Democrat Joanne Jackson is challenging incumbent Republican Justin J. Simmons for the 131st Legislative District in the general election Nov. 8.

The 131st Legislative District includes, in Lehigh County, Townships of Lower Milford, Salisbury (Ward 3, division 1), Upper Milford, Upper Saucon, Boroughs of Coopersburg and Emmaus; In Northampton County, Lower Saucon Township, districts, 1, 2, 4, 7 and 8; in Montgomery County, Township of Upper Hanover, Boroughs of EAst Greenville, Pennsburg and Red Hill.

The Press asked the candidates the following question: Why are you the best candidate for this office?

Their responses follow.

Joanne Jackson:

I am not a career politician but rather a community steward/citizen representative. I want to be the constituents’ voice in Harrisburg. I will represent the three counties with equitable involvement. My entire life, I have had professional jobs outside of the political realm. My service to the Allentown School Board was to use my educational expertise in a thoughtful and mindful manner. I will donate 25 percent of my salary to local non-profits. My maturity and wisdom is a barometer that one can not measure by rhetoric but rather by intended actions for the betterment of the district.

Justin Simmons:

It is clear the intent of our Governor is to increase income and sales taxes on every working and retired Pennsylvanian. He tried it in 2015 and again this year. We stopped him by demanding fiscal discipline that focuses on priorities: education and economic development. I supported a bipartisan budget and a bipartisan education funding formula that resulted in record funding for local schools and investment in job creation – without raising broad-based taxes. Results like this – where I have worked across the aisle to do what is right – is the reason I believe I’m earning the vote of local residents.