If Mark Pinsley becomes a state lawmaker, Job 1 will be to make sure voting is secure, because many people think it is not — while Jarrett Coleman said he would get rid of lawmaker pensions, ban lobbyist gifts and start a “taxpayer protection act.” The different answers to a what-would-you-do-first question were typical of the vast gulf between Pinsley, a Democrat, and Coleman, a Republican, during a Thursday morning debate. Hosted by the Greater Lehigh Valley Chamber of Commerce at Factory LLC in Bethlehem, it was recorded before a live audience and will air at 7 p.m. Monday on WFMZ-TV. Pinsley, 52, is the Lehigh County controller and owns a skin care business, while Coleman, 32, is an airline pilot. Coleman defeated longtime Sen. Pat Browne in the Republican primary, while Pinsley was unopposed in the Democratic primary. A reference to Browne — a 28-year lawmaker generally viewed as one of the most influential politicians in Harrisburg — came early in questions asked by moderator Tony Iannelli, the chamber president and CEO. Coleman said that rather than being surprised that he won, he was “encouraged” that the electoral process worked and allowed a new-to-politics father and husband achieve that result. He said he has not sought Browne’s endorsement. Pinsley accused Coleman of having a campaign “funded by a right-wing billionaire” tied to the group Citizens Alliance of Pennsylvania. Pinsley said Citizens Alliance of Pennsylvania is “about vouchers; they are about privatizing schools.” Coleman called that an “incorrect statement” and said his campaign had multiple funding sources. He said a review of Citizens Alliance material would show it adheres to “core principles.” On its website, Citizens Alliance describes itself as seeking “some type of positive change in Pennsylvania politics” and basing its original ideas in the U.S. and Pennsylvania constitutions. It created a legislative pledge that includes voting “to expand education freedom.” Citizens Alliance this year made more than $300,000 of “in kind” contributions to Coleman’s campaign, including mailers and media buys. It draws a large amount of funding from Pennsylvania billionaire Jeffrey Yass, who supports school choice. Pinsley lives in South Whitehall Township and was elected a township commissioner in 2017. He said long-term legislative incumbents like Browne benefit from gerrymandering, and because of that there is a need for term limits. Taxpayers, Pinsley said, should be in charge of drawing political maps rather than politicians doing so in a way that allows them to select their voters. Coleman lives in Upper Macungie Township and made a successful first foray in politics with his recent election to the Parkland School Board, running largely on an anti-mask and anti-critical race theory platform. He said his candidacy offered the chance to bring a fresh perspective to Harrisburg. The Legislature, he said, must be “accountable to the people.” Coleman has described his proposed “taxpayer protection act” as a way of capping the amount of money government can spend. The debate came one day after state House Republicans filed articles of impeachment against Philadelphia District Attorney Larry Krasner, whom they accuse of failing to enforce laws and contributing to soaring crime in the city. Coleman said Krasner should be impeached and “this is not a time to be soft on crime.” A moment later, Pinsley said that when Lehigh County District Attorney Jim Martin wanted to put “armed guards” near ballot drop boxes, Pinsley — as controller — indicated he would withhold their paychecks. Coleman retorted that such a move would be going against a decision by the lead criminal enforcement officer in the community, and Pinsley responded by saying that a lot of people believed Martin’s position was illegal. When Coleman asked Pinsley, “So you think Larry Krasner is doing a good job?” PInsley said some items being stolen in Philadelphia were necessities like “soap and diapers.” On abortion, Coleman described himself as pro-life and ascribed “extreme” positions to Pinsley, including saying he would allow abortions up to the time of birth. Pinsley said Coleman was lying and that Pinsley supported the 1973 Roe v. Wade decision that was overturned in June by the U.S. Supreme Court. On inflation, Coleman said the state needed to move more quickly to reduce its corporate net income tax — a reference to a recently enacted law that will cut it gradually from the current 9.99% to 4.99% in 2031. Coleman said the state also needs to cut red tape for business, and he pointed out that even though Pinsley is a business owner, business groups have endorsed Coleman. Pinsley said taxes in Pennsylvania are not the issue, and that many companies escape paying them. “Let’s just make sure everyone pays their fair share,” he said. Morning Call Capitol correspondent Ford Turner can be reached at [email protected].