“We hear their voice.”

State Rep. Joe Hamm, R-Hepburn Township, emphasized that as an incumbent lawmaker — even one running uncontested in Tuesday’s election — he understands the importance of staying connected to his constituents.

It’s an important reminder of the role of our state lawmakers, and it’s clear that Hamm understands his role.

We also were heartened to hear Hamm and state Rep.-elect Jamie Flick address their priorities in the next session, which we feel are exactly what our state government’s priorities should be.

Hamm mentioned inflation and economic worries felt by our region — the price increases at “the gas pumps … the grocery store and when you heat your home in the winter.” He mentioned the burden of 153,000 regulations on Pennsylvania’s small businesses and other employers, and specifically cited a Pittsburgh-area steel mill lost to a relocation to West Virginia after applying for permits in Pennsylvania needlessly dragged on.

Flick also mentioned the pain of energy prices and said a return to energy independence and revitalization of Pennsylvania’s natural gas industry are priorities.

“We have enough natural gas to supply the entire state for decades,” he noted in a Wednesday article in the Sun-Gazette.

Flick included mental health services in schools and shortages of substitute teachers as pressing matters he wants to see the state address.

Perhaps most importantly, he said he intends to listen to constituents from all political perspectives and intends to work across the aisle.

We are optimistic about our state representatives in the next state Legislature and we hope to see them succeed in listening to and working with both sides in our frequently too-divisive political climate.

It’s what our state — and our country — needs.