Incumbent Republican Rosemary Brown is being challenged by Brian Wrightson for the office of state senator, representing the 40th District, which includes Monroe County.

The term is four years with salary of $110,016 per year (plus $198 per day per diem).

The Times News asked questions about issues. Responses, limited to 100 words, are in alphabetical order.

Background

Rosemary Brown

Age: 55

Residence: Middle Smithfield Township

Background: I am a working mom who was born and raised in our community, and raised my own children here with my high school sweetheart, Joe. Before entering public service, I worked in the private sector in executive management positions. As a legislator, I am proud that my commitment to finding common ground solutions and working with both Democrats and Republicans has earned me consistent ratings as one of Harrisburg’s most effective Senators. My goal is to do what’s right for the people I represent, not play political games; recognition like that shows me I am meeting that goal.

Brian Wrightson

Age: 57

Town: Archbald

Background: Brian Wrightson is a lifelong Northeastern Pennsylvania resident, devoted husband, father, grandfather and public servant. Born and raised in Jessup and living in Archbald, he has spent his life serving his community. With nearly 40 years of experience in information technology, emergency management, telecommunications and public safety, Brian has dedicated his career to solving problems and serving others. His commitment to veterans, working families, organized labor, seniors, and first responders is deeply personal. As the nominee for Pennsylvania State Senate District 40, he is fighting to make life more affordable, protect local communities, and bring practical, common-sense leadership to Harrisburg.

Questions

What do you see as the biggest problem facing the Poconos and how would you solve it?

Brown: Everyone is concerned about their cost-of-living. While much is out of my control as a state legislator, there are still things I have been fighting for. I have controlled state spending because government over-spending is a known cause of inflation. I voted for a historic energy tax cut that would help reduce electric bills for consumers. I have fought for school property tax elimination and, while we continue to work toward that goal, delivered record education funding to local schools to help offset the burden on property taxpayers. All of these efforts have one goal: make life more affordable.

Wrightson: The biggest challenge facing the Poconos is protecting our quality of life while making life more affordable for working families. Unchecked data center development threatens our forests, water, and tourism economy, while families struggle with rising costs and Pennsylvania’s outdated $7.25 minimum wage.

I would fight for responsible development, protect our natural resources, and ensure data centers do not receive taxpayer-funded giveaways. I would also push to raise wages, support small businesses, invest in infrastructure, and expand opportunities for our local workforce. The Poconos should grow in ways that benefit our residents, not just wealthy corporations.

Data centers have become the loudest issue in the state. Where do you draw the line between development the county should welcome and development it should turn away?

Brown: Economic development must never come before what residents want. That’s why I have been one of Harrisburg’s leading voices fighting for — and voting for — a statewide moratorium on data center development. This would give us the time to establish regulations that protect residents, infrastructure, electricity ratepayers, and environmental resources. I also introduced a “Residents First” legislative package that directly addresses the concerns of the people of the 40th District. The Scranton-Times called this package “the best common-sense approach” to making sure residents’ voices are heard. My record on data centers is clear — and it’s more than just words.

Wrightson: Development should improve our communities, not happen for development’s sake or change the character of our region. Data centers threaten to do just that. I am not anti-development, but I draw the line when projects threaten our water, forests, property values, and quality of life while taxpayers bear the burden and corporations reap the profits.

I support a moratorium until strong protections are in place, and I would support a complete ban if necessary. Our communities must come first. No corporation should be allowed to sacrifice NEPA’s future, natural beauty, and way of life for its own profits.

What can Harrisburg do about high electric bills?

Brown: At its core, this is a supply and demand issue. Electricity demand is growing faster than new power plants can replace retiring facilities, driving prices higher. So what can we do? And not do?

What we can do is not artificially drive rates higher through liberal government action. That is why I opposed Pa. entering the RGGI — a program independent experts say would quadruple electricity rates.

What we can do is reduce the taxes consumers pay for energy — which I voted to do. And we can unleash Pennsylvania’s energy resources to drive down the cost of electric generation.

Wrightson: Harrisburg must put ratepayers ahead of utility company shareholders. I would fight for legislation that prioritizes affordable electricity and holds utility companies accountable. Residential customers should not be forced to shoulder the burden of record corporate profits while large corporations receive preferential rates. I would work to eliminate those rate advantages and ensure families receive rates no higher than the lowest comparable commercial rates. Electricity is a necessity, not a luxury. Our working families and seniors should not have to choose between keeping the lights on and paying for groceries, medicine, or other basic needs.

Do you support eliminating the school property tax, and if so what replaces it?

Brown: I have always supported property tax elimination — advocating and voting for it. I have voted to increase state funding for education to record levels and changed the state’s education funding formula to make sure our local schools receive more — because providing more education funding supports our schools and helps reduce the financial burden on local taxpayers. Just like in our homes though, we cannot focus only on the revenue/funding component of education. We must also demand greater accountability with how tax dollars are spent — because when we spend dollars more efficiently, we reduce the need for tax increases.

Wrightson: I support phasing out school property taxes by restoring funds originally promised for property tax relief. Casinos were legalized with the promise of meaningful relief, yet table game and other casino revenues have been diverted to the state’s general fund. That money should be returned to property tax relief. I also support legalizing skill games with a reasonable tax rate, dedicating 75% of the revenue to property tax relief and 25% to public safety. Families deserve meaningful relief, and our schools must have reliable, sustainable funding.

What state-level policies would you support to improve housing affordability and availability?

Brown: Housing affordability is a national growing concern. We need improved and practical local, state and federal policies that will reduce building investment costs, creating more attainable levels of housing. High property taxes are part of this challenge. Those costs are ultimately passed along to residents, including renters.

I support strengthening blight remediation and land bank programs that help communities transform vacant and abandoned properties into productive housing. I also introduced the Reinvestment in Housing Act, which would protect qualifying homeowners from property tax reassessments when making modest improvements to their primary residences. We should encourage reinvestment, strengthen neighborhoods and make housing more attainable.

Wrightson: Housing must be affordable for those who live and work in our communities. I would expand first-time homebuyer incentives, grants, and assistance, support rehabilitating existing properties, prioritize local ownership, and establish strict rules for private equity ownership. We must protect renters and first-time buyers from being priced out of the Poconos. Development should respect our region’s character, preserve open space, and protect local infrastructure. Our children, seniors, and working families deserve the opportunity to live, work, and build their futures here.