Local Races Forefront in Season of Political Change

from GRCA Commerce Quarterly Winter 2023

Events & Signature Programs The Brand Evolution BERKS FAMILY BUSINESS ALLIANCE

By Katie Hetherington Cunfer, Director of Government & Community Relations, GRCA

The 2022 General Election has occurred. We saw a lot of changes to the Pennsylvania political landscape in the last few months, some expected and some not. In January, we have ushered in a host of new elected officials and new state government agency leaders and with that comes a new chance to engage and tell your story. As part of GRCA’s Advocacy Program, we’ll have multiple opportunities throughout the year to meet and interact with government leaders through member events and as part of the Business & Community Advocacy Council’s meetings. We sincerely hope you’ll join us!

Looking ahead to the elections this year, the theme is “All politics are local!” The countywide races up for election this year include three Commissioners’ offices, Register of Wills, Controller, Sherriff, District Attorney and three Court of Common Pleas positions. We’ll also have municipal leadership elections including Mayor of Reading, openings on Reading City Council, township supervisor races and others. These offices are often more important and have greater impact on our daily lives than the races that get all the headlines and TV time.

We’ll also have four statewide judicial races including a seat on the Pennsylvania Supreme Court, two seats on the Pennsylvania Superior Court and a seat on the Pennsylvania Commonwealth Court. The role and importance of these appellate courts has really come into stark relief during COVID and plays a pivotal role when we have a divided government. We are currently waiting for major decisions including whether the Wolf Administration had the authority to enter the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative (RGGI). We’re also watching for fall out from the recent Pennsylvania Supreme Court decision to unilaterally rescind the medical malpractice venue law through a change of court rules. The actions of the Pennsylvania Courts have direct implications on the cost of doing business in this state.

The 2023 primary is set for Tuesday, May 16, and there are likely to be an abundance of choices. Now is the time to get to know these individuals seeking your support. Ask them about issues facing the business community. Ask if they understand the real cost of ever-increasing property taxes and how delays in permit decisions negatively impact your ability to expand your business. Ask is they know the true struggle of finding employees and ideas on how government can help with issues like the cost and access to childcare. Ask what they would do to help increase housing access and support housing construction in your community. And then listen to their answers.

These potential leaders will have the ability to shape and influence our local community for the next two to four years and beyond in the case of judges. These leaders don’t need to know everything about everything, but they should be willing to learn and find effective solutions, not just score political points. We need to elect leaders who are focused on economic development, opening the doors for opportunity and growth. We need local officials who will encourage businesses to come here, stay here and grow here.

Every election is an opportunity to shape the future of our community. Voting in the primary is how we make sure we have the option to vote for pro-business, pro-growth leaders who will put people before politics in the fall. CQ

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