Republican incumbent state Rep. Ryan Mackenzie will face Democrat Mark Basist Nov. 3 for the seat in the 134th Legislative District.

The Lehigh Valley Press asked the candidates to respond to the following question in 100 words or less:

“What issue on your agenda will you tackle first if elected or re-elected?

Democrat Marc Basist

Pennsylvania’s small businesses are hurting.

Using my decades of experience, I will make revitalizing the economy of the district my first priority. In my first 100 days, I will work with local businesses to understand their needs and develop a plan to streamline access to grants and government initiatives - giving them a hand up, not a hand out.

Within my first 200 days, I will introduce legislation establishing a range of resources and incentives to help businesses thrive post-COVID.

I’ll create public-private partnerships and develop a database to communicate legislative updates and act as a venue to attract and match businesses with investors and potential commercial partners.

Republican Ryan Mackenzie, incumbent

If re-elected, my first priority will be to continue to help people, small businesses, the community and the state safely recover from the coronavirus pandemic.

Soon after the pandemic hit, I voted for and the state appropriated funding for PPE and supplies for hospitals, nursing facilities and emergency medical services to meet patient and staff needs.

To assist in economic recovery, we also provided small business assistance and I have been a leading voice calling upon the state Department of Labor and Industry to pay unemployment benefits in a more timely fashion.

We must continue these efforts to help everyone.

***

The 134th Legislative District includes Hereford, Longswamp, Richmond and Rockland townships, and Topton borough in Berks County; and Alburtis and Macungie boroughs; and Lower Macungie, Salisbury (Wards 4 and 5) and South Whitehall (Districts 3 and 4) townships in Lehigh County.