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topicnews · October 24, 2024

Ryncavage, Kocher face off in 119th State House race debate – Wilkes-Barre Citizens’ Voice

Ryncavage, Kocher face off in 119th State House race debate – Wilkes-Barre Citizens’ Voice

NANTICOKE — Republican Rep. Alec Ryncavage and his Democratic challenger Megan Kocher touted their working-class backgrounds, agreed on legalizing recreational marijuana to raise revenue and argued over fracking for natural gas during their debate Wednesday night.

Ryncavage, 23, of Hanover Twp., is seeking a second term representing the 119th Legislative District, while Kocher, 25, of Plymouth, hopes her years of experience in community organizing and meeting with constituents will be helpful in winning the seat to win.

Ryncavage described himself as a moderate Republican who, in his first term, prided himself on bipartisanship and fiscal responsibility and rejected perks like per diem, a state car or a taxpayer-paid phone.

“I am already the most fiscally responsible legislator in Harrisburg,” Ryncavage said.

Kocher said she would also forego such benefits because politicians “are not gods” and should not enrich themselves with taxpayer money.

As a full-time nonpartisan community organizer, Kocher meets working families every day and understands the struggles they face, such as trying to survive on minimum wage and afford to keep their homes, Kocher said.

“We need average professionals who will actually fight for the issues in office, and that’s why I think I’m the best candidate for this role,” Kocher said.

At a candidate forum hosted by the League of Women Voters at Luzerne County Community College, both indicated a lot of support for the race. Ryncavage announced his support from law enforcement agencies such as the Fraternal Order of Police and the Pennsylvania State Troopers Association, while Kocher announced her support from the Teamsters and the Pennsylvania State Education Association.

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Republican Rep. Alec Ryncavage responds to a question to Democratic opponent Megan Kocher during the League of Women Voters District 119 forum at Luzerne County Community College in Nanticoke on Wednesday, October 23, 2024. BILL TARUTIS / CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHER

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The candidates spent an hour answering quick questions from moderator Christine Mellon, a Wilkes University professor, who praised both candidates for their knowledge, passion, mutual respect and achievement. The debate will air Saturday at 8 p.m. on Service Electric Channel 9 and will be posted online Sunday on the League of Women Voters of the Wilkes-Barre Area website.

The 119th District includes the city of Nanticoke; Ashley, Edwardsville, Larksville, Plymouth, Sugar Notch, Warrior Run counties; and Fairview, Hanover, Newport, Plymouth, Rice and Wright townships.

Both candidates agreed that legalizing and taxing adult-use recreational marijuana, as neighboring states have done, would be a godsend for the state.

Regarding the property tax, Ryncavage said he hopes lawmakers can eliminate the property tax and replace it with other forms of revenue. Kocher said it would be “unrealistic” to eliminate them entirely, but suggested a 3% income cap for seniors and low-income people.

One of the biggest arguments of the evening was the question of a severance tax on natural gas and the candidates’ views on fracking.

Ryncavage criticized Kocher for supporting a fracking ban and said the state already has enough taxes, such as the extraction tax on natural gas.

“You just asked me, ‘Should we create a new tax here in Pennsylvania?'” Ryncavage told the moderator. “No, we shouldn’t. We already have a tax that raises millions every year.”

He said if Pennsylvania or the United States banned fracking, it would still continue in Russia, India and China, where there are far fewer environmental regulations.

Kocher said a severance tax has not driven out drillers from other states. She said she supports phasing out fossil fuels because the fracking industry is clearly harming the environment.

“We have people setting their tap water on fire. You can’t drink oil,” Kocher said.

On the issue of abortion, Ryncavage said he is personally pro-life, does not support a complete ban on abortion and believes in exceptions for incest, rape and to save a mother’s life. He said he doesn’t believe abortions should be allowed if a baby can survive outside the womb.

Kocher said she supports amending the state constitution to enshrine the right to abortion.

“No one but me should make the decision about what happens to my body,” Kocher said.

119th State House District

Communities: City of Nanticoke; Ashley, Edwardsville, Larksville, Plymouth, Sugar Notch, Warrior Run counties; Fairview, Hanover, Newport, Plymouth, Rice and Wright townships.

Salary: $106,422

Expression: 2 years

Breakdown of voters: 40,313 registered voters – 17,940 Democrats, 16,520 Republicans, 213 Libertarians, 66 Greens, 4,611 unaffiliated and 963 others. ON THE WEB:

Alec Ryncavage – www.alecforpa.com

Megan Kocher – www.megankforpa.com

TO WATCH:

The debate between Republican Rep. Alec Ryncavage and Democratic challenger Megan Kocher will air Saturday at 8 p.m. on Service Electric Channel 9 and then be posted online Sunday on the League of Women Voters of the Wilkes-Barre Area website.

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