The Times News asked questions to candidates in the 122nd Legislative District, which covers Carbon County.

Richard Kost, on the Democratic ticket, and Incumbent Doyle Heffley, on the Republican ballot. Candidates were given 75 words to respond, with the exception of background. (100 words).

Richard Kost

Town: Palmerton

Twitter: @Kost_for_Carbon

Instagram: kost_for-carbon

Facebook: Rich Kost

Background: I am a lifelong resident of Carbon County living in Palmerton. My paternal grandparents immigrated from Ukraine and made a home in Palmerton. I am vice president of the Palmerton Civil Service Commission. I own my own business. Walking the trails in Carbon County is a hobby of mine. Doing this allows me to talk to fellow hikers asking them why they like it here and what changes can be made to help advertise Carbon County. I want to make Carbon County a fantastic place to live no matter what age you are.

Your top three priorities if elected to office: a) Fix Beltzville State Park problems; b) Women’s Right to Choose; c) gun safety, I am an avid hunter and do not want to touch the Second Amendment, but the use of assault rifles to hunt is a problem. Many moms and dads are out there teaching their kids to hunt. We need to focus on the safety of the sport and safety in our community.

The crowding on weekends at the Beltzville State Park is a problem, especially with traffic backing up before the park opens. What can you do as a state representative to help alleviate the situation? Also, are for or against charging a fee to use the state parks in Pennsylvania, assuming that fee money is used to improve parks: I would support charging a fee for our state parks if that money is invested back into the parks. I would also support a system in which visitors would reserve a spot ahead of time. They could do that on their smart phones, which almost everyone now has. The goal is to not only reducing the traffic to the park, but also using the funds generated to keep it clean and sanitary for the community.

Our senior population is being hit harder than most with the high inflation. Property taxes don’t help. What can be done to alleviate the burden of property taxes?: My ultimate goal would be to cap property taxes at a percentage of their Social Security after a certain age. There are many resources and programs available to seniors to help with energy, internet and other costs. I would support legislation to lower drug costs.

We often hear from local school districts about the significant difference in cost when one of its students chooses to attend an outside cyber/charter school as opposed to the public school nearest them. Do you think the current method of funding cyber/charter schools is fair and what, if any, changes would you make to the funding system for cyber/charter schools?: Charter/Cyber schools are publicly funded, privately managed schools. They don’t operate by the same rules as district schools and do not have to be as transparent about how they spend public money. They are run by private boards which do not have to be accountable to the public. There is a much larger potential for the misuse of school funding. Funding should come from the parents who want their students to attend.

How would you help improve access to mental health services for residents?: Knowledge is power. Educating the community about resources through community events and free local workshops is a start. We also have to destigmatize mental health illness also through free local workshops. We need to build community again.

Doyle Heffley

Address: Palmerton

Website: www.doyleheffley.com

Background: I currently serve as state representative for the 122nd district here in Carbon County. I serve on the Appropriations, Human Services, Tourism and Transportation committees. I graduated from Lehighton High School and attended Lincoln Technical Institute where I received an associate degree in architectural drafting. After graduating, I entered the trucking business where I worked my way up to overseeing more than 100 employees. Before I served as state representative, I was a member of the Lower Towamensing Planning commission. I now live in Palmerton with my wife Kellie. We have two daughters, and recently we became proud grandparents.

Your three top priorities if elected to office: As a father, grandfather, and your state representative, my priorities are your priorities. Inflation is hurting all of us, that is why I have a continued focus on eliminating property taxes, expanding our energy production to lower utility costs, and grow our economy through smart economic policies. This includes continued investments in our infrastructure, historic funding for education, and expanding access to health care right here in Carbon County.

The crowding on weekends at Beltzville State Park is a problem, especially with traffic backing up before the park opens. What can you do as a state representative to help alleviate the situation? Also, are you for or against charging a fee to use the state parks in Pennsylvania, assuming that fee money is used to improve the parks?: I am on the forefront of this issue. I continue to work with DCNR, Fish and Game Commission, and the state police to help stem the overcrowding by increasing law enforcement presence and enforcing park rules and traffic violations. We instituted rules to close areas once they’ve reached capacity. I authored legislation to provide for a user fee which PA residents will have a discount, where all proceeds must be used for park improvements and staffing.

Our senior population is being hit harder than most with the high inflation. Property taxes don’t help. What do you think can be done to alleviate the burden of property taxes?: While I continue to fight for property tax elimination, I have supported multiple plans to help our seniors stay in their homes. I voted to close the fair funding gap providing every child the resources needed to succeed while at the same time limiting the amount local boards can raise taxes. I also voted to increase the Property Tax and Rent Rebate program by 70% for 2022 to help ease the burden of inflation.

Do you think the current method of funding cyber/charter schools is fair and what, if any, changes would you make to the funding system for cyber/charter schools: Education is about our children, and we must make our policy decisions with that in mind. I voted to reform the cyber charter school funding formula and I am a proud parent of public school graduates. I understand the importance of public education, but I also understand the importance of providing options for parents whose children are attending failing schools. They deserve to have the option to find better educational opportunities for their children.

How would you help improve access to mental health services for residents?: Improving and increasing access to mental health programs here in Carbon County is very important to me. I am proud to have a 24-hour walk in mental health clinic at St. Luke’s Carbon where residents have access to crucial care right here in our community. I also voted to increase funding for early intervention programs and provided additional resources for increased access to mental health care in our schools.