The race for the Pennsylvania 146th House District seat pits Democratic three-term incumbent Joe Ciresi against Republican challenger Mike McCloskey.
The 146th District includes the townships of Limerick, West Pottsgrove, Lower Pottsgrove and the boroughs of Pottstown and Royersford.
Mail-in and drop-off voting has already begun. In-person voting will take place on Election Day, Nov. 5.
MediaNews Group provided the same set of questions to both candidates. What follows are their responses, edited for length.
What inspired you to run for office?
Mike McCloskey: “I was inspired to run for office because of my deep passion for serving the community and being a voice for those who often feel unheard. I’ve always enjoyed working with people, solving problems, and finding ways to improve the lives of those around me. I want to be an advocate for them and work toward real solutions that make our community a place where everyone can thrive.”
Joe Ciresi: “It has been an honor to serve the people of the 146th House District since I won this seat in 2018. My dedicated staff and I have delivered compassionate and effective service, including during the pandemic, when we needed the government to work more than ever. We have helped bring over $55 million in state grants to the district.”
What prior experience do you have in elected office?
Joe Ciresi: “After serving for 12 years on the Spring-Ford School Board, I wanted to bring my advocacy for public education to Harrisburg. Having a son in the district at that time and visiting the Capitol with fellow board members to push for fair funding, I wanted to do my part to ensure that kids throughout Pennsylvania have equal opportunities in school, regardless of their zip code and circumstances. I proudly served as board president for Petra Community Housing, which builds affordable housing options for seniors and the disabled in our community, from 2006 to 2016. Based in Spring City, Petra helped successfully open the Freedom House in Royersford, as well as the Flag House and Bard Complex in Spring City.”
Mike McCloskey: “I am currently a Limerick Township Supervisor, first elected in 2019, and I am proud of the work we’ve accomplished during my term. I also served for ten years on the Limerick Township Planning Commission and Parks and Recreation Board.”
Name a single problem facing the district you are running to represent and how you would address that issue if elected.
Mike McCloskey: “One of the most critical problems facing our district is the mental health crisis, which affects nearly every aspect of our community. From homelessness to the strain on our law enforcement, who often serve as the first line of defense, to the challenges our children face in schools, the impact is far-reaching. If elected, I will prioritize expanding access to mental health services and investing in rehabilitative programs that provide real, long-term solutions. We need more resources and support for individuals facing mental health struggles so they can get the help they need and we can strengthen the overall well-being of our community.”
Joe Ciresi: “The one overarching problem is opportunity. It manifests as the opportunity for seniors to “age in place” in their homes, if their families choose, by slowing the rate of local property tax increases. It’s the opportunity to access better jobs and healthcare when western Montgomery County has passenger rail service to Philadelphia. We are now closer than at any point in the last 40 years to restoring service. Thanks to the collaborative efforts of tri-county leaders and the Schuylkill River Passenger Rail Authority — as well as funding from the state and federal governments — we are making progress.”
What role do you see the legislature playing in addressing the increasing number of homeless people in your district?
Joe Ciresi: “Having visited “tent city” in Pottstown multiple times, I’ve seen first-hand how the escalating cost of housing has led to more evictions and street homelessness. The legislature ought to support Montgomery County and the municipalities that make up my district by funding our needs on a comprehensive basis. This includes mental health, drug addiction, food assistance, and housing. We need a comprehensive plan. Since municipalities control local zoning and land development, it is essential for plans to start at the local level. Harrisburg and our partners in the federal government can help with funding.”
Mike McCloskey: “The legislature must take a more active role in addressing the increasing number of homeless individuals in our district. This issue has been overlooked for far too long, both at the county and state levels. As I stated above, we need to prioritize mental health awareness and expand resources to provide better support for those struggling. Additionally, we must pass legislation that addresses the problems with unlicensed halfway houses and ensure recovery houses are located in better, more supportive environments. Increasing funding for programs that help the homeless get back on their feet is essential. This issue is deeply personal to me, and I have been actively supporting our homeless community for years. If elected, I will fight to bring real change to this pressing issue.”
What specific actions should the state legislature take to make life more affordable for the people living in your district?
