Eric Weaknecht believes his law enforcement experience in Berks County will be helpful in his up-to-date role as a legislator.
In 1984, he began his career as a sheriff’s deputy with the Berks County Sheriff’s Office and in 2007, he was elected Berks County Sheriff. He was re-elected four times and was also an vigorous member of the Pennsylvania Sheriffs’ Association, serving as secretary-treasurer since 2012.
State Rep. Barry Jozwiak (R-Berks) has represented the 5th House District for the past decade, but announced he did not run for re-election in January.
Weaknecht was the only Republican candidate on the ticket primary vote and defeated Democrat Heather Hanna in general elections to make the seat red.
“One of the things I did as sheriff after I was elected was electioneering,” he said. “I opened substations, opened up remote locations for people to renew their permitting licenses, made it much easier to work with us. And I think… I can move on to the state side, helping the people of the 5th Legislative District.”
He said that because his office also enforces civil laws, he will have insight into both criminal and civil legislation.
On his campaign websiteWeaknecht lists a number of endorsements, including the National Rifle Association, Gun Owners of America, Pennsylvania State Troopers Association (PSTA), Berks County Chamber PAC and Associated Builders & Contractors (ABC).
Weaknecht says he has experience working with members of both parties on the Berks County Board of Commissioners.
“One of the things I’ve been very successful at is being successful as sheriff, even on a Board of Commissioners that includes both Republicans and Democrats here in Berks County,” Weaknecht said. “And I have always worked with both to make sure I get what I need as long as I can prove my case.”
“A lot of people tell me it could be completely different in Harrisburg,” he added.
This interview has been lightly edited for length and clarity.
Capital-Star: Tell me a little about your neighborhood and what is unique about it.
Weak: : The district is very vast. Geographically, it is the largest district in Berks County. It’s a very rural area, lots of agriculture and lots of small businesses.
I mean, they’re just good, hard-working people who want to deal with a legislator who can help them with state issues, help them pass laws that would benefit them, with regulations and things like that for their small businesses.
Capital-Star: What do you think is the most pressing issue facing your district right now?
Weak: I would say that the regulations are imposed on small businesses. When I was campaigning, I stopped by most of the small businesses in the district and they all said the same thing, that if they wanted to grow, there was so much red tape and regulations they had to deal with that they would “re-list thousands of dollars before they even hear back.” yes” or “no” regarding the possibility of expansion.
Capital-Star: What do you think are your top legislative priorities? What laws would you like to introduce or support?
Weak: : Well, I think obviously regulatory issues would be my main concern. This is what I heard most during the campaign. This is what voters asked me to do if I make it to Harrisburg. So that would be my best one.
Capital-Star: Were there any other fundamental issues that voters had in mind when you talked to them?
Weak: Agriculture is large and I know that the Office of Agriculture, whenever I meet with them, has an up-to-date list of legislative issues they would like to address. So I would definitely be a voice for the farming community as well.
