Two candidates for the 98th Pa. House District in northern Lancaster County have agreed to participate in a candidate forum on Oct. 26 in Marietta.
Josh Gerber, appearing on the ballot as a Libertarian, and Democrat Mark Temons have accepted the League of Women Voters of Lancaster County’s invitation for a candidate forum.
The three-way race for the 98th House seat also includes Republican Tom Jones. According to an Oct. 13 tweet from the League of Women Voters, Jones did not respond to the invitation.
The candidate forum will take place on Wednesday, Oct. 26 at 6:30 PM at the East Donegal Township Building, 190 Rock Point Road, Marietta, PA 17547.
The Lancaster Patriot also invited Gerber, Temons, and Jones to participate in a moderated debate prior to the Nov. 8 election.
An e-mail from Temons’ campaign team indicated that Temons would only participate in The Lancaster Patriot’s debate if a “second reputable organization” would be allowed to “help moderate to ensure fair coverage.” The Lancaster Patriot responded that the debate would not be co-hosted by a second organization. Gerber accepted The Lancaster Patriot’s invitation. Jones did not respond.
Gerber told The Lancaster Patriot that he was disappointed with Jones’ apparent unwillingness to engage in meaningful discussions on important topics. “If he can’t talk and debate now, what in the world will he do in the general assembly? I will talk with anyone and debate anyone,” Gerber said. “That is the way forward.”
The three candidates are competing for the 98th House seat which will be vacated by Republican David Hickernell. Hickernell has served in the House since 2003.
