NOTE: This is one in a series of election Q&A’s for candidates for the state House of Representatives in the Lehigh Valley region. The Morning Call asked the candidates to respond to written questions in 150 words or fewer.
Democratic challenger Michael Blichar Jr. hopes to unseat Republican incumbent Gary Day as state representative for the 187th district, which encompasses much of northwestern Lehigh County and several communities in northeastern Berks County.
Blichar, 25, lives in Kutztown and his 2020 run will mark the second time he is seeking the office held by Day since 2009. The Allentown native and former resident of Palmerton is an academic coach at Northampton Community College and graduated from Kutztown University with a bachelor’s degree in political science and a master’s degree in higher education administration.
Day, 53, lives in Heidelburg Township with his wife and three children. He graduated from Penn State with a bachelor’s degree in economics and business. In his decade-long career in the state House, he has served on several committees including Gaming Oversight, Insurance, Professional Licensure and Tourism and Recreation Development. He also served as chairman of the House Select Committee on School Safety and Security.
Q. COVID-19 hit the state in early March. Since then, the Wolf administration’s attempts to keep people safe have affected the lives of millions of Pennsylvanians. Has the administration done a good job, or not? Please explain your answer.
Blichar: There is no denying that COVID has significantly impacted our commonwealth, especially in the areas of jobs, the economy, health care and education. I believe that at the time of this outbreak the Wolf administration did everything that they could to respond and prevent spread, though I do not agree with every decision that was made. I did agree with Wolf’s response to open the state in phases based on COVID cases per county, as I would have taken a similar route. One significant decision I would have made differently is ensuring that local leaders and officials were included in decisions made by the governor. The focus now needs to be on helping Pennsylvanians recover from this pandemic and put in place plans to mitigate as necessary. I would like to see the legislature put aside partisan politics to do what is right for the people of this state.
Day: The administration has tried their best and believes that there is no need for the 253 other elected officials in Pennsylvania to contribute to the decisions. 12 million Pennsylvanians have three people to go to, a representative, a senator, and a governor. He has ceased taking input from 253 elected officials. He has all but erased legislative involvement and that cuts off the people’s voice in self-government. Some people may feel like, “It’s OK, I like what he’s doing.” This thought is “the ends, justify the means.” It’s a dangerous thought, because it takes away from the diversity of input into decisions. We are taught that diversity is a strength and although it’s painful sometimes, multiple opinions into decisions is what we are supposed to do. So, it’s important to me to alert Pennsylvanians to this fact.
Q. A myriad of changes to election laws have taken place in Pennsylvania within the last year, and more are being talked about right now. Do you feel comfortable with the state’s election process? Please explain your answer.
Blichar: I am supportive of many of the changes to election law over the last year. The addition of mail-in voting allows individuals to cast a ballot who otherwise were unable to make it to the polls on election day because of work or other circumstances. Mail-In voting is safe and secure, and data and history proves that to be true. I believe that any methods we can take to ensure that every single person can partake in the democratic process should be considered. I do have concerns about the elimination of straight ticket voting as candidates down ballot are often overlooked. However, this means that down-ballot candidates, like myself, now have the opportunity to reach across the aisle and secure support beyond our own political party. If elected I would like to continue to support what Pennsylvania has put in place and expand upon it.
Day: I don’t feel comfortable with the state’s election process. One of the most confusing parts of the election this year might be how long it takes to certify a winner. I think it’s very important that there is an end date for voting. Any time needed for collection of mail-in ballots, etc., should be before election day. The public is used to withstanding electioneering for about four to six weeks and then it’s over, the idea that ballots will be “found” after Election Day is hard to reconcile in a secure election. The House passed HB 2626 that contained requests from counties and allows counties to begin processing mail-in ballots on the Saturday prior to election day, to alleviate delay. The governor hasn’t signed that bill and wants to extend voting/counting well after the election. All Pennsylvanians should be worried about the integrity of this election.
