice perspec- unique obstacles of over- Harrisburg, and eliminat- pandemic, I have fought and mental abuse at to get back to school, but tive, we need to prop- crowded classrooms, a ing archaic gift-giving for increased COVID-19 record levels. safety is the number one erly get the resources to lack of ESL resources, rules. testing and protections and a need for novel prosecute opioid-related See RACES | 12 Media Get Out and From page 10 a draw.” From Weigel’s story in The Washington Post: KRANSON CLOTHES “In 2018, Democrats swept statewide races & UNIFORM Vote! and picked up House seats, with Republican nominees for governor and U.S. Senate holding on to rural areas, while the vote in suburban Philadelphia, northeast Pennsylvania and Erie 145 Mundy St County swung back toward Joe Biden’s party. “The key swing region is the Northeast — Wilkes-Barre Township, PA from Allentown to Scranton to the deeply conservative townships of Wayne and Pike Times Leader File photo 18702 counties.” Ben Bradlee Jr., flanked by Lynette Villano and Ron Felton, talks about his Here we go again. book in Wilkes-Barre in 2018. 570-823-8612 80968653 F12

12 NAVIGATING ELECTION 2020 Sunday, September 20, 2020 Races

From page 11 concern. Businesses are desperately trying to “get back to business.” As a legislator, I continue to address issues such as these through my ofﬁ ce and through legislation. The elimination of school property tax has been, and will remain, a top priority. Boback Carroll Holter Mullery Chura

zie and Ali Democratic chair of the schools must be a top Work to safely restart elimination or reduc- 118th Legislative Key issues: Economic House Transportation priority for the sake of our economy, provide tion of property taxes, District development and job Committee, our region’s our students and local small businesses with the and protection of their Mike Carroll, Democrat creation is always a top highway and bridge taxpayers. The continu- help they need and sup- quality of life (access to (incumbent) priority. Working with network including the ing state under-funding port effective job training affordable healthcare, Age: 57 all local, state and fed- new $45 million Airport of school districts results programs for our workers safe neighborhoods, and Residence: Avoca eral leaders, we must Connector that joins the in both increased reli- Eliminate School Prop- quality public schools). Education: Pittston continuously work to Grimes Business Park ance on property taxes erty Taxes: Work across Worked with local, Area High School; BA provide an infrastructure in Dupont and Pittston and a lessening of educa- party lines to replace the state and federal partners University of Scranton and workforce that fos- Township with I-81. tion opportunities for current unfair system to reclaim mine-scarred Family: Wife, Kelly; ters economic develop- Providing adequate students. with one that is fair to all lands to attract Fortune children, Matt, Macken- ment and job growth. As state funding to all public Helping businesses, residents and properly 500 companies and thou- employees and families funds our schools sands of jobs to North- recover from the ravages Government Reforms: eastern Pennsylvania. I of COVID 19 is plainly Work to end the pay-to- led the fi ght on HB-76 obvious. The list of play system that rewards to fi nd a solution to crip- businesses and families career politicians and pling property taxes. severely impacted by enables corruption to Helped restore the draco- the steps taken to help run rampant and cost all nian cuts to public educa- contain viral spread is taxpayers tion and secured funding lengthy. to ensure our local police departments have the Andrew Holter,Republican 119th Legislative tools they need to keep Age: 32 District our neighborhood safe. Residence: Lafl in Gerald Mullery, Democrat Borough (incumbent) John Chura, Republican Education: PhD can- Age: 50 Age: 54 didate in Organizational Residence: Newport Residence: West Psychology; Master’s in Township Hazleton Public Administration; Education: Greater Education: Bishop B.S./A.A.S. Nanticoke Area High Hafey High School Family: Wife, Elyse, School; King’s College; Family: Wife, Diane; 2 who is 16 weeks preg- Duquesne University children, Nick and Alex- nant with fi rst child. School of Law andria; 4 grandchildren Key issues Family: Wife, Michele; Key issues: Will work We must work in a daughters Leah (20) & with healthcare profes- bi-partisan manner to Lauren (18); sons Liam sionals to control the continue to address the (14) & Louden (13) spread of COVID-19 and COVID-19 crisis and to Key issues: The issues return life back to nor- focus on the issues that most important to the mal so that people can will improve the lives of people of the 119th Leg- safely go back to work residents in Luzerne and islative District are the and school. Lackawanna counties: attraction and retention Good paying jobs: of family sustaining jobs, See RACES | 13 F13