Mike McCloskey: “To make life more affordable for the people in our district, the state legislature should focus on three key areas: reducing energy costs, creating jobs, and providing tax relief for seniors. First, by expanding Pennsylvania’s energy independence, we will lower energy costs and reduce the financial burden on families and businesses alike. Second, job creation is essential for a thriving economy. I will work to foster an environment that encourages small businesses to grow and larger industries to invest in our district, providing good-paying jobs and opportunities for everyone. Lastly, we must prioritize tax relief for seniors. Our seniors have given so much to our community, and they deserve to enjoy their retirement without the heavy burden of taxes or fear of being priced out of their homes. By reducing taxes for seniors, we can help make day-to-day living more affordable and ensure they have the resources they need for healthcare and other essentials.”
Joe Ciresi: “This year, our state tripled the amount of the Child and Dependent Care Tax Credit. It can be claimed by families who paid for child care OR for dependent care for a family member who was physically or mentally unable to care for themselves in 2023. The credit ranges from $600 to $2,100.
We also increased the income limits of the popular Property Tax/Rent Rebate program to $45,000, allowing an estimated 175,000 more Pennsylvanians to claim the rebate. In the Pottstown School District, thanks to increased basic education funding from Harrisburg, rebate recipients are eligible for a second rebate – worth 75 percent of their PTRR – from Pottstown. A 50 percent second rebate is available in Spring-Ford.
Looking ahead, I am in discussions about a bill to help freeze property tax increases statewide for those living in neighborhoods that are experiencing significant increases in property values. The bill (LOOP) is intended to protect those on fixed incomes who have lived in the same home for a number of years. We need the state Senate to pass the House’s minimum wage bill. We are still at the poverty federal minimum of $7.25. Passed in June 2023, this legislation would increase the minimum wage in Pennsylvania to $11 per hour by Jan. 1, 2024; $13 per hour by Jan. 1, 2025; and $15 per hour by Jan. 1, 2026. The minimum wage would be indexed to inflation beginning in 2027.”
How will you gather feedback from the community regarding their needs and concerns?
Joe Ciresi: “My staff members and I are accessible at community events, as well as at our Royersford district office and Pottstown satellite offices. We listen to constituents’ concerns and challenges everyday. These interactions inform the bills that I introduce and the priority areas of my staff. Additionally, my office holds periodic telephone and in-person town halls. I sometimes go door-to-door to talk to constituents, even when it’s not an
even-numbered year. My staff keeps the community informed through social media updates and periodic newsletters.”
Mike McCloskey: “My door will always be open. I believe in being accessible and approachable, whether you stop me on the street to talk, call me, or reach out via email. I will always make it a priority to get back to you. To ensure I hear directly from the community, I will host regular town halls and establish a scheduled time in each borough and township where residents can come to share their concerns, ask questions, and offer feedback. Being in touch with the people I represent is essential to making informed decisions that reflect the needs and priorities of our community.”
Do you support the court decision regarding fair funding to schools? If yes would you continue to support increased funding to meet the goal over the next seven years? If no, why not?
Mike McCloskey: “While I understand the importance of ensuring schools are adequately funded, I believe that funding alone isn’t the solution. It’s crucial that we focus on how those resources are used to ensure students are receiving a high-quality education that equips them for the future. We need to emphasize accountability, improve curriculum standards, and provide more options for parents and students, such as school choice and vocational training. By focusing on educational outcomes, not just funding, we can ensure that every student has the tools they need to succeed in life.”
Joe Ciresi: “Yes on both questions. For the first time this year, the Pottstown School District was able to offer a local property tax rebate (in addition to the PA Property Tax/Rent Rebate). It was possible because the General Assembly is increasing its contribution to education funding, thus lowering the pressure on local school districts and taxpayers.
Do you support the idea of taking re-districting out of the hands of the legislature and instead creating a citizen’s commission to do the work every 10 years? Why?
Joe Ciresi: “Yes. Tasking politicians with redrawing district lines inevitably leads to partisan gamesmanship to pick up seats for their party. We have the technology and knowledge to empower an independent commission to do the work.”
Mike McCloskey: “Redistricting is a complex process that requires careful consideration to ensure that our communities are fairly represented. I believe it should be a collaborative effort between a citizen’s commission and elected representatives, ensuring that the public has input and that the process is carried out properly. By working together, we can make sure that redistricting reflects the best interests of our communities, while elected officials, who are accountable to the people, ensure the process is transparent and follows the law.”
