Christa Caceres

Why are you running for the board of commissioners?

Residents shouldering the second-highest property tax burden in the commonwealth shouldn’t travel to New York State/Monroe County/Lehigh Valley for healthcare. We shouldn’t have the nation’s longest commute chasing a paycheck, we shouldn’t work two and three jobs to take care of families, and we shouldn’t have to fight to keep safe drinking water.

It’s time for new ideas, a new vision, and someone who will preserve our traditions and improve Pike County’s way of living without increasing taxes. We need proactive leadership that really listens to the residents and responds accordingly.

What are the top three issues facing the county today and how do you plan to address them?

Transportation: Our seniors, disabled neighbors, and those without vehicles deserve consistent and reliable transportation. Let’s ask the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) for a feasibility study to determine how much it would cost and how long it would take, and the county will explore funding sources to sustain operations. Monroe County has a great model we could and should emulate.

Healthcare: Increase access to behavioral and mental health for our neighbors struggling with addiction and anxiety/depression; and prioritize women’s health and maternity care so we don’t have to give birth to our children outside county lines. We’ll work closely with our state and federal counterparts along with utilizing public/private partnerships to secure the necessary outcomes.

Careers: We’re failing our children if we don’t set them up for success by providing careers-not-jobs upon graduation. Our Economic Development Authority must develop a winning strategic plan and market Pike County to companies who will invest in our workforce and encourage future generations to plant seeds and grow families here.

What sets you apart from your challengers?

I’m a wife and mother with 20 years of advocacy and community service, and would be the only commissioner to have a child in public school. I’d promote a transparent and balanced government that’s fully accountable to the people.

Feel free to add information about your background and qualifications.

Education: B.A., Jurisprudence and M.S., Law and Public Policy-California University of Pennsylvania.