Candidates for Casa Pa. District 161 Legislative headquarters

Holder: Leanne Krueger, D

Age: 47

Profession: Representative in the Pennsylvania General Assembly for the 161st state legislative district

Political experience: I represented the 161st state legislative district in the Pennsylvania General Assembly in 2015. Prior to being elected, I spent 15 years working in economic development and helping small businesses, including as senior director of the Business Alliance for local life savings and first executive. Greater Philadelphia Sustainable Business Network Director.

Why are you running and what are your priorities in this race?

I ran because the small businesses we were helping provide for employees, communities and the environment were not being heard in the halls of power. Government can and should serve everyone, not just the rich and connected. My priority issues include keeping Chester Water Authority public; protecting and expanding access to reproductive health care; and building relationships and shared priorities between the labor and environmental movements.

Why should voters choose you for this seat?

I want to work for a positive future for all Pennsylvanians. My district office is one of the busiest in the state of all 203 offices, serving thousands of people a year. We cut red tape and help seniors, veterans, working families and small business owners navigate the challenges of government red tape and solve problems. Before Roe vs. Wade was overturned, I wrote the Expanding Access to Affordable Contraception bill that passed the House earlier this year. We fought for increased funding for our public schools and against attacks on our workers’ compensation system.

What do you like most about the district?

I am so grateful for the opportunity to serve the towns and municipalities on the 161. I have been able to work with dedicated local elected officials and first responders to bring back state funding to support their efforts to invest in improved infrastructure such as be sidewalks, improving police and fire infrastructure and expanding access to outdoor spaces.

Challenger: John Mancinelli Jr., R

Age: 47

Profession: I have a bachelor’s degree in marketing from Saint Joseph’s University and a master’s degree in sports management from Neumann University. I previously worked in professional sports, which gave me valuable experience in a dynamic industry.

I am currently a small business owner and entrepreneur. I operate A-Town Properties, specializing in residential and commercial property maintenance. Additionally, I co-own Manbroso’s ToGo, a pizzeria in Aston. While Manbroso’s is temporarily closed due to a fire that occurred in May, we are actively working to reopen and serve the community again.

Political experience: I was previously a member of the Delco Young Republicans and volunteered on various candidates’ campaigns, which piqued my interest in becoming more involved. I was president of my former homeowners association and am currently a board member for two local youth sports organizations, Aston Valley Baseball and Aston Youth Soccer. In addition, I serve on the Aston Township Zoning Board and Parks and Recreation Committee and am a board member of CIAO Delco, which helps promote Italian-American culture through various charitable events and the Rose Tree Park Italian Festival.

Over two years ago, I was appointed to an open position on the Penn-Delco school board and was recently elected this past November to complete the remaining two years of the four-year term to which I was appointed.

Why are you running and what are your priorities in this race?

I’m running for Pennsylvania State Representative to make sure my district has all the resources it needs to thrive. My focus is on boosting economic growth and job creation by promoting policies that support small businesses, including tax incentives, reduced regulation and increased access to capital.

Education is another priority for me as I have four children who go through the Penn-Delco School District. I am committed to supporting initiatives that improve educational outcomes, such as increasing funding for our schools.

Infrastructure development is crucial to our communities and I will advocate for investment to improve our transport systems and public facilities. Additionally, I am committed to protecting public safety by supporting local first responders. I have seen first hand how vital their work is to our community and I will make sure they have the resources they need.

Supporting veterans and access to health care are personal priorities for me. My father is an 87 year old military veteran and these issues are incredibly important to both of us. I will work tirelessly to improve services for veterans and ensure that health care is affordable and accessible to all.

Why should voters choose you for this seat?

Voters should elect me to this seat because I will work tirelessly on their behalf, representing them as I would my own family and friends. I am committed to being present at every vote and making sure our district’s voices are heard in Harrisburg.

I will fight for the resources and policies our community needs to thrive and work to make our district one of the best in Pennsylvania. I believe in open communication and will prioritize transparency and engagement with my constituents, ensuring that their concerns are my top priority.

Together, we can build a brighter future for our community, and I am ready to take on that responsibility.

What do you like most about the district?

What I love most about our district is the strong sense of community and pride that brings everyone together, especially in times of need. The outpouring of support we witnessed after the Manbroso fire was truly inspiring and a testament to our resilience.

I also enjoy my active involvement in local youth sports organizations, which has allowed me to connect with families and foster a sense of camaraderie. Through my work with the Penn-Delco School District, I have seen firsthand how great leadership can lead to success and positive change.

Delco pride runs deep and I’m excited to be a part of it all, working alongside our community to ensure a bright future for everyone.

district

The 161st state legislative district includes the townships of Brookhaven, Rose Valley and Upland, and Aston, Chester and Nether Providence, with parts of the towns of Middletown and Ridley.

Originally published: October 25, 2024 at 2:50 p.m