ELECTION 2022: Houlahan, Ciarrocchi Debate For D-6 Seat

READING, PA — U.S. Rep. Chrissy Houlahan, a Democratic incumbent, and Republican challenger Guy Ciarrocchi debated vying for a seat representing the Sixth District, which consists of all of Chester County and portions of southeastern Berks County.

Houlahan and Ciarrocchi participated in an hour-long debate that was organized by Greater Reading Unity Coalition.

Anthony Orozco, reporter at Harrisburg-based WITF, moderated the debate held in Reading Area Community College.

Houlahan, an Air Force veteran, is an incumbent who was elected in 2018 and took office in 2019. Houlahan said she works across the aisle responding to the needs of her constituents.

Ciarrocchi served as president of the Chester County Chamber of Commerce. He questioned, “Are we better off now than we were two years ago? I want us to know that our children can do better."

Here is a sampling of the answers to questions raised during the debate.

Protecting environment:

Houlahan said climate change is real. "We saw 100-year floods twice. We can work to make sure we are moving toward renewable energy. We have legislation that talks about electric vehicles and combating flooding."

Ciarrocchi: “One way to do this is to protect family farms. A lot of our farms go under assault. Well run, good farms protect our quality of life.”

Ending the conflict in Israel and Palestine

Houlahah: “I am the daughter of a Holocaust survivor. Peace in the Middle East and Peace for
Israel is very, very crucial. I am hopeful we will find a pathway to peace."

Ciarrocchi: “We need to make sure that the United States is in a position of strength. When it comes to the Middle East, we need an administration that speaks clearly that we know what we mean. When it comes to the Middle East, we are seeking a lasting peace."

Hearings on Jan 6:

Ciarrocchi: “It’s time to bring this to a close. It’s been two years. We have an economy that’s falling apart. We have problems with safety in our communities. We need Republicans and Democrats to stop fighting with each other. People need to be charged, or we need to bring this to a close."

Houlahan: “Congress cannot simply put the past behind us. Literally, our Democracy is at stake. This was a free and fair election. We need to make sure that we protect the right of every voter eligible to vote. This was an insurrection. It’s really important that we identify it, recognize it, and make sure it never happens again."

LBGTQIA+

Houlahan: “I have a queer daughter. My daughter was concerned and worried about her rights. I am a strong supporter of gay marriage. We need to make sure we protect equality and gay marriage.”

Ciarrocchi. “I am interested in supporting non discrimination. We need to make sure that everyone feels welcome in America, that he or she can find the American dream. We need to make sure we find balance.”

Hate crimes and anti-semitism:

Houlahan: “We need to be supportive of law enforcement officers and how we are educating the kids. We need to start with how we conduct ourselves at home.”

Ciarrocchi: “There is no place for anti-semitism. There is no place for hate speech. There is no place for making people feel unwelcome in America.”

The full debate is available here.