Observer-Reporter, chamber co-sponsor debate
Eight candidates are vying for the seat in Pennsylvania’s 49th Legislative District, and voters will be able to take their measure in a debate Thursday, April 7, sponsored by the Observer-Reporter and the Monongahela Area Chamber of Commerce.
The debate will be at the social hall of the New Eagle Volunteer Fire Department on Chess Street. Doors will open at 5 p.m. and the debate will get started at 7 p.m. It will take about two hours, with one 15-minute break.
“We’re doing our part to inform the voters of the 49th District,” said Tom Northrop, publisher of the Observer-Reporter.
The state House seat in the 49th District has been held for three decades by state Rep. Pete Daley, a Democrat who announced his retirement in January. Before him, it was held for 14 years by A.J. DeMedico, another Democrat. Daley’s departure has sparked a scramble among both Democrats and Republicans to claim the seat.
“Daley has been around for 34 years, and there’s an opportunity here for other people,” Northrop said. “This is a chance for those candidates to have their say.”
There are six Democrats and two Republicans vying for the seat. The Democratic candidates are Alan D. Benyak of Carroll Township, Donn R. Henderson of Fallowfield Township, Randy J. Barli of Coal Center, Brendan Anthony Garay of California, Mark L. Alterici of Charleroi and Robert Kepics of Monongahela. The Republican candidates are Donald Cook of West Pike Run Township and Melanie S. Patterson of Washington Township in Fayette County.
The debate will be streamed live on the Observer-Reporter’s website and also available to view online later.