Election 2022: Republican Todd Polinchock 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.

WARRINGTON TOWNSHIP, PA —Todd Polinchock is running as the Republican incumbent for state representative in the 144th Legislative District against Democrat Brian Munroe in the Nov. 8 general election.

Name: Todd Polinchock

Age: 59

Town of residence: Warrington Township (22 years)

Position sought: Re-election to State House District 144 (for a 3rd term)

Are you an incumbent? Yes

What Towns Does Your District Cover? Warminster Township, Warrington Township, Ivyland Borough and a portion of New Britain Township (South 1 and 2)

Party affiliation: Republican

Family: Daughter Emmie (25) lives and works in Bristol, CT., for ESPN; Son Nick (21) attending West Chester University majoring in economics.

Education: Bachelor of Science from the United States Naval Academy, Annapolis, MD.

Occupation: Retired Navy Commander (O-5) and Desert Storm combat pilot; 22-year Realtor and Past President of PA Association of Realtors; Current State Representative (144th District) serving on Human Services, Gaming, Professional Licensure and Veterans Affairs and Emergency Preparedness Committees.

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

Inflation is at a 40-year high and voters throughout the 144th House District are struggling to make ends meet for themselves and their families yet some in Harrisburg see spending more of your money as the path forward.

As a successful small business owner, I recognize that fiscal responsibility and less bureaucracy is what's going to help us continue to be a great community and create good-paying jobs. Senior citizens are struggling on fixed incomes. They haven’t had family members attend the schools in many years. They shouldn’t lose their lifelong homes because of taxes. I co-sponsored the senior tax freeze bill and plan on introducing it myself next term to gain some traction.

Also, seniors have asked for more affordable, more accessible transportation options. That is why I worked to secure the funding for DART WEST - the continuation of Doylestown's well-known bus transit service - along the 202 Corridor from Delaware Valley University to County Line Road. And as of last week, I have secured the funding for a new DART bus line connecting Doylestown with the 611 corridor all the way to the stores and theatres at County Line Rd. This bus is FREE to seniors and $1 for everyone else. These lines will ensure that our seniors can get to their doctors' offices and patronize our local small businesses which have always been another priority of mine as well.

Finally, a major issue for constituents has been the increase in crime coming up from the city and from out of state. I recently held a state house policy committee hearing right here in the district to discuss what we can do to improve the situation. This includes tougher penalties for felons who possess a weapon and ensuring that the laws in place are being enforced. I am proud to be endorsed by both our local Fraternal Order of Police (FOP) and the PA State Police Association (PSTA).

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

As someone who spent 14 years on the grounds of the Joint Reserve Base at Willow Grove as a Navy pilot, I have gained in-depth knowledge and understanding of the problems PFAS and PFOS chemicals create for local residents. That is why I worked with legislators from both sides of the aisle, and with Governor Wolf, to pass legislation that will make getting clean water easier for Warminster, Warrington, and the surrounding communities. I have brought millions of dollars to the district for water remediation recently delivering a $1.0 million check to Warminster Authority to continue the cleanup.

I am fortunate enough to have a rockstar staff who helped over 2,000 people with unemployment compensation claims during the pandemic. Every year we hold senior expos, veterans expos even kids expos to put our constituents in front of us so that people can see what resources we have available for them.

We will continue to find new and innovative ways to get in front of constituents until every single one of them that wants to will know who we are and what we can do for them. I have also been very successful in bringing money back to the district including millions of dollars for a new Police Station in Warrington; our beautiful trails and parks like Lions Pride Park; funds for our firefighters and EMTs.

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

I have been in office now for four years and I will tell you that there is a learning curve. The good news is that I was a fast learner and I feel very confident in my abilities to do what is best for my district and bring a multitude of state resources to my district.

Also, as a 20-year military officer, I am confident, and competent and know how to build coalitions. Every single piece of legislation I have introduced has had a cosponsor from the other side of the aisle. Every single bill was bipartisan. Unfortunately, that is a lost talent these days. I know how to get things done.