Election 2022: Democrat Gwen Stoltz For State Representative

Candidates running in the Nov. 8 general election are providing background about themselves and their positions on the issues to voters in these profiles, which will run in Patch individually for each candidate.

PLUMSTEAD TOWNSHIP, PA —Gwen Stoltz is running as a Democrat for state representative in the 143rd Legislative District against Republican Shelby Labs in the Nov. 8 general election.

Name: Gwen Stoltz

Age: 48

Town of residence: Plumstead Township

Position sought: State Representative for the 143rd Legislative District

Are you an incumbent? No

Party affiliation: Democrat

Family: Married with three children

Education: MS Biochemistry, BS Molecular and Cellular Biology, Minor in Chemistry

Occupation: Small Business Owner and Medical Writer

1. What are the top issues currently facing your district and how do you plan to address them?

This November, our basic human rights are on the ballot — from reproductive freedom to clean drinking water. In Harrisburg, I will stand up for women’s reproductive rights and access to healthcare, keep costs down for families, support our small businesses, and protect our right to clean air, water and preservation of the environment. If we do not protect these basic rights, lives will be put at risk and our economy will suffer. Together, we can find common values to deliver results. Coming from a profession in the sciences, I will set aside partisan biases and take a scientific approach, digging into the issues that we all face, to evaluate all facts and develop solutions. Our constituents are not currently getting the services and support that they need from our state legislature due to extreme polarization. We all deserve more, and we can do better.

2. Identify specific goals or ideas you have to enhance life in your district.

High prices are making life harder for everyone in Bucks County. Small businesses form the bedrock of our economy in Bucks and statewide. As a small business owner, I know we need to be doing more to protect and build our local economy. We can help our local businesses succeed by ensuring they have access to capital they need to invest and grow and by simplifying processes to meet regulatory requirements. Thriving small businesses can help increase pricing competition and supply, which ultimately have the potential to bring overall prices down. Ensuring that Pennsylvania is an attractive place to work will also help businesses. We can do this by having a minimum wage that is comparable to surrounding states and that reflects an actual living wage, implementing paid family leave, and by retaining reproductive rights. Without these things, it will be difficult to attract workers, and without a strong workforce businesses cannot operate.

To ensure we all have access to clean drinking water, we need to make water testing more accessible and affordable, especially for those with private residential wells. Harmful chemicals in our water can lead to devastating health consequences and subsequent medical bills, followed by costs to clean up our water. In addition, contaminated water brings property values down, also hurting the economy.

3. What in your experience or background prepares you for election to office?

Growing up in Bucks County, raising three children here, owning a small business here, and being a scientist gives me the knowledge and experience to deliver results for the residents of the 143rd District. I know the issues we are facing in our district because I am — and have been — facing them, too. As a scientist and advocate for causes in our community, I'm most energized when taking on a challenge, and I'm excited to work hard in Harrisburg to give back to the community that shaped who I am.