Pennsylvania
DePasquale and Sunday square off in first Pennsylvania attorney general debate • Pennsylvania Capital-Star
For the first time ahead of the general election, the Democratic and Republican candidates for Pennsylvania attorney general faced off in a debate on Thursday.
Former Pennsylvania Auditor General Eugene DePasquale, a Democrat, and York County District Attorney Dave Sunday, a Republican, discussed a wide range of issues for an hour on WGAL.
“Number one, we must make sure that we protect our democracy,” DePasquale replied in an answer to what his top priority would be if elected. “It has clearly been under threat, and we also have to make sure that our democracy is working for everybody.”
DePasquale said the next attorney general will be tasked with litigation to protect everyone’s right to vote. He also listed protecting communities, abortion rights, seniors, and children as priorities.
“I can tell you right now, if our community’s not safe, nothing else matters,” Sunday responded. “Our children are facing a brutal epidemic in fentanyl that kills 15 Pennsylvanians every day.”
Sunday also added keeping children and seniors safe as top priorities.
Pennsylvania Attorney General Michele Henry is not seeking reelection, making the race to become the state’s top law enforcement official the only statewide open seat this cycle.
DePasquale, who served as the state’s auditor general from 2013 to 2021, highlighted his office’s work leading investigations finding over 3,000 untested rape kits, and 58,000 unanswered phone calls to the child abuse hotline, while highlighting personal experiences that he says will prepare him for the office.
“I’m the only one that’s run a complicated statewide agency,” DePasquale said. “That’s the type of leadership we’ll need on day one.”
Sunday, who is in his second term as York County District Attorney, detailed his 15-year record as a prosecutor and overseeing an office that has seen crime rates decrease.
“Only one person standing here has ever been a prosecutor. Only one person standing here has ever been in front of a jury. Only one person standing here has ever conducted a criminal investigation,” Sunday said.
Both candidates promoted endorsements they’ve received during the debate. DePasquale touted having the support of Gov. Josh Shapiro and Planned Parenthood, while Sunday pointed to endorsements from the Pennsylvania Fraternal Order of Police and the Pennsylvania State Troopers Association.
Although the debate remained heavily focused on policy, the two did direct some direct shots at the other over experience.
Gun Control
DePasquale said the state is “pretty good” at cracking down on those who pull the trigger, but called for holding the person accountable for selling the gun illegally.
He also said he’d advocate the state Legislature to implement universal background checks, close the gun show loophole, and red flag laws.
Sunday said that the “group violence initiative” in York County has helped reduce shootings and holding people accountable, while also saying that “constant communication” with the Black ministers association, nonprofits, and block leaders also helped improve outcomes.
Abortion
The candidates offered different responses when asked if they would prosecute a person or a doctor for performing an abortion, should a ban take effect in Pennsylvania. Under current state law, abortion is legal up to 24 weeks of pregnancy.
“I want to be very clear. I will never prosecute a woman or a doctor that performs an abortion. If you want someone that’s going to put a woman in jail that has an abortion, you’re going to need another attorney general, because it’s not going to be me,” DePasquale said. He also added that he’d protect any woman coming to Pennsylvania for an abortion from one of the states that has a ban.
DePasquale highlighted his family’s personal experience, saying his wife had an ectopic pregnancy that was “technically an abortion,” that saved her life and allowed her to give birth to two kids later on.
Sunday said he talks about the issue on a regular basis with his wife and mother and added that “like I would every other law, I would absolutely enforce and defend the abortion laws in Pennsylvania,” citing the state’s current laws.
In regards to potential future legislation to ban abortion in Pennsylvania, Sunday said “it would never happen.”
DePasquale referenced Republicans in the state legislature who support a constitutional amendment that would create the ban and reemphasized his position. Sunday responded by saying “as a prosecutor, as a district attorney, we follow the facts and the law,” and said “there’s no scenario that exists where I would ever prosecute a woman for having an abortion.”
Death penalty
The candidates discussed the serious nature of capital punishment and shared slightly different positions.
DePasquale said he has “serious concerns” about the death penalty, saying he believes life in prison is a “very tough sentence,” but said “it is the law and we will enforce the law to the fullest extent.”
“But I want to make it clear I have deep reservations about capital punishment, as does Gov. Shapiro, and I do support the legislature making it illegal in Pennsylvania,” DePasquale said.
Sunday cited the work on the issue he’s made through the district attorneys association, calling those cases “some of the absolute most sad, tragic, terrible cases you could possibly have.”
