On The Issues: Katie Muth Vs John Rafferty, PA Senate District 44

With Election Day just weeks away, we're breaking down candidates and their policy positions in several key races, including the battle for the 44th District in the Pennsylvania State Senate. Democrat Katie Muth, just 34, is taking on long-tenured Republican incumbent, John C. Rafferty Jr.

THE DISTRICT

The 44th District includes portions of Chester, Montgomery, and Berks counties. Nearby municipalities include: Collegeville, Limerick Township, Lower Pottsgrove Township, Lower Providence Township, Royersford, Upper Providence Township, West Norriton Township, and Worcester Township.

In Berks County, the 44th covers Amity Township, Douglass Township, and Union Township, while in Chester County, it includes Caln Township, East Brandywine Township, East Coventry Township, East Nantmeal Township, East Pikeland Township, East Vincent Township, Elverson, Honey Brook, Honey Brook Township, North Coventry Township, Spring City, South Coventry Township, Upper Uwchlan Township, Uwchlan Township, Wallace Township, Warwick Township, West Brandywine Township, West Caln Township, West Nantmeal Township, and West Vincent Township.

AGE AND HOMETOWN

Rafferty: 65, Lower Providence

Muth: 34, Royersford

EDUCATION

Rafferty: B.A. in history from the University of Pittsburgh at Johnstown, M.A. in history from Beaver College, J.D. from Temple University School of Law

Muth: B.S. in kinesiology from Penn State University, M.S. in Athletic Training from A.T. Still University in Mesa, Arizona

EXPERIENCE

Rafferty: Rafferty has held his position as state senator in the 44th since 2002. He's currently the Chairman of the Senate Transportation Committee and eighth longest-serving member of the senate. He previously served on the Methacton School Board, the Lower Providence Township Board of Supervisors, and as the Deputy Attorney General of Pennsylvania. In 2016 he ran for Attorney General but was defeated by Democrat Josh Shapiro, 51.3 percent to 48.6 percent.

Muth: Muth is an adjunct professor of kinesiology at Eastern University, where she also serves as an athletic trainer. She has previously worked in a similar capacity for Arizona State University and the Pittsburgh Steelers.

ON MARINER EAST 2 AND FRACKING

Rafferty: "Many landowners and communities have experienced the negative aspects associated with poorly-managed pipeline construction, including sinkholes and spoiled wells. These recurring incidents demonstrate a clear need for exploring legislative measures that will improve management, increase safety and advance oversight of pipeline construction and operations. Knowing that more of these major pipelines may be built, and the issues we have with the Sunoco Pipeline, it is crucial that we form a value-adding commission to ensure the residents of this Commonwealth have a right to safe communities and benefit from regulations and laws that enhance their safety and protect the environment.” (source: Rafferty's website)

Rafferty sponsored Senate Bill 1199 earlier this year to create a "property owner's bill of rights" not to be infringed in cases of eminent domain, such as Mariner East 2.

"In too many cases, the company (Sunoco) has demonstrated a total disregard for the rights of homeowners. It is critical for lawmakers to do our part to ensure these landowners can use every option at their disposal to have these problems addressed." (source: Rafferty website)

Muth: "John Raffery gets $90,000 from oil and gas companies. They get a free pass on the Mariner East 2 pipeline and fracking...We all have the right to clean air, pure water and a healthy environment. I have taken the ‘No Fossil Fuel Money’ pledge because I believe that it’s time that our elected officials stand up for the safety and health of their constituents, not the oil and gas industry." (source: campaign video)

ON MEDICAL MARIJUANA

Rafferty: Voted "yes" on bill to authorize use of medical marijuana in 2014. (VoteSmart.org)

"I voted yes on medical marijuana, and only medical marijuana and not the other recreational forms of marijuana. I believe marijuana is a gateway drug. And as attorney general, I, months ago, outlined my task force on the heroin problem here in the commonwealth and it certainly will apply to cocaine, crack cocaine and meth. Now, heroin we see over the years all the different uses of that drug. But this would be prong No. 1 — education. I’ve had round table discussions where we start talking about going into high schools and junior high schools, and the teachers say you really have to start in elementary school. You have got to start educating these kids in third and fourth grade about the dangers of alcohol and drugs. So we’re now revamping the program to start an education aspect in elementary school and all the way through. Prosecution-wise, we’ll partner with the DAs — which hasn’t been done in years in Pennsylvania — and have state troopers working very closely with the attorney general’s office to utilize all of our resources to go after these peddlers of poison." (source: Brown and White)

Muth: "Legalizing marijuana for medical and recreational use would provide a much needed revenue boost for the state which struggles to pass a budget on time each year. This would also provide a medical alternative to patients suffering from terminal illness and other conditions that medical marijuana has been proven to help. This would be a highly regulated product treated similar to alcohol here in PA. The laws should not change: stiff penalties for driving under the influence, selling to minors and disorderly conduct." (Muth campaign)

ON THE OPIOID EPIDEMIC IN PENNSYLVANIA

Rafferty: Proposed a three-pronged approach as a candidate for PA Attorney General in 2016 (RaffertyForAG):

• A Heroin Strike Force comprised of highly training Bureau of Narcotics Investigation agents, drug prosecutors and intelligence analysts who would work together to target mid-to-upper-level drug dealers. The task force would work closely with federal, state and local law enforcement agencies to identify out-of-state sources and coordinate efforts to investigate, prosecute and jail heroin traffickers."
• Enhanced training for police agencies and better coordination between law enforcement and prosecutors at all levels of government for improved intelligence collection, interdiction and prosecution of cases.
• A heavy emphasis on treatment for individuals addicted to heroin, a public education campaign to increase awareness and education programs in schools to teach young people how deadly heroin can be.

