HARRISBURG \u2014 After months of attack ads and stump speeches, incumbent Governor Josh Shapiro and challenger Stacy Garrity were pressed on their views and promises to Pennsylvanians. <\/p>\n
The pair appeared on stage together in their one and only debate Wednesday evening in Harrisburg. <\/p>\n
Channel 11\u2019s Lisa Sylvester was a co-moderator. <\/p>\n
The debate wasted little time getting to the biggest flashpoint in the race – AI data centers. <\/p>\n
Both candidates have adopted more conservative approaches in the last few months. <\/p>\n
\u201cIf you want to build a data center in Pennsylvania, you have to generate your own power, protect air and water and earn support of the local community,\u201d Shapiro said, citing a recent executive order. <\/p>\n
Garrity went further. She committed to a pause on all data center development. <\/p>\n
\u201cI\u2019ve talked to [local officials] and I\u2019ve heard the same thing. They need time to get updated,\u201d she said. She did not say how long the pause would be but promised to work quickly.<\/p>\n
The pair was also asked about gas prices; specifically, whether they would support suspending the state gas tax. Other states, like Ohio, have done it. <\/p>\n
\u201cWe will give a rebate for June, July and August at $750. It reduces the price by a third. We need to unleash the energy we have. We are the Saudi Arabia of natural gas,\u201d Garrity said. <\/p>\n
\u201cI am open to that, but it requires an act of the legislature,\u201d Shapiro said. <\/p>\n
Then they tackled skill games. The machines are set to become illegal next week if the legislature does not act. <\/p>\n
\u201cI support a flat $500 per month for 50,000 machines,\u201d Garrity said. That echoes what Channel 11 has heard from nonprofits that own machines. <\/p>\n
Shapiro reaffirmed his position to tax skill games and says he\u2019d like to see the revenue spent on mass transit. <\/p>\n
\u201cI\u2019ve urged lawmakers to pass legislation which would allow 45,000 machines to be regulated and taxed at 52% so we wouldn\u2019t advantage one type of gaming over another,\u201d he said. <\/p>\n
Starting October 14th, anyone operating a skill game machine can be prosecuted. <\/p>\n
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