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For some, it’s never too early for Christmas music

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Boback to appear on both Republican and Democratic ballots

<p>U.S. Rep. Lou Barletta said he has always put the people first and that his record shows he will work in a bipartisan manner to get things done.</p><p>Barletta, 60, of Hazleton, is seeking his fourth term in the U.S. House of Representatives. The former Republican mayor of Hazleton said he has accomplished much in his first three terms and asks voters to continue placing their faith in him.</p><p>&#8220;I&#8217;m running because I want to continue to serve the people of the 11th District,&#8221; Barletta said. &#8220;In the short time I&#8217;ve been in Washington, I&#8217;ve been able to accomplish several goals.&#8221;</p><p>Barletta cited some of those accomplishments:</p><p>&#8226; He saved more than $3.1 billion of taxpayers money by having federal agencies move into smaller spaces.</p><p>&#8226; With State Sen. John Yudichak, he established the SHINE after-school program for disadvantaged children and helped save after-school programs nationally by working to secure needed funding.</p><p>&#8226; He saved volunteer firefighters from the effects of the Affordable Care Act.</p><p>&#8226; He passed legislation to protect children from opioid addiction.</p><p>&#8226; He has become a national voice in dealing with illegal immigration and national security/border security.</p><p>&#8220;I&#8217;ve worked across the aisle in a bipartisan way to get things done,&#8221; Barletta said. &#8220;I always will fight for what I believe is right &#8212; even if it is against the Washington establishment. I&#8217;ll never be afraid to stand up and fight for people.&#8221;</p><p>Barletta said it has always been a priority for him to do all he can to take care of veterans and the military.</p><p><strong>ISSUES</strong></p><p><strong>&#8226; Economy/jobs:</strong> As a former small business owner, Barletta believes the key to a successful economy lies in the success of small businesses, citing excessive regulations and bureaucratic red-tape that hinder small business growth. Pennsylvania, he said, leads the nation in structurally deficient roads and bridges. Barletta said prioritizing investment in infrastructure will help to spur local economies and ensure access to goods and services.</p><p><strong>&#8226; National Security/Border control: </strong>Barletta said the federal government&#8217;s primary responsibility is to protect the nation and its citizens. He holds the safety of the nation and preparedness of military forces as a top priority and is committed to protecting the men and women serving our country. Barletta said government officials must get serious about defeating radical Islamic terrorism. ISIS, he said, will attack Americans by any available means.</p><p><strong>&#8226; Energy/Natural gas/Global warming:</strong> Barletta said the federal government should take steps to harness the country&#8217;s natural resources in a manner that promotes energy production and encourages job growth while protecting the environment. Pennsylvania could continue as a leader in domestic energy production through the advancement of anthracite coal &#8212; a cleaner form of coal with a high carbon content &#8212; and the safe exploration of new domestic energy sources like Marcellus Shale.</p><p><strong>&#8226; Gridlock in Washington:</strong> Barletta is frustrated with politics as usual in Washington. He belongs to a bipartisan working group of Republican and Democrat House members that meets every Tuesday to discuss how they can work together for the country, rather than individual political parties.</p><p><strong>&#8226; Social Security/Medicare/Minimum wage:</strong> Barletta is committed to preserving and protecting Social Security and Medicare for both current retirees and future generations of Americans. He does not support efforts to privatize Social Security or eliminate Medicare.</p><p><strong>&#8226; Racial tension:</strong> Barletta said the country needs a leader who will bring peace and calm in times of racial tension in this country. He said the Constitution requires all Americans be treated equally under the law.</p><p><strong>&#8226; Taxation:</strong> Barletta favors simplifying the tax code from seven brackets to three brackets and lowering rates for most Americans. Lowering tax rates for everyone &#8212; businesses, families and working Americans &#8212; will broaden the tax base and pump more money into local economies, he said.</p><p><strong>&#8226; U.S. Supreme Court:</strong> Barletta said the next Supreme Court justice must defend 2nd Amendment rights, protect the life of the unborn child and respect the separation of powers.</p><p>To learn more about key Election Day races and issues, visit the <a href="https://www.timesleader.com/tag/Election2016" target="_blank">Times Leader election page</a></p><style>
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<div class="neCaption">Barletta </div></div><div class="metaInfo"><photo0>https://www.timesleader.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/11/web1_Barletta_Lou_2.jpg</photo0><caption0>Barletta </caption0><photoCredit0></photoCredit0></div><div class="neFile"><img class="neImage" src="https://www.timesleader.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/11/web1_TTL081716Barletta1.jpg">
<div class="neCaption">U.S. Rep Lou Barletta, R, met with grandparents raising their grandchildren in August at the law office of David Saba in Kingston. </div></div><div class="metaInfo"><photo1>https://www.timesleader.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/11/web1_TTL081716Barletta1.jpg</photo1><caption1>U.S. Rep Lou Barletta, R, met with grandparents raising their grandchildren in August at the law office of David Saba in Kingston. </caption1><photoCredit1>Aimee Dilger file photo | Times Leader </photoCredit1></div><div class="neFile"><img class="neImage" src="https://www.timesleader.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/11/web1_BarlettaHearing.jpg">
<div class="neCaption">U.S. Rep. Lou Barletta, R-Hazleton, chairs a hearing of the Transportation &amp; Infrastructure Subcommittee. Ranking member Rep. Andr&#233; Carson, D-Indiana, listens to testimony as well. </div></div><div class="metaInfo"><photo2>https://www.timesleader.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/11/web1_BarlettaHearing.jpg</photo2><caption2>U.S. Rep. Lou Barletta, R-Hazleton, chairs a hearing of the Transportation &amp; Infrastructure Subcommittee. Ranking member Rep. Andr&#233; Carson, D-Indiana, listens to testimony as well. </caption2><photoCredit2>Aimee Dilger file photo | Times Leader </photoCredit2></div></div>
<div class="metaInfo"><bylineMeta><p>By Bill O&#8217;Boyle</p><p>boboyle@www.timesleader.com</p></bylineMeta></div><div class="metaInfo"><factboxMeta><p><strong>LOU BARLETTA</strong></p><p><strong>Age:</strong> 60</p><p><strong>Party:</strong> Republican</p><p><strong>Incumbent: </strong>Yes</p><p><strong>Hometown:</strong> Hazleton</p><p><strong>Family:</strong> Wife, Mary Grace; daughters, Kelly, April, Lindsey and Grace; grandchildren, Gabriel Louis, Madeleine Grace, Julia Mae and Christopher Joseph.</p><p><strong>The 11th Congressional District of Pennsylvania</strong> is comprised of all of Columbia, Montour and Wyoming counties and parts of Carbon, Cumberland, Dauphin, Luzerne, Northumberland and Perry counties. Major locations in the district include Harrisburg, Sunbury, Carlisle, Tunkhannock, Hazleton, Bloomsburg and Danville.</p></factboxMeta></div><div class="metaInfo"><shirttailMeta><p>Reach Bill O&#8217;Boyle at 570-991-6118 or on Twitter @TLBillOBoyle.</p></shirttailMeta></div>

Putting people first is Rep. Lou Barletta’s priority