Republican Jack Rader Jr. and Democrat Hope Smith will vie for the 176th district seat in Pennsylvania's House of Representatives in Tuesday's general election. Under the new map, the 176th District includes Chestnuthill, Eldred, Jackson, Pocono, Polk, Tobyhanna and Tunkhannock townships and the borough of Mount Pocono.

The Times News asked each candidate the same set of questions. Their answers are printed below.What will it take to achieve property tax reform in Pennsylvania?Rader: To achieve reform we need legislators committed to change, especially passing House Bill 76/Senate Bill 76 to eliminate school property taxes and replace them with a fair mix of slightly increased sales taxes (much paid by nonresidents) and income taxes. That is my position and I not would increase income or sales taxes without property tax relief. My opponent supports doubling income taxes without requiring school property tax elimination. In fact, she opposes HB76 and SB76.Smith: Bills like HB/SB 76 that include tax relief for corporations and that still have a funding shortfall in its sales and income tax formula, while also putting the additional burden on the working class, are not the answer. Increasing funding to the Taxpayer's Relief Act of 2006 while raising eligibility guidelines, and increasing education funding from the state to 50 percent, with a dollar for dollar reduction in local property taxes, would provide immediate relief.What can be done to reduce drug and alcohol addictions, and mental health issues in Pennsylvania?Rader: Helping to address these issues has more to do with society's efforts than simply government's. Government should help provide funding for critical early recognition, education and intervention programs, as well as treatment programs. More importantly, society must promote efforts that remove the stigma from mental illness and educate the public about addiction. This way, we can harness the power of our community's members to help those who need it seek treatment and, hopefully, prevent tragedies.Smith: Proper funding and adequate programs are the only way to address drug and alcohol and mental health issues. PA's Healthcare system must provide for care for these issues and health care must be affordable and available to all. The stigma around mental illness must be lifted. Self-medication through drugs and alcohol must be noted and corrected. Economic causes and educational barriers that can lead to substance abuse must be addressed.What is the best option to solve the pension crisis?Rader: Any reforms shouldn't apply to current retirees; we must keep the state's promise to them. I don't prefer unilateral action by the legislature. We must bring all sides to the table to develop the solution that results in fair benefits for employees, and a sustainable system for taxpayers. Whatever reforms are ultimately decided upon by this group should apply to legislators and judges as well as employees.Smith: The pension crisis occurred due to borrowing from one fund to pay for another. When people do this to make ends meet, we are expected to put the money back in order to pay the original bill. The state has not put the money back. The unfunded liability, a state liability, exceeds the assets and has been part of PA's credit downgrade. Act 120 of 2010 has been the best approach to pension reform.What needs to be done to bring more business and jobs to the area?Rader: I am someone who has actually created jobs in the real world and will use this experience to help attract new jobs to our area. That's why the NFIB and PA Chamber of Commerce endorsed me. We must pass tax and regulatory reforms that make Pennsylvania more appealing than other states in the nation and leverage the power of the educational institutions around us to drive technological innovation that attracts the companies of tomorrow.Smith: PA has some of the worst bridges and highways in the country. A serious effort to correct these issues can create many jobs for the local economies. Encouraging the creation of business incubators, focusing on Pennsylvanians who want to start businesses, can be a way to assist local job creation and the hiring of local workers. Tax benefits for taking jobs overseas need to be reversed and credits to bring jobs home can be instated.Do you think funding is adequate for social services, particularly for senior citizens? If not, where can additional funding come from?Rader: Additional funding needs to come from an economy that is growing and providing more revenue to the state. Asking more of taxpayers is simply not an option as it actually slows economic growth. If we grow our economy, we will have the money necessary to provide increased social services not just to seniors, but to all citizens who need them. Beware politicians who promise "more funding" without concern for how to pay for it.Smith: Our population of age 65 and older is on the rise. The scope of services for this population has changed with better health and longer life span. Lawmakers must listen to those working in the field to allocate funds in the areas they are needed most. NOT privatizing the lottery will continue to provide funding for services to senior citizens. Ending corporate giveaways and bringing those monies back to human services is a start.In addition to what has already been covered, what are the other major issues facing Pennsylvania at this time?Rader: The members of my community have made clear what they are concerned with school property tax elimination, job creation and school funding. I am the only candidate who supports school property tax elimination. I am the only candidate in this race who has actually created jobs. And I have put forth a plan to better fund schools that includes fixing the school funding formula, using severance tax revenues for education, controlling nonclassroom costs and more.Smith: Education in Pennsylvania is under attack. We must provide a proper education for our children to give them the best possible start in life and we must provide post high school education, traditional and nontraditional, that is accessible and affordable for everyone. Financial aid guidelines that overlook hard-working individuals and small-business owners, who earn just a few dollars more than the cut-off to receive assistance for their child's education, is of particular concern.