These days it’s difficult to keep up with all the different polls, surveys, reports and trends for the upcoming election. There is one poll, however, that has remained fairly consistent.

The approval rating for Congress has remained constantly around 10 percent. Our congressional representatives, particularly those in the House of Representatives, have not only failed to help solve the problems of the nation, but have played the obstructionist role of putting their politics above the needs of the people.

Fortunately, we in the 5th Congressional District of Pennsylvania have a choice to change our representation — by electing Charles Dumas.

Dumas, a Penn State professor, has a B.A. in political science and a Yale law degree. He has experience working with community and other groups representing diverse groups, human rights and legal services.

He advocates working with others to accomplish job growth, affordable education, affordable quality health care, sustainable resource development, protection of the U.S. through adequate military and responsible international relations through dialogue and conflict resolution.

Dumas has the skills and experience to work cooperatively with others and to represent the interests of the people of this district.

We deserve representation that is positive and productive. We need Dumas in Congress.

Julia Hix

State College