Sunday, September 20, 2020 NAVIGATING ELECTION 2020 13 Races

From page 12 Will fight for the elimination of school property taxes that are forcing so many Northeast Penn- sylvanians from their homes and cut wasteful government spending in Harrisburg. 10 years on the West Hazleton zoning board, two years on the West Bryn Smith Kaufer Pashinski Cartwright Bognet Hazleton Borough Coun- cil and elected Mayor of Employment: Must affiliation, and this is This can be done by 8th Congressional School (1986) West Hazleton in 2017. consider that the unem- the mentality that I will conducting a financial Family: Wife, Marion ployment number does continue to bring to assessment of all aspects District Munley Cartwright; chil- not tell the whole story resolving our region’s of our lives and establish Matt Cartwright, Democrat dren, Jack and Matthew 120th Legislative of our workers. We need and Commonwealth’s a fair system that will (incumbent) Cartwright District jobs that pay a living biggest issues. allow all strata of our Age: 59 Key issues: I will Joanna Bryn Smith, wage and therefore the society a chance to pay Residence: Moosic prioritize a continued, Democrat tax burden on us would their fair share and live a Borough strong public health and Age: 34 be reduced. 121st Legislative full and productive life. Education: B.A., economic response to Residence: Wyoming Affordable health care District Hamilton College COVID-19 to get the Borough and life-saving prescrip- Eddie Day Pashinski, (1983); J.D., University Education: Bishop tion drugs.: In the United Democrat (incumbent) of Pennsylvania Law See RACES |14 O’Reilly High School; States, we pay double Unopposed Saint Joseph’s Univer- than any other country Age: 75 sity; City University for our healthcare. The Residence: Wilkes- Ad Sponsored by Pittston Animal Hospital of New York School of cost of healthcare has Barre Law gone up six times since Education: Penn State Family: Raised by two 1992 — no one’s salary University public school teachers. has increased six times Family: 4 children Mother’s family immi- since 1992. Key issues: Health grated from Poland; her Care — it continues to father’s family immigrat- Aaron Kaufer, Republican be a financial burden for ed from Wales. (incumbent) most Americans and far Key issues: Educa- Age: 32 more can and must be tion, employment and Residence: Kingston done to reduce the cost taxes, and access to Education: Lafayette so all Americans can affordable healthcare. College B.A. Govern- afford to have a quality Acutely aware of the ment and Law; Interna- health care plan. importance of education tional Affairs Widener Education — Reduce in a community, for mul- University Common- the cost of higher ed. tiple reasons — a posi- wealth Law J.D. through proposed tive community begins Family: Wife, Annie; legislation that would with good schools. dog, Murphy provide a program call Taxes and employ- Key issues: With (DPP ) Delayed Pay- DIPLOMATIC SPOTLIGHT ment: People are the impacts of COVID ment plan which is a India: President Donald Trump addressing to 110,000 people in India at Patel Stadium. struggling with rising devastating our region no interest loan for 10 Trump said that he has very good relationship with Pakistan and Pakistan’s Prime property taxes, and in and Commonwealth, years after graduation Minister Imran Khan is a good friend. the 120th, the bulk of the recovery moving and receiving a full time Foreign Minster of Pakistan Shah Mehmood Qureshi said Trump’s comment on Pakistan taxes are levied on the forward will play a job. residents because of the crucial role in the com- Realigning taxes — so were “extraordinary” and one could not deny their importance. 50 largest employers ing months. We need that the system is fair This is a great diplomatic effort from Dr. Kathio and Pakistan diplomats that we in Luzerne County, the more people willing to and balanced for the cultivated huge diplomatic success on foreign soil thanks to Trump and his kind words. 120th district is home to work across the aisle retiree, the working class India’s Prime Minister Modi failed to deliver a statement from Trump against Pakistan. only seven of them. regardless of political and the businessman. 80968620 F14

