Tag: Radio personality

Editor’s note: On Politics is a new Tuesday column in which we will analyze key local, state and national political developments of the past week. While many eyes will be on the gubernatorial and U.S. Senate contests this fall, Luzerne County very likely has a new hot ticket to watch in November. The opportunity arose because Gregory Wolovich Jr., the Republican nominee in the 121st Legislative District, said he will vacate the slot because he believes Henry would be a better fit. Henry’s apparent coronation as the GOP candidate could turn what many expected to be another non-contest in the district into an interesting battle, to say the least. Democrat Pashinski, 72, is seeking his seventh two-year term in the legislature. But in place of 25-year-old Wolovich, Pashinski now is expected to face Henry, 53, who brings to the race one of the most recognized names in Wyoming Valley media circles. In an interview with the Times Leader, Henry said property tax reform and the opioid crisis are among the most pressing issues she would look to address. Henry said last week she would back legislation to eliminate or drastically reduce reliance on real estate taxes to fund public education through other means, such as increasing the state’s personal income and sales taxes. Pashinski handily defeated Libertarian challenger Betsy Summers in 2016 and 2014, and ran unopposed in 2012. Incumbency is still a powerful defense — and as noted, Pashinski’s name carries a great deal of weight and respect.