The winning candidate will serve a two-year term in office.

The Lehigh Valley Press weekly newspapers asked the candidates for the 183rd Legislative District the following question: Is enough being done on the state level to battle the opioid crisis? Please explain.

Zach Mako, Republican

There is still much work to do in combating the opioid epidemic- but I am proud of the bipartisan work I have done in Harrisburg to help address this serious issue. I have supported efforts to prevent overdose deaths, provide law enforcement with the resources they need to get dealers off the streets, and provide treatment for addicts who want to turn their lives around. This epidemic has taken the lives of too many and, if re-elected, I will continue to do all I can to stop this, whether that is with more early education or holding prescribers accountable.

Jason Ruff, Democrat

No, I don’t believe enough is being done and I think we need leaders who are willing to take action immediately! There are resource centers springing up in certain areas, however, if the state was willing to fund at least one or two in every affected county, we could provide a level of much-needed support and prevention education. People are dying, and whether or not everyone agrees with public funding to pay for revival medication, I think we could all agree that funding would best be utilized to educate, prevent, and support.

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The 183rd Legislative District includes in Lehigh County: Townships of South Whitehall districts 5, 6, 8; Washington; Whitehall districts 7, 10, 11. and Borough of Slatington; and in Northampton County: Townships of Allen; Lehigh; Moore districts Beersville and Klecknersville and Boroughs of North Catasauqua, Northampton and Walnutport.