District includes Chestnuthill, Eldred, Jackson, Pocono, Polk, Tobyhanna, and Tunkhannock townships, and Mount Pocono borough.

Democrats:

Tia Fritz

Tobyhanna Township

http://www.fritzforpa176.com, twitter.com/fritzforpa176, http://www.facebook.com/fritzforPA176

Education: Pocono Mountain West High School, studied secondary education/history at the U. of Scranton and Northampton CCC

Qualifications: I have years of experience as a successful business manager, volunteer, and advocate in my community. I plan on using this experience to champion for the people of the 176th in Harrisburg.

Q: What are your top three priorities in office?

A: Much like Gov. Tom Wolf, I plan to make public education a top priority. By investing in education (basic education, special education, postsecondary education, and career and technical training) we are making an investment in the future of the commonwealth. The businesses we want to attract to the area will only want to invest their resources if we have an educated, skilled workforce to pull from. Pennsylvania is trailing surrounding states when it comes to minimum wage. At $7.25 an hour we are about 14 percent below that of New Jersey and 43 percent below most of New York state. Increasing the state minimum wage is a priority for Democrats, myself included. I am also committed to tax reform, specifically property tax reform (I support imposing a severance tax on natural gas drillers) and closing the Delaware loophole (transitioning from separate to combined reporting for corporate net income tax).

Claudette Williams

Mount Pocono Borough

http://www.claudetteforthepeople.com

Education: BSM, University of Phoenix, AAHCA, Associates of Arts Health Care.

Administration: Licensed Practical Nurse

Qualifications: I am currently the President of Mount Pocono Borough Council, one of the commissioners of the Regional Police and the chair of the Monroe County Democratic Party. I am a retired U.S. sergeant major, a rank that is held by less than 1 percent of the Armed Forces.

Q: What are your top three priorities in office?

A: 1. Promote creation of skilled jobs with fair wages for residents. 2. Strengthen families and communities through support of public education and human services. 3. Protect veterans and seniors from budget cuts.

Republican

Jack Rader (incumbent)

Jackson Township

Unopposed.

Courtesy League of Women Voters