Meet Lisha

Born and raised in Berks County and a graduate of Governor Mifflin, Lisha went on to earn an A.A.S. in Medical Technology and a B.S. in Biology/Ecology from UNC-Charlotte. She began her career as a Laboratory Technician in Hematology and then transitioned into industry as a Chemical Research and Development Technician. Later, she began a 22 year professional career as an Environmental Education Specialist for State and National Parks and local organizations, and continues as a high school Guest Teacher, specializing in the Agricultural Sciences, wherein student members of The Future Farmers of America (FFA) learn and prepare for farming careers.

Currently, Lisha is an elected official on the Cumru Township Board of Commissioners and serves as board president and acts as a liaison to the Public Works Department which encompasses the Highway Department, Utilities Department, and Building and Grounds. She is a committeewoman of the Berks County Republican Committee and was appointed to the Executive Committee, has been elected as a PAGOP State Committeewoman, and most recently, appointed by Berks County Commissioners to the Reading Area Transportation Study (RATS.) This Committee serves as the Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO) and is the official transportation planning organization for Berks County, designated by the Governor of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania under current and applicable federal laws.

As a true conservative she values the constitution, the second amendment, medical freedom, border control, election integrity, elimination of property tax, school choice, pro-life, fiscal responsibility, small businesses, support our police and veterans, support our farmers, and the preservation of Liberty and Freedom.

Lisha and her husband of 33 years, Jay, have raised six children, now adults, and are expecting grandbaby #14 in May. They spend weekends hiking, gardening and motorcycling. Both are active members of St. Stephen’s Polish National Catholic Church. Lisha favored activity is studying mycology and photographing and foraging mushrooms with her amateur Mushroomers club.

Reading Eagle Q&A

Q. Name a single problem facing the district you are running to represent and how you would address that issue if elected.

A. There are many issues in the 11th District that concern the diversity of our residents such as the high cost of groceries, high gas prices, lack of affordable housing and high crime. But the one that I hear most repeatedly is that of high and ever-rising property taxes. Consider this: According to the Pennsylvania General Assembly, each year more than 10,000 Pennsylvanians lose their homes to sheriff’s sales and many more are forced into selling to avoid seizure for non-payment of property taxes. Runaway property taxes are destroying Pennsylvania’s economy and driving away residents. Entrepreneurs are discouraged from starting new businesses that would create jobs.

The elimination of property tax would result in true homeownership, help prevent foreclosures, restore real estate value to properties with excessively high taxes, boost housing market, attract businesses, increase personal wealth, create a massive stimulus for Pennsylvania and generate jobs. Eliminating property taxes can stabilize school funding. House Bill 76 and Senate Bill 76, the Property Tax Independence Act, creates predictable, stable and an equitable stream of revenue for public schools. No tax should have the power to leave you homeless.

Q. What specific actions should the state Legislature take to make life more affordable for the people living in your district?

The biggest issue for people is inflation and the high cost of living. Agriculture is Pennsylvania’s number one economy, but it is struggling with high operational costs and regulations. Farmers are going out of business and farmland is disappearing. All of these things affect our food supply and drive up the cost of groceries. Pennsylvania’s vast diversity of businesses are a major contributor to the economy. They are being attacked with high energy costs, high taxes, over regulation and red tape to obtain permits. As a result, businesses are leaving Pennsylvania for more business friendly states.

Pennsylvania is blessed with abundant natural energy resources. Opening up these resources will help these industries and our economy. When we lead in energy production, Pennsylvanians prosper. Natural gas and oil activity has a trickle down effect and contributes directly to our economy by boosting manufacturing, banking, logistics, construction, farming and more. The lowered cost to these industries is passed down to the consumer. We need efficient permitting and consistent policies at the federal and state levels that will encourage investment, support production, infrastructure and millions of skilled workers.

Q. How will you gather feedback from the community regarding their needs and concerns?

As an elected official, being an active part of the community is key to understanding its needs. The 11th District is host to a wide range of people with diverse incomes, businesses, organizations, schools, faiths, landscapes, families, values and more. Being available for questions, comments, complaints and requests is a basic duty as a public servant. Outreach is an essential part of democracy, shaping political life, engaging underrepresented communities, facilitating dialogue and increasing community participation. When local officials actively involve residents in local decision-making processes, they gain new knowledge and perspectives from the community. Inclusiveness fosters policies tailored to the real needs of the community and addresses the concerns of the public. Community engagement allows for a sense of transparency, trust, and partnership between the government and its citizens.

Outreach methods would include:

• Public information can be posted on websites, in the newspaper or in presentations.

• Social media.

• Public participation offers dialogue to formulate group recommendations and ideas.

• Interactive government websites.

• Digital forms and applications.

• Public consultation by asking for information and opinions through public hearings, telephone polls or surveys.

• Free community events.

• Meet and greets events.

• Building coalitions.

These methods and more can help create a cohesive community culture and a shared vision.

Q. What inspired you to run for office?

A. Many people in our community expressed concern over the current senator’s extreme-left voting record in Harrisburg, and find it a threat to our medical freedom, girls sports, secure borders, businesses and energy independence. Let’s consider her voting history. In 2021, she voted against Senate Bill 618, legislation that would prohibit government entities and state-funded colleges from requiring proof of COVID-19 vaccination. In 2022, she voted no to House Bill 972 to protect girls-only sports in public schools. According to the Pennsylvania Chamber of Business and Industry, the current senator voted against pro-economic growth policies and businesses 69% of the time. My opponent stood up for the interests of illegal immigrants when she voted against Senate Resolution 234, a resolution that called on President Joe Biden and our federal officials to help secure our border and provide the needed resources to protect American citizens. In 2021, she voted to keep parents in the dark about what their children are learning in school by voting no to House Bill 1332.

Our district needs common sense decision making.