Mannion, “unhappy with [America’s] trajectory,” discusses domestic policy
More than 100 people crowded into the cozy PepperTheo Café across from Franklin & Marshall College in Lancaster to attend Democratic candidate Nancy Mannion’s town hall meeting. Mannion is trying to unseat Republican Congressman Lloyd Smucker in Pennsylvania’s 11th District, comprising Lancaster County and the southern part of York County.
Many kept their coats on as Mannion fielded questions in front of a fireplace on a frigid night Monday in the Tudor Revival Style building.
“We are not a healthy country,” said the longtime nurse. “America is in critical condition and needs a lot of healing.”
This is Mannion’s first venture into politics after spending her career working in health care.
“I’m unhappy with the trajectory of the country,” she said. “I have grandchildren and I’m worried about their future.” She cited that concern as her reason for running.
The Manheim Township resident listed three priorities if elected: health care, affordability, and education.
“The leading cause of bankruptcy in America is medical debt,” Mannion said. “Nobody should be bankrupt from health care. It’s not something that we can flip a switch and we’re going to have universal health care, but we can improve.”
She suggested a Medicare-style program for children under eighteen.
She also criticized ICE and it’s confrontations with citizens in Minneapolis saying, “ICE is acting like a paramilitary group, killing American citizens on the street,” referencing the deaths of Alex Pretti and Renee Good.
Smucker is among Republicans calling for a Congressional investigation into the shooting death of Pretti. The Trump Administration sent ICE and Border Patrol Agents to Minneapolis to conduct Immigration and Customs Enforcement.
Smucker has served five terms, winning his last election by more than 20 points in the largely rural district that has been reliably Republican. He serves on the House Ways and Means Committee which shapes fiscal legislation including taxes and tariffs. The representative has supported lower taxes, pro-growth programs, and efforts to reign in spending.
He held a telephone town hall Monday night, coinciding with Mannion’s event. Smucker thanked constituents on social media for their participation. The Independence reached out to Lancaster County Republican headquarters and his campaign manager for further comment but have not heard back at this writing.
Mannion criticized Smucker for failing to hold an in-person town hall. One supporter, Kristin Albert of East Hempfield Township, who attended Monday night’s event, explained why she’s backing the candidate.
“Nancy’s responsive,” Albert said. “She’s spent her life in health care and would help make it affordable and accessible.”
Albert also criticized Smucker saying, “He is following the party line. He’s not representing his constituents.”
Another Mannion supporter, retired attorney Greg Hand of Lancaster, said he “…doesn’t like Smucker’s support of Trump.” Hand believes people are “disgusted by what they are seeing in Minnesota.”
Sarah Klimm also filed for candidacy to run as a Democrat for the 11th District seat. Klimm, who is from York County, served in the Marines and is a transgender woman who has spoken out in support of veterans and LGBTQ+ rights.
Jeff Wilder, a Republican from Lancaster County, who’s worked as an EMT and corrections officer, has also declared his candidacy.
Mannion says she plans to hold more town hall meetings in the future and looks forward to debating Smucker.
“I’ve never shied away from doing what is right, even if it’s hard,” she said.
Barbara Barr is a former reporter for WGAL in Pennsylvania’s Susquehanna Valley where she led political coverage that earned a Walter Cronkite Award.
