Letters: Corman, Benninghoff failed redistricting reform; Recognizing all essential workers 

Corman, Benninghoff failed redistricting reform

This Independence Day was marred by a gross failure of Centre County representation. Lack of action from Senate Majority Leader Jake Corman and House Majority Leader Kerry Benninghoff helped kill legislation that would have stopped gerrymandering in Pennsylvania.

There is overwhelming bipartisan support for reform. Over 2/3 of the mostly Republican townships and boroughs representing 92% of Centre County’s population passed resolutions calling for an independent district drawing commission. But Corman and Benninghoff have been passively non-committal, allowing reform (languishing since spring of 2019) to die in committee.

With the 2020 census underway it’s too late to amend the Pennsylvania Constitution to establish a citizens’ commission before the next round of political mapping. However, Fair Districts PA is not giving up.

Rep. Wendi Thomas, (R-Bucks), has introduced HB2638, which at least places some fairness restrictions and safeguards on the five state politicians (including Corman and Benninghoff) who will produce the new district maps.

It is possible that Benninghoff may not get a chance to draw his own district (and others). He is facing a challenge in November from Peter Buck, who favors reform. Unfortunately Jake Corman has a few years before the seat he inherited from his father (first elected 43 years ago) is up for review.

Time to throw out politicians whose idea of “leadership” is to dole out patronage and rig the rules to prevent challengers. We need someone to step up and defend government of, by, and for, the people of Pennsylvania.

Recognizing all essential workers

The bigotry that has so long existed has become more evident during this pandemic. I think it is now evident that those who are essential are often underpaid and overworked. They are often those in our society who are discriminated against, both Black and brown. They are the base of our essential workforce, those who pick the food we eat, often Hispanic laborers, some who are immigrants from Mexico, yet they are demonized. Then there are those workers who process slaughtered animals all tightly packed in processing plants. There are those who serve in markets and essential stores. There are those who are dedicated to helping our elderly. There are those who serve you at the table of restaurants and those who keep our lives safe by cleaning and sanitizing hospitals and work areas. With this pandemic some have been acknowledging them as heroes, for putting their lives on the line for us and our elderly. These and many others are worthy of a living wage and health care should they get sick.

The nurses and doctors, also heroes, are risking their lives and the lives of their loved ones. Researchers who come up with treatments and cures are our future saviors.

It is time, we are at war with this virus, put aside your bigotry and partisanship. Let’s treat everyone essential or not with respect, fairness, justice and equity. Let us stand together in moral certitude and reject those who would divide us for their own gain.

Waltz will be much-needed voice in Harrisburg

In the November general election, I urge you to cast your vote for Joe Waltz to represent the 76th District in the Pennsylvania House of Representatives. Joe grew up on a farm and understands the challenges of our rural way of life. Our rural roads, bridges and other important infrastructure is often overlooked in favor of urban areas’ needs. Joe will be our much needed voice in Harrisburg. During the COVID-19 pandemic response, we realized the importance of high-speed internet in rural areas. Many of our students who couldn’t attend school during the pandemic also couldn’t take advantage of online education because of no internet service or such slow service that they couldn’t access these online lessons. I have a feeling that these internet based educational opportunities will become more important as we begin to move on from the pandemic. All students, including those in extremely rural areas should have these opportunities.

Again, I know Joe Waltz will be a voice for all constituents who live in our district. He will represent everyone in our district regardless of political party, race, or religion. He understands our concerns and he will do his best to represent our interests in our state government.