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Vera Cole, Ballotpedia

Vera has a bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering from the New York Institute of Technology, a master's degree in industrial engineering from Arizona State University, and a doctorate degree in information science and technology from Drexel University.

Vera previously worked as the lead faculty member for Energy and Sustainability Policy at Penn State and the president of the non-profit grassroots Mid-Atlantic Renewable Energy Association. She has also worked in manufacturing for Motorola and held positions with tech startups.

Vera Cole ran for state representative in State Assembly District 145 in 2016, but did not win.

As of September 30, 2024, Vera J Cole’s website did not contain information on this issue.

Economy

Candidate website

Supports the "responsible legalization of recreational marijuana."

Supports abortion and contraception access.

- Supports the "responsible legalization of recreational marijuana."
- Supports abortion and contraception access.

Healthcare

Believes charter and cyber-charter schools are necessary options for some students.

- Believes charter and cyber-charter schools are necessary options for some students.

Education

Energy & the Environment

Public Safety

Supports voter ID requirements, responsible vote counting, expanding in-person voting, improving mail-in ballot processes, and zero-tolerance policies for voter or poll worker intimidation.

- Supports voter ID requirements, responsible vote counting, expanding in-person voting, improving mail-in ballot processes, and zero-tolerance policies for voter or poll worker intimidation.

Voting & Elections

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Vera J Cole

Vera earned a bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering from the New York Institute of Technology, a master's degree in industrial engineering from Arizona State University, and a PhD in information science and technology from Drexel University.

Vera was the lead faculty member for Energy and Sustainability Policy at Penn State and the president of the non-profit grassroots Mid-Atlantic Renewable Energy Association. She has also worked in manufacturing for Motorola and held positions with tech startups.

Vera Cole ran unsuccessfully for state representative in State Assembly District 145 in 2016.

Supports the development of 4 South Main Street to boost the local economy.

Supports House Bill 1422, which would save the state $2 million.

Supports safe working conditions, fair pay, and opportunities for training and advancement.

Supports the Pennsylvania House Committee on Appropriations Fiscal Note, which outlines the financial implications of legislation, ensuring responsible budgeting and economic planning for the state.

Supports the contributions of Local 8 to the entertainment industry and worker quality of life, and shares a commitment to livable wages and safe working conditions, as evidenced by their receipt of Local 8's support in their Pennsylvania State House race.

Supports House Bill 1422, which would establish a Pennsylvania Office of the Inspector General.

Supports the Keystone Fresh Act, which incentivizes local food purchasing in Pennsylvania.

- Supports House Bill 1422, which would establish a Pennsylvania Office of the Inspector General.
- Supports the Keystone Fresh Act, which incentivizes local food purchasing in Pennsylvania.

Believes reproductive healthcare is a private matter and opposes public discussions on others' reproductive healthcare.

Opposes government mandates on personal medical decisions.

Believes Pennsylvania's marijuana policy is "outdated and a missed opportunity for tax revenue."

- Supports the "responsible legalization of recreational marijuana."

Supports "solid funding for traditional public schools."

Plans to implement policies that hold all schools receiving taxpayer support to the same standards for reporting, student performance, and transparency.

Supports funding for local school districts.

Supports funding for the Palisades School District.

Has a master's degree in industrial engineering.

Believes engineering education fosters truth-seeking, open-mindedness, and collaborative learning through the scientific method.

Supports electing scientists to address climate change and improve healthcare.

Supports funding the Department of Environmental Protection sufficiently to enforce existing regulations for safe water, air, and climate.

Believes in preserving the outdoors, nature, and wildlife.

Believes in transparency regarding environmental programs, citing an instance in 2012 where the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection denied a request for information on the state's solar rebate program.

Believes in prioritizing environmental conservation and sustainability.

Believes it is beneficial to make the energy grid more reliable, weatherproof, cyber secure, and expansive.

