The signature of state Treasurer Stacy Garrity on an oversized copy of the Declaration of Independence outside the Metcalf mansion in Tunkhannock
TUNKHANNOCK — The Republican nominees for Pennsylvania governor and lieutenant governor visited Wyoming County on Thursday, for a day of events that culminated in the Fireman’s Parade at the Triton Hose Fireman’s Carnival.
One of the first stops for Stacy Garrity, the state treasurer who is running for governor, and attorney Jason Richey, the nominee for lieutenant governor, was the Metcalf Mansion in Tunkhannock, where the Wyoming County Republican Committee arranged a reception that was open to the public.
Each signed a replica banner of the Declaration of Independence on the lawn outside the mansion. Once inside, Garrity and Richey fielded questions from the press about their plans if elected in November.
Garrity, 62, lives in Bradford County, while Richey, 54, lives in Allegheny County.
They said one of their top priorities would be to improve the state’s economy and the day-to-day economic situation of the state’s residents.
Key to that is to “unleash energy” production, especially the production of natural gas, Richey said. That includes lifting a moratorium on drilling for natural gas on state-owned land, Garrity said.
The process of natural gas drilling known as “fracking” is environmentally sound, creates jobs and contributes to the state’s economic growth, Garrity said.
Both candidates said they favor school choice, to allow parents to decide what is the best educational opportunity and format for their children.
Both criticized incumbent Gov. Josh Shapiro, a Democrat, for focusing on his own political ambitions, including a potential presidential campaign in 2028, rather than the problems faced by state residents.
Shapiro is “more concerned with Pennsylvania Avenue than Pennsylvania,” Garrity said.
Garrity also said she would employ fiscal discipline to reduce the state’s expenditures. She said she has a proven track record as treasurer.
For information on the Garrity/Richey campaign, visit: garrityforpa.com/join-the-fight/