In less than one month, Pennsylvania voters will decide whether incumbent Democrat Josh Shapiro will remain in office or if Republican State Treasurer Stacy Garrity will become the commonwealth’s 49th governor.
We asked our newsletter readers: If you could ask either of the gubernatorial candidates one question, what would it be?
Here’s what they’d ask (answers have been edited for length and clarity)
“When are we going to get some regulations on these electric scooters and e-bikes before something really bad happens?” — Richard Stevens, Delaware County
“Why does the government never have to tighten its budget when things get tough financially? We curb back on spending, taxes get raised anyway.” — Kristin Clemmer, Montgomery County
“Can you promise civility in our daily discourse? Politicians of all parties need to treat all with respect. The voting public has had more than enough of the vitriol.” — Paul Devine, Blue Bell
“I would ask Gov. Shapiro if he truly realizes that he is running for reelection as governor and NOT campaigning for a run in the next presidential election.” — Roseanne, Lancaster
“Would you support a reduction in the number of lawmakers Pa. has? We spend among the most to run our state with almost the most lawmakers. A reduction in pay and a reduction in the number of lawmakers would go far in restoring faith in our government. It would also allow some of the highest taxes to be reduced.” — Tom Poynton, Northampton
“Would you introduce and support legislation that would amend our election laws to prohibit anyone with felony convictions from holding public office? We have a convicted felon in the White House who ignores all laws he doesn’t like. He’s wasted billions of dollars on his vanity projects, an illegal war, and has ignored the emolument clause to pocket billions of dollars since taking office, while Americans can’t afford groceries and gas for their vehicles. Action must be taken to keep this from happening ever again.” — Kathy Feuchtenberger, Carlisle
“How may we reduce the influence of money in elections? Some elected officials spend quite a bit of time fundraising for elections and work more on electioneering than governing.” — Mark Hiester
“For Treasurer Garrity: You’ve said in the past that you think Trump won the 2020 election. Care to retract that lie?” — Debbie W., Allegheny County
“For either candidate: At what point will you stop letting neighboring states collect all this tax revenue for adult-use cannabis and really crack down on our state legislature to legalize it in the commonwealth? It’s laughable how far behind the curve Pennsylvania is on this issue. You’d think we were Mississippi.” — Benny, Erie