Believes the electrical grid is unprepared for the increased demands of artificial intelligence, data centers, air conditioning, electric cars, and various new electricity sources.

Supports community engagement through casual events like "light fare, cash bar -- first round on Vera."

Believes public safety issues are "mind boggling."

Opposes House Bill 246, which would allow the carrying of concealed firearms on public college and university campuses.

Supports Kayden’s Law, which protects children in custody situations.

Believes that many people do not want to have conversations about public safety.

Believes it is ironic that public figures must demand privacy in public forums.

Supports "zero-tolerance for voter or poll worker intimidation at polls."

Believes those involved in spreading election lies have been largely absent from the campaign trail.

Supports the Pennsylvania Coalition to Advance Respect.

Believes that Pennsylvania will eventually see changes in voting rights and elections.

Supports majority control of the State House.

Believes in the importance of local representation, saying "voters in the 145th District will be choosing our Representative in the Pennsylvania State House... [who] will go to Harrisburg and be our vote on all statewide policy."

Supports Senate Bill 55, which would allow no-excuse absentee voting in Pennsylvania.

- Supports Senate Bill 55, which would allow no-excuse absentee voting in Pennsylvania.

As of October 1, 2024, Vera J Cole’s website did not contain information on this issue.

Vera J Cole is an engineer and educator. She was lead faculty for Energy and Sustainability Policy at Penn State and president of the non-profit grassroots Mid-Atlantic Renewable Energy Association. She has also worked in manufacturing for Motorola and held various positions with high-tech startups.

Rep. Staats

House Member Information

Craig earned a bachelor's degree in business management from Johnson and Wales University, He lives in Richland Township in upper Bucks County with his wife, Robin. They have 2 adult sons.

Craig previously worked as regional operations manager at CiCi's Enterprises, LP. and senior business partner at Millcreek Partners.

Craig T. Staats is a state representative in State Assembly District 145. He was first elected in 2014 and is serving his 5th term. He previously served as Richland Township supervisor from 2006 to 2014. He is the current Republican chair for the Education Subcommittee on Career and Technical Education, Liquor Control Subcommittee on Marketing, and State Government Subcommittee on Government Operations.

Wikipedia, Craig Staats

Supports reopening businesses during the COVID-19 pandemic.

As representative, opposed closing businesses during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Plans to promote job growth through "business-friendly policies that will attract job creators to the Commonwealth and help them to thrive and grow."

Supports efforts to reduce property taxes.

- As representative, opposed closing businesses during the COVID-19 pandemic.
- Plans to promote job growth through "business-friendly policies that will attract job creators to the Commonwealth and help them to thrive and grow."
- Supports efforts to reduce property taxes.

As of September 30, 2024, Craig T. Staats did not have a website or any information online.

Twitter

Craig T. Staats

Craig attended Central Bucks public schools and earned a bachelor's degree in business management from Johnson and Wales University, He lives in Richland Township in upper Bucks County with his wife, Robin. They have 2 adult sons.

Craig Staats is the current state representative for State Assembly District 145 in Pennsylvania. He was first elected in 2014, and is serving his 5th term. He previously served as Richland Township Supervisor from 2006 to 2014. Craig is the current republican chair for Education Subcommittee on Career and Technical Education, Liquor Control Subcommittee on Marketing, and State Government Subcommittee on Government Operations.

- Denied the outcome of the 2020 presidential election.

- Your state representative represents the interests of your local district in the Pennsylvania State House of Representatives. The State House of Representatives, along with the State Senate, makes up your state lawmaking body: the Pennsylvania General Assembly.
- Your state representative can author, sponsor, and vote on bills that may become state laws, including introducing tax bills. 
- State representatives and their staff respond to constituent concerns and questions through emails, phone calls, and website announcements. 
- State representatives oversee the executive branch and can vote to overrule a veto by the Governor.  
- They are elected to two-year terms and have a salary of $106,000, with a 1-3% annual increase

Your representative and state lawmaker in the Pennsylvania House of Representatives