When U.S. Rep. Matt Cartwright, D-17, scheduled a town meeting in Rush Township, it's likely he didn't anticipate the scope of the questions.

During a jam-packed hour Wednesday night, he fielded questions on topics that included using higher sales tax to balance the state budget, texting while driving, increasing Social Security benefits, landing fee for airplane pilots, disposal of light bulbs, banning fracking, reforming income taxes, endangered species, supporting research into neurological illnesses, and fixing disability payments.Before opening the meeting to questions, Cartwright gave a short presentation of the services provided by his office, which include services for veterans and military personnel, IRS and tax service, assistance with U.S. citizenship and Immigration, Social Security services, Medicare services and economic development."I don't have all the answers, but I'm working for you," Cartwright said. About 30 people attended. "I want to pull more federal dollars into this district, and I'm down there, scratching and clawing, trying to do everything I can to get money back here."Here are the questions and a synopsis of Cartwright answers:Using higher sales tax to balance the state budget"That's a loaded question. That's problematic, everybody pays the same rate. Filling the gap by raising the sales tax I'm not a huge fan. I favor an extraction fee on natural gas. We all know what it's like to see our resources taken out of the ground."Enforcing the law against texting while driving"We have to figure out a way to be able to prove it. The penalties should be as steep as they are for DUI."Increasing Social Security benefits for seniors"The average Social Security recipient gets $1,300 per month, and that's not enough. There is a bill proposed for better cost-of-living increases for Social Security."Making airplane pilots pay a $100 landing feeThe question referred to HR 1062, Pilot's Bill of Rights. Pilots oppose the proposal, which would require them to pay a $100 landing fee."The problem with that is that it's safer for everyone if all pilots file flight plans. If you charge them to land, they may want to fly without filing a flight plan."Disposing of light bulbs which contain mercury"I wasn't aware we had mercury in light bulbs. You've piqued my curiosity, and I'll look into it."Taking action against 47 Republican senators who wrote a letter to IranThe senators have circumvented President Barack Obama by writing a letter to Iran, advising officials to pay little attention to present efforts to forge an agreement regarding nuclear arms."In 1798 the Logan Act said it was illegal for citizens to meddle with foreign policy. The statute has never been enforced; it's vague. Treason laws only apply if we've declared war. I don't think it's illegal but I think it's a bad move."Banning fracking"Yes, Pennsylvania could ban fracking but has chosen not to. It's currently banned in the Delaware River watershed. The prior administration in Pennsylvania was in favor of it; the horse is out of the barn."Reforming income taxes to a straight 10 percent"I'm against that. People call it the fair tax, but I call it the unfair tax. I favor the progressive tax system, where there are lower and higher rates based on income."Adding and removing species to the endangered species act, specifically, wolves.Cartwright is on the Natural Resources Committee. "That's a hot topic. There should be a "step down" from being listed to being removed from the list."Supporting research into neurological illnesses including Parkinson's and multiple sclerosis, providing bettersupport for those afflicted."This is a perfect example of the problems with Medicare cutbacks, when people are not getting enough therapy or having to drive long distances for treatment." Cartwright said he would look into the problems.Fixing Social Security disability payments."When Social Security disability funding was low, it would be evened up by taking money from Social Security that's what was commonly done. But now it is illegal to do that adjustment without the passage of a bill. Because of that, 2016 is the doomsday date for Social Security disability." Cartwright said he is on the oversight and government reform committee, and working to fix that.