Richard Chew is joined by Mark Pinsley, U.S. Army veteran, Lehigh County controller, and Democratic candidate for Pennsylvania State Senate District 16. He discussed his Pennsylvania campaign and approach to lowering costs and improving public services through government oversight. He faces Republican incumbent State Sen. Jarrett Coleman in the November election. Democrats are trying to win back control of the Pennsylvania Senate. 

Here are a few highlights from the conversation:
- As Lehigh County controller, Pinsley said his audit of county pharmacy-benefit spending found $3 million in annual overcharges; replacing the vendor was projected to save $9 million over three years.
- He cited a 55 percent increase in county electricity distribution costs over four years and argued data centers should bear infrastructure costs rather than taxpayers.
- He supports raising Pennsylvania’s $7.25 minimum wage and applying stronger oversight to health care, utilities, and large corporations.
- Pinsley argued that government should prioritize public services rather than operate solely like a profit-seeking business, and said adequate funding is necessary for programs to work.
- He described Pennsylvania’s divided government as a barrier to legislation and said Democrats could advance their agenda if they gained control of the Senate.

(Here is the link for virtual phone banking the campaign does every Thursday night: http://bit.ly/phonebank4mark)

Catch "Chew's Views with Richard Chew” weekdays from 6:00 to 8:00 a.m. Central on WCPT (heartlandsignal.com/programs/chews-views).

Follow us:

Website: https://heartlandsignal.com

WCPT Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/WCPT820

Heartland Signal Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/HeartlandSignal

Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@heartlandsignal 

Heartland Signal X: https://x.com/HeartlandSignal

WCPT 820 X: https://x.com/WCPT820

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/heartlandsignal

Threads: threads.com/@heartlandsignal

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@heartlandsignal