Q. The state currently faces a budget shortfall of billions of dollars, largely related to the effects of the pandemic. At the same time, it is unclear if the federal government will give more help and one PA lawmaker has publicly predicted an “economic collapse” early next year. How should Pennsylvanians feel about the state’s financial future, and what will you do to make it better?
Blichar: As someone who is currently struggling financially as a result of this pandemic, I empathize with residents throughout the district. The fact is that this pandemic has only exposed the failures of this legislature that have always existed. My opponent is one of those representatives who has failed consistently on major issues that impact people. If I am elected, I am going to create additional revenue streams to address important issues like funding for public schools, property tax relief, fixing our infrastructure which can create new jobs, and investing in small businesses. Addressing tax breaks for large corporations, legalizing marijuana, which according to an auditor general report can yield significant revenue for the state, decreasing pay for state legislators and implementing a severance tax on the fracking industry can provide us with the necessary dollars needed to help our communities get back on their feet.
Day: When we begin to see the economic impact ripple through Pennsylvania’s economy, it may be too late for governmental action. When the governor determined to yo-yo restrictive rules on our restaurants, I introduced a bill to bring them relief — allowing them to keep the Pennsylvania sales tax that they collect as a “grant” from the commonwealth. But, the bureaucrats were worried about “their” revenue. I didn’t make the governor’s decision political, but simply offered a mechanism to address the devastating effect the restrictions had on the economic activity these businesses contribute to our economy. People should make sure their elected officials are hyper focused on opening Pennsylvania’s economy, in a safe manner. It’s not about a mask, although there is value in us all working together to stop the spread, it’s about figuring out how to operate, not how to shut down.
Q. What is the most pressing issue in your district, and how would you use your seat to benefit the people in your district?
Blichar: Right now, the most pressing issue in the 187th district is addressing the devastating impacts that this pandemic has had on our district, particularly for small businesses and workers. When I am elected, I will introduce a recovery plan that puts workers and small businesses first, moving the state forward to invest in job creation, livable wages and removing barriers for small businesses so they can succeed and get back on their feet. I will ensure that we begin funding public education again so we can lower property taxes and I will protect our health care like Medicaid and Medicare, lower the cost of prescription drugs, implement safe staffing for nurses and full-practice authority for nurse practitioners. All of these issues and more are part of the plan to get our commonwealth back on track. These are not single issues. Each issue I am fighting for is interconnected.
Day: The most pressing issue for our district is COVID-19, opening Pennsylvania, safely. Being a state representative, you should also juggle multiple issues that are important to many people. Private roadways, clean water, viable farmland, roadway infrastructure, business-friendly job-creating environment, safe efficient schools, social support programs, higher education, healthy hospitals, safe efficient scopes of practice, and the list goes on.
Q. Why should people vote for you?
Blichar: For over a decade, we have had a career politician representing us who is serving his own political agenda, while others are left behind. I am running to bring back transparency and accountability. Whether you are a Democrat, a Republican, or an independent, you can count on me to represent you in the Pennsylvania House. It is time for the people of the 187th district to have real representation. Unlike my opponent, I am not a politician. I am someone who understands what it is like to lose a home or a job, the struggle to afford basic necessities, and fighting for what I have. My entire career has been dedicated to fighting for all people. I know what it takes to lead and I will put partisan politics aside for the good of the people of the 187th.
Day: People should vote for me because of the work that I do, to represent everyone in this district. I listen to everyone and give feedback about what others are saying on these issues. I try to use the experience I have as a father, representative and businessperson for the benefit of everyone. In my role as chairman of the Aging Committee, my committee should participate in the regulation and operation of our state’s nursing homes, and if we are able to contribute, despite the governor’s state of emergency orders, we have the chance to make all Pennsylvanians safer, by making these networks safer. I am honored to serve as your state representative and appreciate your consideration in the upcoming election.
Charles Malinchak is a freelance writer for The Morning Call.
