Garrity targets small business owners in final Berks County stop

Stacy Garrity stopped in Berks County on Thursday for the final leg of her campaign to become Pennsylvania governor, aiming to win over local business owners before Tuesday's vote against incumbent Josh Shapiro. The Bradford County native and state treasurer visited the Lancaster Avenue Plaza in Reading, where she met with staff at Ideal Food Basket Market, the American Barber and Beauty Academy, Krazy Spot, and Papi's Fried Chicken.

During the tour, Garrity argued that these establishments represent the core of the state's economy. She stated that Pennsylvania currently carries the fifth-highest tax burden in the country and faces inflation that exceeds the national average. Garrity claimed these regulatory and economic pressures make it difficult for small business owners to operate effectively.

"This is what we should be doing for our small businesses," Garrity told reporters outside the stores. "We need to do more of this." She added that the state government needs to better support hardworking residents who she said can no longer afford the current cost of living.

The candidate proposed unlocking energy resources beneath the state to drive down inflation through cheaper energy. Garrity described Pennsylvania as the Saudi Arabia of natural gas, suggesting that increased production would help grow the state's economy. She also outlined a specific plan for data center development, requiring developers to provide their own energy and use closed-loop water systems to prevent local resource depletion.

Garrity said data centers should be limited to blighted industrial sites rather than residential areas or farmland. She accused Shapiro of changing his position on the issue after public sentiment turned against the projects. "They need to be a net benefit to the community," she said.

In a departure from the state Supreme Court's June ruling, Garrity expressed support for legalizing skill games found in gas stations and social halls. The court ruled the devices are slot machines that require a license from the Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board. Garrity opposed that decision, arguing the machines provide vital revenue for small businesses, veterans, and firefighters.

"I am on the side of our small businesses," she said. "I am on the side of our veterans, of our firefighters." Garrity stated that if elected, she would move to make the machines legal, whereas she believed they would remain restricted under a second Shapiro term.

Garrity described the final days of the campaign as a barnstorming effort across the state. She said the goal is to spread a message of change and progress, asserting that Pennsylvania can perform better than it currently does under existing leadership.