Mario Scavello, Republican, and Mark Aurand, Democrat, will vie for the 40th district seat in Pennsylvania's Senate in Tuesday's general election. The district covers parts of Monroe and Northampton counties.

The Times News asked each candidate the same set of questions. The answers are printed below. Aurand did not respond as of press time.What will it take to achieve property tax reform in Pennsylvania?Scavello: The redistricting of House and Senate districts across the commonwealth will give more representation to the growing areas of our state. In doing so, we will have more legislative votes for property tax reform. Unfortunately the state Supreme Court delayed the redistricting by two years. In the Senate today, Senate Bill 76 is deadlocked at 25-25. The new 40th Senate District will be the tiebreaker for passing this much needed property tax reform.What can be done to reduce drug and alcohol addictions, and mental health issues in Pennsylvania?Scavello: I hold seminars in Monroe County where over 150 attendees are brought together, ex-alcoholics, ex-drug addicts and agencies that help people with their addiction. These seminars would continue to be held twice a year in both Northampton and Monroe counties to stem the tide on addiction. Parents who are concerned about their children would be given education and support at the forums. Recently we passed a bill that creates a prescription drug database. We will know who is dispensing prescription painkillers and keep an eye on "doctor-shopping" through the Attorney General's office. These painkillers have been identified as a major contributor to the ongoing epidemic.What is the best option to solve the pension crisis?Scavello: Reduce the multiplier to 1.5 for new hires, but keep them in the same pension plan. In doing so the new hires would continue to help pay down the $50 billion liability.What needs to be done to bring more business and jobs to the area?Scavello: With the new entrance and exit on Route 33 our new business parks would be more attractive for manufacturing and warehouse distribution opportunities. We also need to continue to promote growth around the rail lines in Monroe and Northampton counties. We should also promote a career in trades to our high school students by providing all-day technical education, while encouraging them to continue their education at Northampton Community College.Do you think funding is adequate for social services, particularly for senior citizens? If not, where can additional funding come from?Scavello: Our senior dollars for social services have increased over the last few years due to lottery and gaming proceeds. In the short term increase eligibility for the property tax or rent rebate (Refund PA-1000) by extending the total eligible annual household income from $35,000 to $50,000.In addition to what has already been covered, what are the other major issues facing Pennsylvania at this time?Scavello: Job creation, properly funding our schools at the state level to be less dependent on local property tax, repairing our infrastructure including roads, bridges, dams and having natural gas available to all our citizens of the commonwealth. We also need to continue to reduce legislative spending.