Election 2022: Meet State Representative Candidate Tom Neafcy

MONTGOMERY COUNTY, PA — With the November general election just around the corner, Patch is profiling some of the candidates whose names will appear at the ballot box.

Below, we introduce you to Tom Neafcy, Republican candidate for the 146th Legislative District, which covers parts of Montgomery County.

Neafcy is facing incumbent Democratic State Rep. Joe Ciresi.

Patch sent Neafcy a candidate questionnaire, and below are his responses.

Name: Thomas J Neafcy Jr

Age: 70

Town Of Residence: Limerick

What Communities Does Your District Cover? Limerick, Royersford, Lower Pottsgrove,
Pottstown and West Pottsgrove

Party: Affiliation (If Applicable) Republican

Family: Married 44 years to my wife, Kathy. We have a 31-year-old son, Tyler

Education: Montgomery County Community College and Ursinus College

Occupation
Retired; former Transportation Manager for Mid-Atlantic Region for TranService
Logistics and retired from PECO Energy as a Transportation Planner

How Long Have You Held Public Office?
If You Are A Political Newcomer, What Made You Decide To Get Involved In Politics?
I served as a member of the Limerick Township Board of Supervisors for 21 years, 5 times
voted Chairman of the Board

How Long Have You Lived In Pennsylvania?
How Long Have You Lived In The District You Either Represent, Or Are Seeking To
Represent?

I am a lifelong resident of Pennsylvania and a 38-year resident of Limerick Township and
the 146th district.

What Are Some Of The Top Issues Facing Your District?
We need to address the crime problem in Pottstown. Without restoring safe streets to
Pottstown, they will never be able to attract new business and the tax revenue it generates.
The revenue helps fund schools and community needs while lessening the tax burden on
our residents. It will lead to further deterioration of the Pottstown community, lower
property values and has a negative effect on the whole district.

What In Your Background Qualifies You For The Elected Position?
I started serving the community 35 years ago. I served on every board and commission that
Limerick has: Emergency Management, Planning Commission, Zoning Hearing Board,
Grant Writing Committee, and Parks and Recreation Committee, followed by 21 years as a
member of the Board of Supervisors. I formerly served as a member of the Montgomery
County Transportation Advisory Committee.

Do You Believe Adhering To Party Doctrine Or Serving Constituents Is More Important?
Service to my constituents is paramount and is the purpose of the job.
In Limerick we are considered one of the top five managed Townships in the state.
We are debt free and have not had a tax increase in 7 years. I lead the drive to build one of
the best park systems in Montgomery County. I supported the building of a new township
building and 2 new firehouses, saving the taxpayers more than $5 million dollars a year by
keeping our fire companies all volunteer with no tax increase.
I lead the fight for open space preservation. Limerick is a leader in the protection of open
space with over 3,000 acres preserved, the largest in Montgomery County.
I made sure our police department was fully staffed and funded and had the support to do
their jobs and keep Limerick one of the safest communities in Pennsylvania.

Are You Willing To Work Across The Political Aisle To Get Things Accomplished?
I absolutely believe working across the aisle to get thing accomplished for the greater good
of the Commonwealth and the district. I will not compromise my values, beliefs and
integrity to pass legislation for a so-called win. It must serve the best interests of my constituents.

Is There Anything Else You Would Like Folks To Know About You?
I am a strong supporter of Term Limits. I believe legislators should serve no more than 8
years and not have lifetime medical benefits and a taxpayer funded pension. They should
go to a 401k-type retirement plan where they contribute. Taxpayers should not be paying
our tax dollars for their pension for life.

I support legislation HB 972 that school sports be expressly designated male, female and
coed sports. My opponent voted against it.

I support school choice and charter schools if parents feel that the public school system is
failing their child and that they have the opportunity to choose a school that best meets
their child’s needs. My opponent does not and has voted against this numerous times.
I support HB1332, the requiring of school districts to post the curriculum online. My
opponent voted against it.

I support funding for deaf, blind and orphaned children in charter schools SB1350 section
215. My opponent voted against it.

I support leaving the Green House Gas Initiative. Our governor entered us into this
without Legislative approval. This is directly related to a 30 to 40% increase in our electric
utility bills and is a job killing initiative. My opponent against it on HB2025.

I support making Pennsylvania energy independent which will drive down individual
energy costs, make us more competitive in attracting new business, and provide greater
funding for our schools and tax relief for our seniors.

I will not take special interest money campaign contributions. My opponent is funded by
special interest money. My opponent steered a 1 million dollar grant to a project that
directly helped a wealthy campaign donor’s project. Grants should be based on need not
campaign donations.