2020 Candidate: Kathleen 'K.C.' Tomlinson, State Rep., PA-18

Kathleen "K.C." Tomlinson

Age (as of Election Day): 31

Position Sought: Pennsylvania State House of Representatives 18th Legislative District

Party Affiliation: Republican

Family: I have two dogs, Gemma and Duke. Gemma is a Maltese Yorkie rescue, and Duke is a Golden Retriever.

Does anyone in your family work in politics or government? My father serves our community as State Senator

Education: Bensalem High School and Mercer County Mortuary Program

Occupation: Assisted in running my small family business since 2009, and have been a licensed Funeral Director since 2016.

Previous or Current Elected or Appointed Office: None

Campaign website: www.kcforstaterep.com

Why are you seeking elective office?

Bensalem is my home. I was born here, raised here, went to school here, bought a home here and operate my family business here. Growing up here, I have had the privilege of watching Mayor Joe DiGirolamo, Commissioner Gene DiGirolamo, and my father serve this community with commitment and dedication. Bensalem residents deserve to have a representative that they know and trust; I have lived here my whole life: Bensalem's priorities are my priorities. I know and love the people of my community and I am hoping to be their voice in Harrisburg. I will always fight to put Bensalem first and place people above politics.

The single most pressing issue facing our state/nation is _______, and this is what I intend to do about it.

The Opioid Crisis. As a funeral director, I have seen personally how devastating this disease is on our community. I will support Pennsylvania and its efforts to sue big pharmaceutical companies: they have created these drugs and they should be held responsible for cleaning it up. I would like to see that money directed to funding more access treatment. I would also like to increase funding to our police ... just last week the Bensalem police arrested two Philadelphia men, who were in community with over 5,000 bags of heroin. I will always proudly support Bensalem police.

What are the critical differences between you and the other candidates seeking this post?

I am Bensalem born and raised. I attended the public schools right here in Bensalem, so I know how important a quality education is to our students. I have successfully operated my small family business that has served the families of Bensalem for the over 70 years. I know these families personally, and have worked with them throughout the worse times ... . They know they can trust me while in Harrisburg.

If you are a challenger, in what way has the incumbent failed the district?

N/A

Describe the other issues that define your campaign platform

We desperately need charter school funding reform. I will co-sponsor that legislation immediately, and I will work to continue increasing the Basic and Special Education funding Bensalem directly receives. We need to address our healthcare system not only in Pennsylvania but across the county. Everyone deserves access to affordable quality healthcare. I will support Paid Family Leave legislation that will protect working families while making Pennsylvania more attractive to companies. I will work to increase funding to Human Services to combat the opioid epidemic to increase access to treatment, and I will fight to ban drug injection sites from PA.

What accomplishments in your past would you cite as evidence you can handle this job?

I am a 3rd generation funeral director of a business that has been serving the families of Bensalem for over 70 years. Bensalem families know me, and they can trust me while in Harrisburg.

The best advice ever shared with me was …

Gene DiGirolamo told me, "Always work hard, and when it comes to voting: vote your conscience and vote your constituents."

What else would you like voters to know about yourself and your positions?

I was raised in the public eye, but I was raised to have a passion to serve my community. I have spent the past 10 years as a small businesswoman, but I have always looked for ways to serve the public in a new role. When Gene DiGirolamo became county commissioner, I jumped at the opportunity to serve Bensalem in a different capacity. I love my hometown, it is why I decided to run for office. I'm going to fight for Bensalem every single day because Bensalem is worth the fight; Our community, and our future are worth the fight. I hope I can earn your support on March 17th and become the first woman elected state representative in Bensalem.