Smart Talk: Democratic Congressional candidate Christina Hartman; Fall PA tourism

What to expect on Smart Talk Thursday, October 20, 2016:

The 16th Congressional District has been a Republican stronghold for the past 50 years.  The last three Congressmen from the district during that half century were all Republicans.

So it is indeed rare when the district’s congressional seat is being vacated but that’s the case this year with the retirement of Congressman Joe Pitts. 

Three candidates are vying to success Pitts.  The Democratic candidate Christina Hartman appears on Thursday’s Smart Talk as part of our continuing conversations with the candidates and Election 2016 coverage.

Republican Lloyd Smucker and Libertarian Shawn Patrick House are also running.

The 16th Congressional District is made up of parts of Lancaster, Berks and Chester Counties.

On a lighter note, fall is a popular time of year for traveling in Pennsylvania — whether to get a look at the colorful leaves, enjoy a seasonal event or tourist site, the crisp fall air brings many people outside.

One of the big questions this year is whether the hot, dry summer will have an impact on the color of the leaves.

We’ll find out on Thursday’s program with Carrie Lepore, Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development, Deputy Secretary, Office of Marketing, Tourism and Film and 

Dave Schmidt, Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources.

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On autumn in PA:

It seems with the increase in retail and housing development, as well as that related to the natural gas industry, we are losing much of our natural open spaces. If we really want to encourage tourism in the Commonwealth, particularly with regard to its natural beauty, does it really make sense to promote over-development in rural and remote areas?       -Michael, Glen Rock