Democrat Walter Felton Jr., of Allentown, is seeking to unseat state Sen. Pat Browne for a four-year term in the 16th Senatorial District.

The Press asked candidates why they should be elected or re-elected to serve constituents in his or her district.

Q. Why should voters elect you to represent the 16th Senatorial District?

A. If we want a government that respects the people, we need to elect leaders who are of the people, by the people, and for the people.

·Education: supporting teachers and students by increasing taxes on large Non- and for profit companies, taxing companies that extract natural gas and oil;

·Better Healthcare Reform to reflect the Affordable Healthcare Act, which better protects our seniors, working class families ;

·Creating jobs: fair wages for work done, increasing the minimum wage;

·Equality: empowering women in our state, supporting LGBT rights;

·Ending homelessness in our community for families and veterans;

·Fight for safer community base policing and fighting for better prison reform.

Having proudly worn five different uniforms – Air Force, Navy, Army, Allentown Police Department and currently Northampton County Deputy Sheriff– serving my country and community, I am also proudly a member of five different unions, the UAW 677, IBT 773, United Steel Workers 2598, FOP and Northampton County Deputy Sheriffs Union, of which I was the former president, I am the best candidate to represent the 16th Senatorial District with honor and integrity.

I am a man of the people and a leader for our times. Our community deserves a fighting chance. I have worked 30 years to make our country and community safer and stronger.

I am ready to take the fight to Harrisburg.