“The legislature has made it clear that there are certain factors that if they’re at play, then the jury could have the ability to render a verdict of death. When you talk about some of the brutal, violent murders of police officers, the just sad, brutal murders of children, if the death penalty is called for in those cases, then I will support it and I will seek the death penalty,” Sunday said. “But we have to be very cautious about it. We have to be thoughtful about it, and it has to be the last resort, not the first.”
Immigration
Sunday detailed how important legal immigration is to society and mentioned that his wife moved to the United States from Sri Lanka, but that the current situation of migrants crossing at the U.S. Southern border was affecting those in the Keystone State.
DePasquale also reiterated that the United States is a nation of immigrants, but said “it should be legal immigration.” He also called for compassion to those who are already here, particularly the children born in the U.S.
Elections
The debate moderator, WGAL’s Brian Roach, referenced Gov. Josh Shapiro, the state’s previous attorney general, being tasked with pushing back on lawsuits following the 2020 presidential election and asked the candidates how they would uphold results in “future free and fair elections.”
“As attorney general, regardless of who we vote for, our job is to make sure that any voter that is legally allowed to cast a vote and cast that vote legally has that vote fairly counted,” DePasquale said. “And the person that loses that election that happens to be a sore loser and files election lawsuits based on that, we cannot let that distort our judgment. We must defend Pennsylvania’s law.”
Sunday said he would handle such a case “just like I’ve handled everything that’s come across my desk, in a nonpartisan fashion. It is very simple, you apply the facts to the law. It doesn’t matter what your political party is. It doesn’t matter if you’re right, left, up, down, middle, none of it matters because our Constitution and our country is what comes first.”
Marijuana
The two candidates also shared different views when asked about the benefits or drawbacks of legalizing recreational marijuana.
Sunday believes there has to be a voice in the discussion about safety, citing DUIs as examples.
“And so, because of how serious this is, you know, once you put the toothpaste out of the tube, it’s not going back in,” Sunday said. “We have to at least consider the public safety impact of this as we progress.”
DePasquale has supported the legalization and taxation of marijuana since 2017 and said it would be smart policy and smart safety to the communities if it is legalized.
“By legalizing it, you would actually make it harder for children to get it. You’d also make sure that the product is safer. You would also make sure that law enforcement is involved in the drafting of it. And certainly we need to make sure that we have the technology available for that anyone that’s driving under the influence, whether it be alcohol or marijuana, is prosecuted fully on that.”
A Franklin & Marshall College poll released in April showed that 62% of registered voters in Pennsylvania think recreational marijuana should be legalized in the state.
Racial disparities in criminal justice
Both candidates said they take the matter seriously, although had slightly different responses to how they currently view the matter.
“Do I believe that there are times when people have racist intentions out there? The answer is yes. Do I believe that there are times that there are two justice systems for people of color and for people that aren’t? Yes,” DePasquale said. “And do I also think there are sometimes two justice systems for people that have economic means and people that don’t. The answer to that is yes.”
“I can tell you that there’s no one that would not acknowledge that at some point in the past, there were racial disparities in our criminal justice system,” Sunday said.
“What I can say is that as we’ve moved forward, we have embraced things like procedural justice,” Sunday added, and discussed the education and training he’s embraced in his position to take the matter seriously.
Both candidates also referenced the wrongful conviction unit as important to the office of attorney general.
Unlike the race for president and U.S. Senate, there have not been as many public polls made available for the race for attorney general, however, an AARP-commissioned poll that was released on Oct. 1 showed DePasquale with 47% and Sunday at 44%, within the poll’s margin of error.
While DePasquale and Sunday were the only candidates on the stage on Thursday and are the frontrunners in the race, they are not the only candidates on the ballot for the statewide office. The Constitution Party’s Justin Magill, the Forward Party’s Eric Settle, the Green Party’s Richard Weiss, and Libertarian Party’s Robert Cowburn are also seeking the seat.
DePasquale and Sunday will face off again for a 60 minute debate on Oct. 15 at 7 PM, hosted by ABC27’s Dennis Owens, which will broadcast statewide.
Oct. 21 is the last day to register to vote in Pennsylvania for the general election. The deadline to apply for a mail-in or absentee ballot ballot is Oct. 29.
The Pennsylvania general election is Nov. 5.
Pennsylvania
Thousands flock downtown for Juneteenth parade celebrating racial progress and end of slavery
Pennsylvania hides some of its best sights in salt-mining canal towns, riverside boroughs of a few hundred people, and overlooks where the Susquehanna unspools below you. These nine small towns trade crowds for character: a 65-mile rail trail tracing the “Pennsylvania Grand Canyon,” gas lamps flickering over a downtown that still has a family-owned department store, a lake that once held an amusement park and now holds stocked trout every spring. From the Endless Mountains of Bradford County to the Allegheny valleys, here are seven Pennsylvania towns worth the detour.
