Candidates for state legislative district 161

Owner: Leanne Krueger, D.

Age: 47

Profession: Representative in the Pennsylvania General Assembly for State Legislative District 161

Political experience: I have represented the state’s 161st Legislative District in the Pennsylvania General Assembly since 2015. Prior to holding elected office, I spent 15 years working in economic development and helping small businesses, including roles as Senior Director of the Business Alliance for Local Living Economies and the first Executive Director of the Greater Philadelphia Sustainable Business Network.

Why do you run and what are your priorities in this race?

I ran for office because the small businesses I helped support their employees, their communities, and the environment were not being heard in the halls of power. Government can and should serve everyone, not just the wealthy and connected few. My priority issues include keeping the Chester Water Authority public; protect and expand access to reproductive health care; and build relationships and shared priorities between trade union and environmental movements.

Why should voters elect you to this position?

I want to work for a positive future for all Pennsylvanians. My district office is one of the busiest in the state among the 203 representative offices, serving thousands of people each year. We cut through red tape and help seniors, veterans, working families, and small business owners overcome the challenges of government bureaucracy and solve problems. Before the reversal of Roe v. Wade, I wrote the bill to expand access to affordable contraceptives that passed the House earlier this year. I have fought for increased funding for our public schools and against attacks on our workers’ compensation system.

What do you like most about the district?

I am very grateful for the opportunity to serve the townships and boroughs of the 161st. I have been able to work with dedicated local elected officials and first responders to recover state funds to support their efforts to invest in improved infrastructure, such as sidewalks, improving infrastructure for police and firefighters and expand access to outdoor spaces.

Challenger: John Mancinelli Jr., R

Age: 47

Profession: I have a bachelor’s degree in marketing from Saint Joseph’s University and a master’s degree in sports management from Neumann University. I previously worked in professional sports, which gave me valuable experience in a dynamic industry.

I am currently a small business owner and entrepreneur. I operate A-Town Properties, specializing in residential and commercial property maintenance. Additionally, I am co-owner of Manbroso’s ToGo, a pizzeria in Aston. While Manbroso’s is temporarily closed due to a fire that occurred in May, we are actively working to reopen and serve our community again.

Political experience: I was previously a member of Delco Young Republicans and volunteered on several candidates’ campaigns, which sparked my interest in getting more involved. I served as president of my former homeowners association and am currently a board member of two local youth sports organizations, Aston Valley Baseball and Aston Youth Soccer. Additionally, I serve on the Aston Township Zoning Board and Parks and Recreation Committee and am a board member of CIAO Delco, which helps promote Italian-American culture through various charity events and the Italian Rose Tree Festival. Park.

More than two years ago, I was appointed to an open seat on the Penn-Delco School Board and was recently elected last November to complete the remaining two years of the four-year term to which I was appointed.

Why do you run and what are your priorities in this race?

I am running for Pennsylvania State Representative to ensure my district has all the resources it needs to thrive. My focus is on fostering economic growth and job creation by promoting policies that support small businesses, including tax incentives, reduced regulations, and greater access to capital.

Education is another top priority for me, as I have four children who attend the Penn-Delco School District. I am dedicated to supporting initiatives that improve educational outcomes, such as increasing funding for our schools.

Infrastructure development is crucial for our communities and I will advocate for investments that improve our transportation systems and public facilities. Additionally, I am committed to public safety by supporting our local first responders. I have seen firsthand how vital their work is to our community and will ensure they have the resources they need.

Supporting veterans and access to healthcare are personal priorities for me. My father is an 87-year-old Army veteran and these issues are incredibly important to both of us. I will work tirelessly to improve services for veterans and ensure health care is accessible and affordable for all.

Why should voters elect you to this position?

Voters should elect me to this position because I will work tirelessly on their behalf, representing them as I would my own family and friends. I am committed to being present at every vote and ensuring our district’s voices are heard in Harrisburg.

I will fight for the resources and policies our community needs to thrive and strive to make our district one of the best in Pennsylvania. I believe in open communication and will prioritize transparency and engagement with my constituents, ensuring their concerns are my top priority.

Together we can build a better future for our community and I am ready to take on that responsibility.

What do you like most about the district?

What I like most about our district is the strong sense of community and pride that unites everyone, especially in times of need. The outpouring of support we witnessed after the Manbroso fire was truly inspiring and a testament to our resilience.

I also enjoy my active participation in local youth sports organizations, which has allowed me to connect with families and foster a sense of camaraderie. Through my work with the Penn-Delco School District, I have seen firsthand how great leadership can lead to success and positive change.

Delco pride runs deep and I am excited to be a part of it all, working alongside our community to ensure a bright future for all.

the district

State Legislative District 161 includes the townships of Brookhaven, Rose Valley and Upland, and Aston, Chester and Nether Providence, with parts of Middletown and Ridley townships.