Conversations That Matter: Crossing the Aisle

Featuring PA State Representatives Jared Solomon (D–Philadelphia)   
& Minority Leader Jesse Topper (R–Bedford)

Cranaleith’s Conversations That Matter is a space to practice the way we want to be in relationship — with ourselves, with one another, with our world, and with the mystery of what connects us all. This fall, the series continues with its second gathering: an afternoon with Pennsylvania State Representatives Jared Solomon and Jesse Topper, two legislators from opposite sides of the aisle who have built a genuine friendship that helped spark a bipartisan caucus in Harrisburg.

Rep. Solomon and Rep. Topper will sit down in conversation with each other — tracing how their friendship began, what they do when hard topics surface, and what it feels like to see it begin to ripple outward. Witnessing their friendship is an invitation to ask: what does it stir in us to watch two people choosing understanding over winning?  We’ll take time together to reflect on what moves us in their example and how we might recognize the possibilities for practicing something similar in our own lives.

Come as you are. Join us starting at 3pm for light fare and conversation before the program begins at 3:30pm.

Rep. Jared G. Solomon, a community leader, attorney and Army Reserve JAG officer, was elected to serve his first term in the Pennsylvania House of Representatives in November 2016.  

His priorities as a legislator include workforce development, supporting veterans, election and government reform, and landlord-tenant issues. Solomon’s priorities in his district include improving business corridors, revitalizing the infrastructure stock, addressing safety concerns in the neighborhood, providing opportunities for kids after school, and creating more jobs with higher wages to address local poverty issues. In the legislature, Solomon hopes to broaden opportunities for kids looking to work after high school, streamline the process for new businesses wanting to settle in Pennsylvania, and providing businesses with incentives to come and stay in the state. 

 Prior to his work in the legislature, Solomon founded a local community organization and served as the association’s president for nearly 10 years, starting youth sports programs, cleaning up parks and streets, building playgrounds for our youth, and collaborating with local law enforcement to promote safety and trust.  

Solomon is a graduate of Swarthmore College and Villanova Law School. He was raised in the Castor Gardens neighborhood by his mother. He credits his success to remaining loyal to the neighborhood in which he was brought up and believing the power of ordinary people can make a difference.

Rep. Jesse Topper has been the voice of his neighbors of the 78th Legislative District in the Pennsylvania House of Representatives since he was elected in 2014. In 2024, his Republican colleagues elected him as the House Republican Leader for the 2025-26 session.  

Since taking office, Topper has been a strong advocate for improved healthcare options for residents, particularly for those in rural areas. In recent legislative sessions, he has worked toward better educational opportunities for Pennsylvania students. As the Republican chairman of the House Education Committee, he worked across state government and with stakeholders to bring to fruition several key education initiatives that will improve the lives of Pennsylvania’s students at all levels of education while respecting taxpayers. 

Topper is a lifelong resident of Bedford County and has two sons. Throughout his life, he has been very active in his community, participating in 4-H and the Boy Scouts, where he earned the rank of Eagle Scout. He also coaches football at Bedford High School, where he was a three-sport athlete. 

A homeschooled graduate, Topper earned his bachelor’s degree from Frostburg State University. He is also a graduate of Leadership Bedford County and the Harry Wendelstedt Umpire School. 

Topper has remained active in his community, including having served as first and second vice president of the Bedford County Chamber of Commerce, as well as Bedford Borough Council. He also enjoys playing piano and organ at local churches and serving as a PIAA official in basketball and baseball.