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.
Republican state Rep. Zach Mako is facing a repeat challenge from Democrat Jason Ruff for the 183 state House district seat.
Mako is an Army helicopter pilot in the Pennsylvania National Guard who spent part of his second term on military deployment. He is running against Ruff, the vice president of Slatington Borough Council, who got more than 43% of the vote during their 2018 general election faceoff.
The 183rd District includes all or part of South Whitehall, Washington and Whitehall townships and Slatington in Lehigh County, and Allen, Lehigh and Moore townships, and North Catasauqua, Northampton and Walnutport in Northampton County.
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.
Mako: Initially, I believe that the administration took the steps that were necessary to “flatten the curve” and diminish the amount of stress on our health care system. In March we did not know enough about the virus, but as time went on we learned more and more. The administration should have worked with the legislature and been more transparent with its business waiver program and its policy to force COVID-19 positive patients back into nursing homes. At this point it is time to continue to safely operate our schools and businesses following CDC guidelines.
Ruff: I don’t think there’s any denying that the administration worked hard to do their best at serving Pennsylvania citizens during an unprecedented experience, nor that Pennsylvania ended up faring much better than many states across the country. However, I also think it’s important to acknowledge there were certainly some reporting and transparency issues when collecting data, creating restrictions, and a lack of clear, consistent guidance in the implementation, all of which seemed to be made worse as everyone tried to steer clear of liability. I think overall it’s commendable we didn’t have to rollback reopening procedures, but I would have fought harder for some things like increasing school sports spectator limits with proper safety precautions.
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.
Mako: I believe that the election law changes will have an overall positive impact on voter participation. I do have concerns regarding the timing of many of the changes that are being implemented. To change machines and introduce mail-in ballots so close to a presidential election could add to confusion among voters and potentially allow for fraud without the right checks and balances.
Ruff: I’m happy we’ve been able to move forward and expand voting options and access, but I blame the legislature, not the courts, for having created a process that seemed to have unrealistic deadlines and too many gray areas. Again, clarity and common sense have not seemed to be this state legislature’s strong suits. We need forward-thinking leaders in the house that will create commonsense legislation that serves all Pennsylvania citizens. I do think the system itself, along with the processes and procedures have included many safeguards to ensure a fair election, despite national political rhetoric designed to make people fearful.
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?
Mako: Clearly the pandemic has had a dramatic effect on the budget, but Pennsylvania is not the only state faced with this situation. First, we need to get Pennsylvanians back to work. We have all changed our social patterns and we must allow business owners and their workers to reopen safely. In order to cut into the budget shortfall, we must do two things. 1. Get our economy back on track and 2. cut unnecessary government spending. I will continue to urge the governor to work with the legislature for the best for Pennsylvania.
Ruff: If you’re referring to the previous House Speaker Turzai’s comments, I believe this was a statement meant to simply attack colleagues and engage in the type of fearmongering that citizens are tired of. Things are far from “back to normal,” but I believe with strong representatives taking commonsense actions and putting citizens’ needs before their own, we could come back from this economic disaster safely and productively. Our determination and strong work ethic is ingrained in Pennsylvanians, and we’ll support each other and get through this together. I’ve created a platform that makes citizens’ needs a top priority. I’m also confident in my ability to work effectively across the aisle to take long-overdue actions our incumbent hasn’t taken. I have that experience working with leaders of all affiliations as a borough councilor and the various community committees I’m part of, and will continue to do that in Harrisburg.
Q. What is the most pressing issue in your district, and how would you use your seat to benefit the people in your district?
Mako: Outside of COVID-19, property tax reform is the No. 1 issue impacting the residents of the 183rd district. Property taxes are forcing senior citizens out of their homes and squeezing the checkbooks of middle-class taxpayers. I will continue to fight for property tax reform so that young families can purchase a home and seniors can remain in theirs.
Ruff: People have been waiting on the state legislature for a long time to enact property tax reform, especially our seniors. Citizens are tired of stale political rhetoric from candidates like our incumbent, who make campaign promises but then do nothing. I understand the complexity of the property tax issue and understand there is little agreement in how money will be collected, and how it would be disbursed, but we need leaders who can work together to solve these problems. At the very least we need to work together to eliminate burdens for seniors on fixed incomes until a broader solution is worked out. When I moved to Slatington, I met a senior who had recently lost her husband, which ultimately led to losing her home because of unmanageable property taxes. This should not be happening to those who sometimes need to choose paying a tax bill before medication or food.
Q. Why should people vote for you?
Mako: It is an honor to represent the citizens of the 183rd district. I am very appreciative of the trust that the voters have placed in me to fight for property tax reform, cut wasteful government spending, support our small businesses and job creators and to make the Lehigh Valley a safer place to live, work and raise a family. I humbly ask for their vote to continue the work that we have started.
Ruff: My platform was created after putting myself in the community and listening intently to people’s thoughts, ideas, stories and concerns. I’ve been listening, and I believe making oneself available and speaking with constituents should be the foundation of any community leader elected to represent others. I grew up in this district, have made my home and invested in this district, and have fought for its revitalization, which will continue. My campaign has been steadfast in a commitment to unity, cooperation, and service to all. I would be humbled to have the opportunity to serve the constituents of State House District 183 and take the actions necessary to move our communities forward.
Kevin Duffy is a freelance writer for The Morning Call.