14 NAVIGATING ELECTION 2020 Sunday, September 20, 2020 than any other House 9th introduced legislation, Races Democrat. the America Infrastruc- In the past few years, I Congressional ture Bank, which would From page 13 have gotten bills signed District help to advance the into law by the president creation of public-private virus under control, sup- that protect low-income Dan Meuser, Republican partnerships. port workers and families veterans from being who are struggling, and (incumbent) scammed out of their Age: 56 Gary Wegman, Democrat lay the foundation for a hard-earned benefi ts, Age: 63 full economic recovery Residence: Dallas prevent government Borough Residence: Limekiln and job creation, one offi cials from using tax- Education: Lafayette where all people — not Education: New York payer dollars on personal Maritime University; College, University of just the wealthy — get to expenses, and safeguard Pennsylvania School of enjoy the benefi ts. Cornell University the rights of child por- Family: Wife, Shelley; Dental Medicine I will also continue nography victims. Family: Wife, Anne; working to lower pre- Meuser Wegman three children Key issues: Job daughters, Cecile and scription drug costs, Margot; son, Berenger. and protect and expand China Pay: PA-8 has suf- from U.S. manufacturing. Creation: Under the Jim Bognet, Republican Key issues: Health access to affordable fered grievously from Support Law Enforce- leadership of President Age: 45 Trump and Congres- care: Reforming the US health care as well as Residence: Hazleton Chinese actions on both ment: The men and health care system to Medicare and Social jobs and health. We used women of law enforce- sional Republicans, Education: BA Penn policies were enacted to make it less expensive, Security for Northeast- State University; JD/ to be a manufacturing ment put their lives on more effi cient and more ern Pennsylvania’s older hub, making products the line every day to reduce taxes and over- MBA University of Cali- regulation. Those poli- accessible, with better residents. fornia Los Angeles that were sold around keep us safe. For those quality of care and better Since taking offi ce in the world. Many of these that want to “defund the cies allowed the private Family: Born and sector to create jobs outcomes; will sponsor 2013, I have introduced raised in Hazleton, Ital- factories went under as police” — not on my legislation to regulate the more legislation sup- China stole technology, watch and build the greatest ian-Irish family. economy Pennsylvania prices of critical prescrip- ported by both Demo- Key issues: Make and pursued a national Protect Medicare, tion medications and crats and Republicans agenda to take jobs away Social Security: I’m run- has seen in over 100 years. The COVID-19 create a 50-state solution ning for Congress to to meet American health- fi ght for people like my pandemic intentionally slowed that growth, but care needs. dad, who have worked Infrastructure/trans- hard to run a business, we are already seeing the economy climbing back portation: Creating a have paid their dues, massive public trans- and shouldn’t be left out and I have no doubt we can build an even better portation infrastructure in the cold because of investment program by political gamesmanship economy than we had before. proposing Nationwide from both parties in Infrastructure and Trans- Washington D.C. When Security: I am com- mitted to supporting our portation Enterprise I’m in Washington I will (NITE) — would be the work every day to pro- brave law enforcement offi cers as we must work biggest infrastructure tect Medicare and Social investment program Security and to make with them to institute any necessary policing since the Eisenhower sure that the people of Administration. Northeast Pennsylvania reforms. We must put a stop to the violent Agriculture: As a 5th will never have to worry generation farmer, Weg- about losing health care riots plaguing many of America’s largest cities. man understands small because of pre-existing business values and the conditions. Additionally, we must continue to fully support hardships of owning a a strong national defense rural business. He will and enhanced border champion district-wide security. broadband roll-out, pro- Rebuilding and Revital- vide incentives for hemp izing America: Improv- processing, and work ing America’s infrastruc- to bring a cheese and ture is a bipartisan issue yogurt manufacturing and it is critical to every facility to the 9th District aspect of our country, to leverage Pennsylva- including public safety nia’s surplus milk supply. and commerce. I have See RACES | 15 F15

Sunday, September 20, 2020 NAVIGATING ELECTION 2020 15 Races From page14 Make Election Day go smoothly State Races Election Day gives their local board of Attorney General voters throughout the voters may find it elections or visit www. Josh Shapiro, Demo- United States a chance frustrating if they Vote411.org to confirm crat (incumbent) to participate in their do not take steps the correct polling loca- Heather Heidelbaugh, government. The right to ensure things tions. Voters should also Republican to vote is something to learn the hours when the cherish, as many people go smoothly when polls are open so they do Auditor General across the globe do not they head to the not arrive too early or Nina Ahmad, Demo- get a chance to elect polls. The following too late to vote. crat the officials who govern tips can help voters • Bring photo identi- Timothy DeFoor, their countries. fication. Voter identifica- Republican While Election Day is prepare for Election tion laws vary by state, an exciting time, voters Day. but voters who want to Treasurer may find it frustrat- avoid hassles or holdups Joe Torsella, Democrat ing if they do not take ing location. Polling may be able to do so by (incumbent) steps to ensure things locations may have bringing current photo Stacy Garrity, Repub- go smoothly when they changed since last year, identification with them lican head to the polls. The and voters who have to the polling place. following tips can help moved in the past 12 While such identifica- voters prepare for Elec- months may now have tion is not necessarily a Voting on Election Day is a privilege that voters should not take tion Day. to vote in a new loca- lightly. Taking certain steps in the weeks ahead of Election Day • Confirm your poll- tion. Voters can contact See DAY | 16 can make it easier for voters to cast their ballots.

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16 NAVIGATING ELECTION 2020 Sunday, September 20, 2020

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From page 15 requirement, voters who bring along a driver’s license or state identifi cation card may get in and out of the polling place more quickly than those who do not. • Confi rm registration. Voters can confi rm that they have registered to vote by contacting their local board of elections in advance of Election Day. Sometimes voters’ names may not appear on the registration list when they arrive to vote, even if they previously registered. Poll workers can help voters who fi nd themselves in such situations. But voters who want to avoid such hassles on Election Day can confi rm their registration beforehand. • Be familiar with the candidates and issues on the ballot. Voting is a privilege and a responsibility, so voters should familiarize themselves with the candidates and issues on the ballot in the weeks leading up to Election Day. In addition to national or statewide candidates and issues, voters should learn about local issues that may have a more direct impact on their daily lives. The more voters learn about the candidates and issues in advance, the more quickly they can cast their votes and get to work or return home. Submitted by Luzerne County Election Board member Joyce Dombroski-Gebhardt Luzerne County voters try the new voting system during a public demonstration at the county courthouse in Wilkes-Barre last week.

“I was raised by public school teachers. We can fairly fund schools AND provide property tax relief by closing tax loopholes for the politically connected.”

— JOANNA BRYN SMITH

PAFORJBS.com PAFORJBS

Joanna Bryn Smith for State Representative, District 120 Paid for and Authorized by the people for Joanna Bryn Smith 80969774