Rep. Zach Mako of Lehigh Township, a Republican, is running against Democrat Joseph W. Lenzi of Northampton for state representative in District 183.

Mako is aspiring to win his fourth two-year term, having served the district since winning the general election of 2016.

The district includes parts of Lehigh County, including Slatington, and North Whitehall and Lowhill townships, and Northampton County, with Walnutport and Lehigh Township.

Zach Mako

Party: Republican

Hometown: Walnutport

Background: A lifelong resident of the 183rd District, he grew up in Walnutport and graduated from Northampton Area High School. He enlisted in the Pennsylvania National Guard, becoming a Chinook helicopter pilot. He has twice been deployed to Afghanistan to help fight the war against terror. He continues to serve our nation and commonwealth as a member of the Pennsylvania National Guard. Mako and his wife, Brittany, live in Walnutport with their two French bulldogs.

What is the biggest issue facing the district and how would you address it?

The biggest issue facing the district, the Lehigh Valley, and Pennsylvania is inflation and skyrocketing prices and costs. I have consistently held the line on taxes and spending in Harrisburg. I have opposed billions in tax and spending increases pushed by the liberal special interests. I’ve supported the Pennsylvania Taxpayer Protection Act, which limits spending growth and forces government to prioritize its spending, allowing taxpayers to keep more of their hard-earned money.

Pennsylvania has been focusing on economic growth and attracting new industries. What steps will you take to support job creation and small businesses in your district?

Pennsylvania’s tax climate is stifling economic growth and preventing businesses from expanding or moving into the state. Pennsylvania’s tax code is complicated and burdensome, which negatively impacts businesses. I believe that we need to reform Pennsylvania’s tax code, starting with reducing the nation’s second highest Corporate Net Income Tax and uncapping the net operating loss carry forward deduction so that main street businesses can grow. These reforms would send a message to both small and large businesses that Pennsylvania is serious about job creation and economic growth.

Pennsylvania’s public schools face significant disparities in funding. How do you propose addressing these inequities to ensure every student in the district has access to quality education?

I believe that every child deserves the opportunity to obtain a quality education. I have a proven track record of making sure that our schools are safe, properly funded and locally controlled. During my time in the Legislature, I’ve supporting investing records amount of money in our schools. But access to a quality education isn’t only limited to our public schools. We need to continue to empower parents to choose the best education for their children, especially in failing schools and districts.

Mental health crises, particularly among youth, have been rising across the state. How will you ensure that mental health services are adequately funded and accessible?

We are amid a mental health crisis in Pennsylvania. We must make sure that the funding for mental health issues is reaching the individuals in need of assistance. We must also ensure that individuals who need care can locate services and access them.

Affordable housing is a pressing issue across Pennsylvania. How will you address housing affordability and support first-time homebuyers in your district?

There are many issues that are impacting affordable housing in Pennsylvania. The first is rising costs and inflation. Interests rates have skyrocketed, making owning a home less attainable. Also, the rising costs of goods, including lumber and other building materials continue to increase, which in turn increases the cost to build a home. Government must stop recklessly spending money and increasing the tax burden on families, businesses and seniors. Another issue that has made owning a home less affordable are rising property taxes. I have sponsored legislation to reform our property tax system.

Joe Lenzi

Hometown: Northampton

Party: Democrat

Background: Graduated from Penn State with a degree in public service. His first job after college in 1984 was as a canvasser for the Pennsylvania Public Interest Coalition. He worked in the hospitality industry in New York City and moved back to Pennsylvania in 1999 and has worked in sales. Lenzi and his wife, Carole, moved to Northampton, where they live with her daughter and granddaughter. His core values are to look out for the little guy.

Lenzi did not respond to questions.