Voters in the 6th Congressional District have a choice at the polls.
Democratic incumbent U.S. Rep. Chrissy Houlahan and Republican challenger Neil Young are competing for the seat in the Nov. 5 election. The district includes all of Chester County and parts of Berks County, including Reading.
U.S. representatives serve a two-year term and receive an annual salary of $174,000.
We asked the candidates to respond to four questions:
Neil Young
Residence: Chester County.
Age: 47.
Background: Young has worked for the last 22 years as a public school history teacher and wrestling coach in Chester County. His has also trained teachers in Afghanistan and delivered donated school supplies to Ethiopia.
Website: neilyoung24.com
Q. Name a single problem facing the district you are running to represent and how you would address that issue if elected.
A. As a public school history teacher with over 20 years of classroom experience, I believe that we can create greater opportunity for our young people through expansive educational freedom. Our schools are not safe, not focused and not performing to high enough standards. We continue to lose ground on the rest of the world despite spending more per student than any other industrialized nation. Our federal government is taking away hard fought opportunities for our girls by redefining Title IX and requiring school compliance with divisive concepts that prioritize diversity and equity over excellence. We must reduce the size and the scope of the federal Department of Education and return decision making back to the state and local level. We must also require greater transparency from school officials and empower parents to take an active role in the decision-making process.
Q. What specific actions should Congress take to make life more affordable for the people living in your district?
A. The current administration’s restrictive energy policies are the main factor that is driving record-setting inflation. In the last four years, our government has canceled pipeline construction, paused natural gas exports, restricted energy exploration and subsidized an unrealistic shift to an all-electric future. These decisions have made life more difficult for people in our district and we are reminded every time we are at the gas station and the grocery store. Congress needs to take action legislatively to override the damaging executive orders that are being driven by unelected bureaucrats. Domestic energy production creates jobs, increases our GDP and lessens dependence on foreign adversaries. When Congress acts in this manner, we will see much needed price relief.
Q. What do you believe is the biggest threat to national security, and what can Congress do to confront it?
A. The biggest threat to our national security is the ineffective leadership that our current administration has shown on the world stage. Beginning with our disastrous withdrawal from Afghanistan, and while we’ve spent three years questioning our president’s ability to run the country, our enemies have moved swiftly to achieve their goals. Russia and Ukraine are engaged in the largest European conflict since World War II and Israel is involved in the largest regional war in 50 years. China, Iran and North Korea have been enriched and empowered and are also threatening to further destabilize the world. Effective foreign policy requires leaders who will:
• Call on our European allies to take a more active role in their national security.
• Fully support Israel in their fight against global terrorism.
• Hold bad actors like Iran accountable through sanctions and isolation.
• Reduce dependence on China by investing in American manufacturing.
• Regaining energy Independence and become a net energy exporter.
• History shows us that a strong America leads to a safer, more peaceful world.
Q. Whose political career do you most admire, and why?
A. Rand Paul has been a tireless advocate for limited government and greater transparency. He believes that our greatness lies in our people, and that our government needs to prioritize protecting our individual rights and enforcing the rule of law. I admire his focus on his mission and his courage to hold accountable public officials no matter what their political party. He inspires Americans to more passionately pursue life, liberty, and happiness.
Chrissy Houlahan
Residence: Chester County.
Age: 57.
Background: Houlahan was first elected to serve in Congress in 2018. She previously served as an Air Force officer, was a businesswoman and engineer, had taught chemistry with Teach For America and served as an executive for a nonprofit literacy organization.
Website: chrissyhoulahanforcongress.com
The candidate didn’t submit a response to the questionnaire.
Source: Berkshire mont