State Sen. Pat Browne, Republican, is facing a challenge from Walter Felton Jr., Democrat, for another four-year term in the 16th Senatorial District.

Browne has served the 16th District since May 2005.

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

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

A. Pennsylvania faces tremendous financial obstacles and tough decisions. We need legislators who understand the impacts of their decisions.

I am working to keep state spending and taxes low to promote an economic climate where businesses will invest and create opportunities for our hard working families.

It is imperative that we make informed decisions about funding for vital state programs without placing an oppressive future burden on our children and grandchildren. The Independent Fiscal Office, which I proposed, ensures that budgets are passed on time and your taxes achieve the results you expect from state government.

I led the effort to create PennWATCH, a searchable, database-driven budget website to monitor state spending and make government more open and accountable.

With re-election, I plan to chair a basic education funding commission which will recommend a new state funding formula to provide equity and fairness to all schools throughout Pennsylvania.

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The 16th Senatorial District includes in Lehigh County: Alburtis, Allentown and the townships of Lower Macungie, Lowhill, North Whitehall, South Whitehall, Upper Macungie and Weisenberg.