Your Letters: Tuesday

Actions speak loudly

During the LaVon Chisley trial, I had the privilege of watching District Attorney Michael Madeira in action as he prosecuted the case. I would describe his part in putting a brutal murderer behind bars as masterful. He is a confident, excellent prosecutor.

He cares about the victims, with the District Attorney’s Office under his leadership receiving a 95 percent approval rating from those surveyed in the past four years. Crime prevention is a top priority for him as he visits schools, campus and community educating toward the successful goal of fewer victims.

Though the opposing candidate is quick to point out perceived faults, I believe she lacks the experience needed as a prosecutor. Having seen him in action in the courtroom and from these things I have learned, there is no doubt that Madeira is my choice to protect and represent my family and Centre County.

Ann Stoner Port Matilda

A skilled manager

As longtime residents of Harris Township, we support Fred DiMuccio for supervisor. He and his wife, Kathy, and their family have been residents of the township for more than 20 years and have deep roots in our community. As a result, he possesses a solid understanding of the challenges we face and an appreciation of the history, character and values of Harris Township and its residents.

Working in the Office of Physical Plant at Penn State, DiMuccio responds to the infrastructure needs of diverse groups. His skills as a manager, problem solver and communicator are what Harris Township needs to address our local and regional challenges in areas such as public works, growth, land preservation and finance.

Elect DiMuccio on Nov. 3.

Ron and Ann McGlaughlin Harris Township

Familiar with both sides

I support Stacy Parks Miller for district attorney because of her experience in cleaning up the office.

She has 15 years of experience as a lawyer with a great record. She has also been a prosecutor and a defense lawyer. This has allowed her see how both sides operate.

I trust her to make hard, accurate decisions about what’s best to do. Centre County has a good candidate in Parks Miller.

Kathy Crestani Port Matilda

Not feeling so safe

I used to think State College was an exceedingly safe community. It is rare to pick up the newspaper now without reading about someone being attacked or raped each weekend.

I find it disheartening and disappointing that Michael Madeira is making false claims that the crime rate is falling. Saying that we are “safer now than ever before” does not make it so. Rapes have doubled since last year. That does not make me feel safe.

Four years as DA and 18 years as a career prosecutor and Madeira has never tried a rape case. That does not make me rest easy. Stacy Parks Miller has tried multiple rape cases to conviction. We need change. We need to feel safe and secure. We need Parks Miller for district attorney.

Kate Twoey State College

Facts misrepresented

Stacy Parks Miller’s political attack about the District Attorney’s Office supposedly “having trouble” with five out of 12 cases is inaccurate (14 cases went to trial in 2008), and she is misrepresenting the trial system.

The truth? Michael Madeira’s office avoids taking thousands of cases to trial every year by getting criminals to plead guilty or by not pursuing cases that don’t have adequate evidence, saving taxpayers money. It’s the cases in which the facts are in dispute that are taken before a jury to determine the truth.

Parks Miller misrepresented facts to the Penn State journalism department about the debate she chose not to attend. She doesn’t understand the forfeiture law and is trying to pull a fast one on the public.

We need a DA with a proven record of keeping us safe, not an out-of- town “band leader” who offers false hope of a better tomorrow. I will vote to re-elect Madeira.

Timothy E. Maurer Union Township

No regrets

I’m supporting Stacy Parks Miller for district attorney because we need someone with experience to clean up the DA’s office. She has been an acting DA and she knows what to do about the issues that come up in that office every day.

I trust her to make the hard decisions about what’s best to do. She respects our hardworking police and will partner with them to keep us safe. Please vote for Parks Miller. You won’t be sorry.

Anthony J. DiNallo State College

Stacy Parks Miller is the best choice for DA. She has spent 15 years as a lawyer and has a fantastic record. She has been a prosecutor and a defense lawyer, so she knows the intricate details of both sides of a case.

She also has a management background, and we need a proven manager. She is hardworking and trustworthy and will look out for all of us. She stands for smart prosecution and has all the right skills to run a successful DA’s office.

Please vote for Parks Miller.

Kelley Paterno State College

An honorable man

I support the candidacy of Fred DiMuccio for Harris Township supervisor. I have known DiMuccio and his wife, Kathy, for three years and have found him to be honorable, hardworking and patient.

I value the importance of local government and admire residents who are willing to step up and serve. As a 15-year resident of Harris Township, I know DiMuccio will do all he can to serve our community in a positive manner and will be an asset to the board of supervisors.

I endorse DiMuccio for supervisor.

Lori Maxfield Harris Township

A courageous candidate

Elizabeth Goreham has served this community enthusiastically for more than 15 years. She has been an unwavering advocate of responsible, sustainable living.

I do not expect her to give up this advocacy while she is mayor, nor do I wish her to do so. Her vision for this community is the reason I volunteered to help with her campaign.

Our “weak mayor” system does not require that the mayor be an impartial observer — Mayor Bill Welch was certainly not that. What many of us admired about him was that he did have opinions and that they did not conform to a single political ideology.

Goreham will listen to more than one side of an issue and vote outside party lines. She is known as someone who will talk with constituents, do her research and, if convinced, change her position on issues. This is being a thoughtful, honest, courageous person.

Vote for Goreham for mayor.

Susannah Barsom State College

Give police the credit

I take issue with Michael Madeira’s claim that he somehow is responsible for the level of safety in our community. Even though we have always been a safe community, even before Madeira, the job of the district attorney is to handle the cases properly once they are filed.

The police get the credit for our crime rates. The DA gets credit for handling prosecutions after they are filed. That is where the problem lies.

Stacy Parks Miller understands that the job of the DA is to competently prosecute crimes after they are filed. Think about the last four years and the choice is clear: Parks Miller.

Emily Bradley Spring Mills

Restore faith

I encourage residents of Centre County to vote for Stacy Parks Miller for district attorney. I have worked with her for many years. During that time, I have developed a strong respect for her as an attorney who carefully analyzes the law and facts in preparing her cases and who displays remarkable skills in presenting cases in the courtroom.

Perhaps most notably, I have learned that Parks Miller has very high values and morals. She will do what is right for the residents of the county. Our faith in the local criminal justice system will be restored with Parks Miller as district attorney.

Julia Cronin Rater State College

The best candidate

I support Stacy Parks Miller for district attorney. I believe the DA’s office would benefit with Parks Miller. She is dedicated, hardworking, brilliant and the best candidate. So I will cast my vote for Parks Miller.

Elizabeth Jane Greenlees State College