Debates announced for 22nd and 134th state House races
The League of Women Voters of Lehigh County has announced debates for candidates in the 22nd and 134th House races.
In the 22nd House District race, Democrat Josh Siegel, an Allentown city council member, will debate Republican Robert E. Smith Jr., a former Allentown School Board member, at 6:30 p.m. Oct. 10 at the Lehigh County Conference of Churches, 457 W. Allen St., Allentown. Doors open at 6 p.m., according to the League’s latest newsletter.
The 22nd District covers parts of Allentown and Salisbury Township. It was carved out during mandated redistricting and has no incumbent.
In the 134th, incumbent Democrat Peter Schweyer will debate Republican Brent Labenberg, president of Emmaus Borough Council, on Oct. 6 at the Lehigh Valley
Active Life Center, 16th and Elm streets, in Allentown. The time of the debate will be published when confirmed, the League’s newsletter said.
The 134th covers Emmaus and parts of Allentown and Salisbury Township. Schweyer is currently serving in the 22nd District, but redistricting put his Allentown residence in the 134th.
Besides these debates, the League is currently waiting on word from candidates on whether they will debate.
“In some races, one candidate has agreed to debate; however, some of their opponents have declined or are still considering,” League President Mary Erdman said in the newsletter.
“As a reminder to those candidates who have not yet agreed to a public debate, the League feels that it is only fair to allow citizens to know where they stand on the issues, and to answer questions about their candidacy. A public debate provides an opportunity for such informative discourse,” Erdman said.