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WILKES-BARRE — Luzerne County District Attorney Stefanie Salavantis recently met with John Chrin, the Republican candidate in the 8th Congressional District, about their mutual concerns about sanctuary cities.
“John and I spoke at length about many important issues, including the dangers of sanctuary cities,” Salavantis said. “As a prosecutor, I feel that the number one issue is public safety — we cannot have the threat of people who don’t follow our laws migrating from such cities like Philadelphia up to our region, and then committing crimes here.”
Chrin said Salavantis has expressed in the past, and reiterated to him in person, her concerns about sanctuary cities — that they pose a real threat to public safety in our region.
“I believe we absolutely cannot afford to have a member of Congress who has ever voted in favor of sanctuary cities,” Chrin said. “I am the only person in this race who has firmly and consistently held a position against sanctuary cities.”
Salavantis said she and Chrin agree there must be an end to sanctuary cities.
“Further, we both firmly support the Second Amendment of the U.S. Constitution, the right to keep and bear arms, and we also have talked extensively about the drug epidemic plaguing our communities and the link to criminal behavior,” Salavantis said. “I always appreciate when any candidate or elected official asks to meet with me to discuss the issues that affect our office and our county.”
Cartwright campaign responds
Colleen Gerrity, Cartwright’s campaign manager, said Chrin likely commuted from his home in New Jersey to meet with Salavantis.
“Congressman Cartwright’s position on immigration is crystal clear,” Gerrity said. “He supports the brave men and women of law enforcement and the rule of law. He has consistently supported comprehensive immigration reform, which includes securing our nation’s borders. And he also rejects the poorly thought-out policy of separating children from parents with no plan for reunification.”
Medical device tax
Chrin also criticized Cartwright on his vote against repealing the Obamacare medical device tax.
“This tax passes higher costs onto medical services which in turn are passed onto patients.,” Chrin said. “The Tax Foundation found this tax was responsible for the loss of approximately 21,800 jobs from 2013 to 2015.”
Chrin said Cartwright “continues to support unaffordable health care policies.” Chrin said he supports a system that puts patients first, allows small businesses to pool resources to purchase plans together, allows for the purchase of health insurance across state lines, and encourages competition.
Gerrity would only offer one comment on Chrin’s criticism.
“John Chrin has no idea what he is talking about when it comes to this bill or on health care in general.”
