Voters in the 5th Legislative District will choose between two candidates for the open seat.
Democratic newcomer Heather Hanna is facing Republican Berks County Sheriff Eric Weaknecht in the Nov. 5 election. The winner of the race will succeed incumbent Republican state Rep. Barry Jozwiak who decided not to run for reelection.
The district stretches across western Berks County, encompassing 20 municipalities in their entirety and part of Spring Township.
State representatives serve a two-year term and receive an annual salary of $102,844.
We asked the candidates to respond to four questions:
Heather Hanna
Residence: Ontelaunee Township.
Age: 53.
Background: Hanna has been a longtime volunteer helping to advance the campaigns of Democratic candidates in Berks County. She is a former business owner and substitute teacher. She also served as president of the Reading Public Library.
Website: citizensforheatherhanna.com
Q. Name a single problem facing the district you are running to represent and how you would address that issue if elected.
A. A major concern I have heard from the citizens of the 5th District is health care affordability and access. Affordability is a national issue and generally structured at the federal level. However, there are many areas where state, county and local government policies can and do influence and impact affordability and access, including medical assistance, public health, insurance and provider oversight, public safety (fire, emergency and ambulance services) and availability of resources.
We need to ensure that all citizens have access to the health care they need, understanding that health care is always a matter between patients and their provider. I have already consulted with experts in the medical and insurance fields in the district, both Democrats and Republicans, and will continue to do so when elected. At the district level, I will create and maintain resource directories and contacts that will inform, reduce confusion and provide easier access. At the state level, I will work across the aisle for reasonable governance and provide the necessary leadership for affordability and access while identifying and eliminating obstacles to quality health care.
Q. What specific actions should the state Legislature take to make life more affordable for the people living in your district?
A. We need to have collaborative voices in governance. We need to ensure that reasonable legislation — particularly legislation that speaks to making life more affordable — is not held up for political reasons. My platform addresses how we can make affordability a reality.
The plan I intend to pursue is as follows:
• Health care: Improve access to health care resources and services for all citizens.
• Education, training and employment: Create and support pathways for businesses and the workforce to grow and prosper together, building and sustaining healthy communities.
• Environment: Balance economic development with support for agriculture, family farm and land preservation. Support efforts to maintain clean water, recreational opportunities and wildlife management.
• Public safety: Improve road quality and safety; keeping our children safe in schools; support firefighters, EMS providers and law enforcement so that they are able to do their good work. Provide support to township and borough leadership in their incredibly important work.
Collectively, this plan will make our lives more affordable and improve the quality of life in our area.
Q. How will you gather feedback from the community regarding their needs and concerns?
A. From the beginning of my candidacy, I have been meeting with residents and gathering input, which I believe is the core of what a state representative should be doing. I have attended all the township and borough meetings in the district and have attended most of the school board meetings. There have been many key community events that I have attended, participated in and volunteered as a background helper — too numerous to list here. Listening, learning and understanding the needs of the constituents in the 5th District is paramount to becoming an effective representative. I will continue this engagement throughout my time as state representative.
Q. What inspired you to run for office?
A. The influence of my parents who raised me to be community-minded and caring toward others is likely what inspired me to run for this office. I entered this process believing I could be a true public servant to the people. My background and my experience led me into this journey, and the people I have met along the way have inspired me to work for them at the state House. I am ready to work to improve this district and the lives of its people. I know that I can be of service to the 5th District, and it will be my absolute honor and privilege to serve this amazing community.
Eric Weaknecht
Residence: Lower Heidelberg Township.
Age: 60.
Background: Weaknecht has served as Berks County sheriff since 2008. In June 2012, he was appointed by former Gov. Tom Corbett to the Sheriffs and Deputy Sheriffs Education and Training Board and reappointed by former Gov. Tom Wolf for an additional two terms. He started his career in the sheriff’s office in 1984 as a deputy.
Website: ericweaknecht.com
Q. Name a single problem facing the district you are running to represent and how you would address that issue if elected.
A. I truly believe that the most pressing issue facing the 5th District is the crushing burden of property taxes on my constituents. For years, residents have been weighed down by ever-increasing property taxes, making it harder for families to stay in their homes, seniors to retire comfortably and small business owners to thrive. This outdated system is no longer sustainable, and it’s time for a fundamental change. If elected, my top priority will be to eliminate property taxes for primary residences. I will push for a fair, broad-based tax reform plan that replaces property taxes.
Q. What specific actions should the state Legislature take to make life more affordable for the people living in your district?
A. To make life more affordable, the state Legislature should eliminate property taxes on primary residences and invest in workforce development. Removing property taxes will put money back into the pockets of homeowners, while targeted investments in job training and apprenticeship programs will help more people find good-paying jobs. When more people are working and keeping more of what they earn, they can better afford their daily expenses without being taxed endlessly. This approach will create a stronger local economy and a more financially secure future for our residents.
Q. How will you gather feedback from the community regarding their needs and concerns?
A. Gathering feedback from the community is critical to my campaign and will be at the forefront of my agenda as your state representative. I am committed to leading the commonwealth in providing outstanding constituent services. To achieve this, I will regularly hold town halls and community forums where residents can voice their concerns, share their ideas or simply engage in open dialogue. These events will offer a direct line of communication, ensuring that I hear from constituents directly and understand the issues affecting their lives. In addition to town halls, my office will be accessible and responsive. We will answer every call, email or message promptly and work diligently to resolve any concerns or questions. Listening to the people I represent is not just a duty — it’s my priority.
Q. What inspired you to run for office?
A. What inspired me to run for state representative is my deep commitment to public service and my passion for helping the people of Berks County. For the last 40 years, I have had the honor of serving in the Berks County Sheriff’s Office, 17 as the elected sheriff, where I worked closely with residents, businesses and community leaders to keep our communities safe and thriving. During this time, I’ve been fortunate to build strong relationships and understand the challenges and needs of our community firsthand.
When the opportunity to run for state representative arose, I jumped at it because it offered a new way to continue my mission of serving others. I see this role as an opportunity to represent not just my district, but our entire county and the great commonwealth of Pennsylvania. I believe my experience, dedication and commitment to public service uniquely position me to advocate effectively for the needs of our community. I’m running because I care deeply about our district and want to continue fighting for the people I’ve served for decades. I’m ready to tackle the issues that matter most to our residents and to work hard every day to make our community a better place for everyone.
Source: Berkshire mont
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