Muth: "While PA has made strides in the monitoring and reporting of opioid prescriptions, we need to do more in partnering with physicians, dentists and medical societies to develop guidelines for all patients with pain. Katie also will fight for adequate funding for accessible, effective treatment centers and guaranteed access regardless of individual circumstances." (Muth campaign)

ON SCHOOL SAFETY

Rafferty: (During Attorney General campaign): "John Rafferty will employ a School Safety Task Force in the Office of Attorney General who will advise staff on draft plans, coordinate and train local authorities, school administrators, teachers, parents and students on what to do in the case of a natural disaster, violent event or terrorist situation. Having a well-defined plan saves lives. Additionally, the Office of Attorney General will be a leader in helping authorities, administrators, parents, teachers and fellow students in recognizing when a child is showing signs of having a serious issue that could lead to someone harming another person or themselves." (RaffertyForAG)

Muth: "Katie does not support guns in schools. She believes that a school resource officer that is armed is acceptable, as well as advocating for increased funding for guidance counselors and mental health counseling within the schools. Katie believes that we need more funding for mental health counseling, including within schools, and affordable health care that makes it more accessible. Unfortunately, mental health services are usually one of the first programs cut out of the PA budget and Katie understands that these are public resources that are greatly needed across our state."

ON TAXES

Rafferty: "Finding a way to significantly reduce or eliminate this (school property tax) burden on homeowners remains a top priority for me, but lawmakers have run into difficulties in finding a way to replace this lost revenue and fund our schools. We need to find a solution that eases the burden for homeowners, while at the same time guaranteeing Harrisburg does not shortchange our local schools." (Rafferty website)

Muth: "Hardworking people and families have been burdened by outrageous property taxes, due to poor leadership in Harrisburg by our current elected officials. This is something that hits very close to home for me, since my grandmother was forced to sell her home in Western PA because she could no longer afford to pay the property tax on her home that she owned for over 40 years. I support initiatives such as rebate programs to decrease the burden of property taxes, especially amongst Seniors, so that they do not have to sell their homes and can retire with dignity and financial security. I will fight to make sure that wealthy corporations and the oil and gas industry pay their fair share and put an end to skyrocketing property taxes." (Muth website)

THE SECOND AMENDMENT AND GUN CONTROL

Rafferty: Sponsored Senate Bill 36 in 2017, which would prevent firearms from being seized from members of the public who are on public property during a declared emergency. Sponsored Senate Bill 5 in 2017 which states "it is proper for law-abiding people to protect themselves, their families, and others from intruders without the fear of prosecution or civil action for acting in defense of themselves and others." (BillTrack50)

Muth: "Katie believes that gun violence is a public health crisis, and that we need a data-driven, multi-faceted approach to combat it. We must start with universal background checks across state lines and expanding research on gun violence." (source: Muth campaign) Other gun safety measures Katie supports include:

• Banning assault weapons and high capacity ammo / magazines (Katie considers an assault weapon to be any selective fire rifle chambered for a cartridge of intermediate power (her dad is an avid hunter in PA, so she is well versed).
• Closing the “boyfriend loophole,” which allows abusive dating partners & stalkers to own guns, and enacting Red Flag laws that help prevent tragedies by allowing friends, family & law enforcement to report warning signs and have guns taken away before a tragedy occurs.
• Raising the minimum age for gun purchases, increasing funding for school mental health/family services and correctional officers to keep students safe
• Fighting against preemption laws (state laws that prohibit local governments from adopting reasonable gun laws). (source: Muth campaign)

ON THE ENVIRONMENT AND CLIMATE CHANGE

Rafferty: Rafferty co-sponsored Senate Bill 1140 in 2018, providing a roadmap for Pennsylvania's transition to renewable energy.

Earned a 20 percent percent grade from the Sierra Club in 2016 and a 38 percent grade from Conservation Voters of Pennsylvania in 2014. He earned as high as an 85 percent from the Sierra Club in 2010. (VoteSmart)

In 2005, he hosted an environmental round table at Ursinus College to bring together environmental activists, citizen groups, trade organizations, and state officials. "The open exchange of ideas between the various individuals representing diverse and sometimes competing interests allowed us to analyze their ideas and concerns and focus on very specific problems and potential solutions surrounding the critical balance between economic development and protecting our environmental resources," Rafferty said. (Rafferty website)

Muth: "She believes that we need to provide companies and individuals with incentives to put the environment and climate first, starting with a plan to transition from gas and oil to renewable, clean energy. Katie believes that PA must invest in clean energy and provide incentives to businesses to utilize renewable sources of energy such as wind and solar.

"Katie believes that we should be transitioning away from gas and oil dependence to that of a clean energy state. The operation and completion of current pipelines needs to put public and environmental safety first. There needs to be enhanced oversight and accountability and transparency as to who decides how these projects are developed and maintained.

"Katie has taken the #NoFossilFuelMoney pledge and will fight to protect the health, welfare, and safety of citizens and the environment—not the interests of the oil & gas lobby." (Muth campaign)

ON VICTIMS OF SEXUAL CRIMES

Rafferty:

Muth:

Patch file photo