Harveys Lake
Harveys Lake is a small but approachable borough near the Back Mountain Region of Luzerne County, inviting those who seek outdoor recreation opportunities like boating, fishing, and biking. With a population of just under 3,000, this out-of-the-way town is named for the beautiful lake it surrounds. Harveys Lake was a bustling tourist destination throughout the 20th century. At one point it featured a casino, an amusement park, and Grand Hotel Oneonta. Nowadays, this modest town on a mighty lake is a lesser-known setting for outdoor recreation enthusiasts and those seeking to get away from the usual crowded vacation spots.
Boating is popular amongst locals and visitors alike, and personal vessels can be launched from the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission access on Lakeside Drive. The best way to fish on Harveys Lake is by boat, and there’s plenty of trout stocked in the springtime by the PFBC. It’s even possible to charter a fishing trip on the lake with a guide like Dry Creek Charters or rent a boat for fishing from Harveys Lake Pontoon Cruises. Purchase a guest pass at one of the beaches, like the one at Sunset Beach Club, and unwind with a swim along the lake’s shoreline. The slow pace of life in this town lends itself well to biking, too. The Harveys Lake Loop that runs through the borough is an easy, paved ride around the lake’s perimeter.
Saltsburg
About 36 miles from Pittsburgh is a remote borough sitting where the Conemaugh River and Loyalhanna Creek come together, creating the Kiskiminetas River. This location, combined with its history as a salt mining town, makes it an engaging yet secluded area to explore. The historic Pennsylvania Mainline Canal ran through Saltsburg, and people can still visit and learn about the canal whose terminus was all the way in Philadelphia. The yearly Saltsburg Canal Days Festival every June is an ode to the canal history for residents and visitors interested in food, live music, and even a charity duck race.
It’s easy to find roads less traveled along Saltsburg’s hiking and biking trails, like the Westmoreland Heritage Trail or the Conemaugh River section of the West Penn Trail. When the river is calling, it’s easy to rent a kayak from Saltsburg Kayak and Canoe on Market Street for a leisurely float. Time is well-spent at the Rebecca B. Hadden Stone House Museum viewing historical artifacts and furnishings.
Hollidaysburg
Hollidaysburg is a beautiful small borough in Blair County, PA. With a population of around 5,600, the borough is small enough to be a calm getaway while still serving peak entertainment, views, and outdoor fun. History and recreation collide at Canal Basin Park, where historic markers and a canal lock replica invite onlookers to interact with the community’s past. The Anne Sloane Borland Performing Arts Pavillion provides live music throughout the summer months. View a quiet, breathtaking aerial of the borough from Chimney Rocks Park. The way up to the overlook via the Chimney Rocks Lookout Trail is a great way to take in the natural landscape.
The scenic views continue on old State Route 22, where gorgeous flowers are planted and maintained by the borough at Gateway Garden. Small-town hospitality is abundant at The Dream Restaurant on Allegheny Street, feeding nostalgia with home-style comfort meals. The living history of Hollidaysburg surrounds guests at the Allegheny Street Bed and Breakfast who choose to go out and explore the historic district.
Wyalusing
Wyalusing is a borough best known for the Wyalusing Rocks Overlook, a natural rock formation that offers grand panoramas of the Susquehanna River. The borough is a treat for visitors to the Endless Mountains Region of Bradford County. Wyalusing was originally settled by several groups of Indigenous tribes, such as the Susquehannock, the Iroquois, and the Delaware, before becoming a vital hub for logging and farming. Today, Wyalusing is home to 613 residents who cherish and appreciate their small town.
Spaces like Wyalusing Creekside Park are a phenomenal way to savor the scenery and participate in activities like disc golf and trail walking. The babbling Wyalusing Creek is sure to offer opportunities to catch smallmouth bass. The rich narratives of the borough and surrounding area are highlighted at the Wyalusing Valley Museum. Their location on Main Street makes it easy to book a private tour and browse items in the archive.
Curwensville
The valleys of the Allegheny Mountains are the place to find off-the-grid destinations. Curwensville is a town among them that offers adventure and outdoor fun. Like many municipalities in Western Pennsylvania, the area established itself through the extensive logging industry. The flow of the West Branch of the Susquehanna River nearby made this possible. Now, Curwensville is a valuable riverside town with lots of potential for exploration.
The most popular attraction is Curwensville Lake. Formed by the Curwensville Dam, folks can swim, boat, and fish throughout the spring and summer months. The ever-popular Irvin Park offers a kayak launch area, inclusive playground, and pavilion rentals all season. It’s also the location of the Curwensville Days Festival, a five-day event full of vendors, exhibits, and even a car show. Another annual happening is the Curwensville Blueberry Festival, which includes vendors and a farmers market. Outside of festival season, locals love to satisfy their sweet tooth at the Blue Kow on Susquehanna Avenue.
Shickshinny
Named for the Shickshinny Creek that runs through the center of town, this borough is located between Berwick and Nanticoke in Luzerne County. The Historical and Preservation Society of the Greater Shickshinny Area helps its 715 residents remain active participants in maintaining its regional legacy. They’ve operated an informative historical museum in their building on Main Street that’s available by appointment and during scheduled open houses.
The yearly Shickshinny Borough Carnival is a delightful blend of food, vendors, and live music the town looks forward to in North Canal Park. Parks and recreation go off the beaten path on winding trails like the Mocanaqua Loop Trail or the Susquehanna Warrior Trail. Shickshinny has truly stunning natural formations. Little Shickshinny Falls is arguably the most beautiful. It’s only about 15 minutes’ hike up from the trail on Shickshinny Valley Road.
Wellsboro
The Tioga County seat of Wellsboro is visually stunning, with its most prolific landmark being the Pennsylvania Grand Canyon. This six-million-year-old artifact of nature is part of Tioga State Forest. Many find their way to the canyon from the Pine Creek Rail Trail, which traverses 65 miles through Tioga and Lycoming Counties, respectively. It offers a low-grade path that lends itself well to hiking, biking, and even horseback riding in some sections.
The allure of gas lamps lining the streets downtown gives Wellsboro an almost magical feel. This feeling is amplified by the many shops in the borough, with Dunham’s being one of the last family-owned and operated department stores in the nation. A statue of one of the borough’s founders, Mary Wells Morris, is a welcome and graceful presence on Main Street. Just a few blocks down, the Gmeiner Art and Cultural Center is an inviting space to appreciate more local art at one of its many planned exhibits.
Off the Beaten Path
When the natural beauty of Pennsylvania meets the amiable small towns of the various regions, it creates an incomparable experience. Chartering a boat to fish Harveys Lake is one example of that immersive energy. It’s celebrated in festivities like the Shickshinny Borough Carnival or the Canal Days Festival. At the end of the day, these off-the-grid areas have just as much excitement as their more populated counterparts in terms of atmosphere and offerings.
LEBANON COUNTY, Pa. (WHP) — Cherries, strawberries, peaches — normally all easy to find at local farms this time of the year — but some orchards are still feeling the impact of a freeze that killed many of those fruits.
What’s normally a busy season is a quiet one for the Honey Bear Orchard after an April freeze took all their fruit crops for this year.
PREVIOUS COVERAGE | ‘It just froze them’: Honey Bear Orchards loses $200K, fruit crops in April freeze
“We usually start Father’s Day with sweet cherries … and that day, it has just grown into a big day for us,” owner Nelson Heagy said. “Sometimes, the cars are lined up the whole way in the lane, 3 to 400 cars come in that day. Tomorrow it’s going to be quiet.”
The night of April 20, temperatures in Lebanon County dropped below 24 degrees — a devastating blow to farms whose fruit trees were unable to survive the cold temperatures.
In less than 24 hours, Honey Bear Orchards lost dozens of acres of fruit, including cherries, apricots, apples and peaches.
At the time, the orchard estimated it lost around $200,000, but Heagy says that’s not the worst part.
“It’s more the emotional, because financially, yes, we’re geared up for that and it’s meeting the people.”
After Gov. Josh Shapiro called on the USDA to help out Pennsylvania counties impacted by this freeze, the agency announced several counties were eligible for disaster assistance in the form of emergency loans.
READ MORE | Six PA counties included in disaster designation for farmers affected by April freeze
Adams, Chester, Franklin, Fulton, Lancaster and York counties are included.
Absent from that list is Lebanon County, where Honey Bear Orchards is located.
We reached out to the USDA to ask why Lebanon County wasn’t included, but we haven’t heard back yet.
However, Heagy says it’s likely because there’s only two orchards in the county.
“A lot of people reached out and said, ‘What can we do?’” he said. “And it’s simply come back next year.”
They’re not the only farm that has to make do this season — Forge Hill Orchards in York County lost half of its crop in the April freeze.
Despite that, retail manager Abby Naylor says they’re lucky because they still have a little bit of everything.
“I think the best thing that people can do is just to buy local and help support the farmers that really lost a lot of their stuff.”
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