Letters: GOP trying to block election grant from Centre County an attempt to suppress votes, sow fear

GOP clearly trying to sow election fear

If it wasn’t abundantly clear before, it should be now that local members of the GOP, like their statewide and national counterparts, are attempting to sow chaos and fear about the upcoming election. Because of the pandemic and the desire of local citizens to vote safely, the Centre County Commissioners put together a plan to allow local voters to exercise their guaranteed right to vote. Expanded vote by mail and more drop boxes are ways they have worked to accomplish that. So as not to burden taxpayers to fund this they received a grant from a non-partisan voter advocacy group that will also help pay for poll workers PPP equipment.

Yet the chair of the Centre County GOP, Kristine Eng, and local Republican legislators such as Stephanie Borowicz are now suing to stop the funding. Similar lawsuits have been filed all across the nation in recent days. Why? To cut down on the numbers of those that vote. They must believe the only hope they have of winning is voter suppression and causing doubt in the outcome of the election. If they can’t win competing on the basis of ideas, they will simply bully their way and cost taxpayers money.

Borowicz stated that she “opposes the election of progressive candidates in local, state and federal elections.” She is free to compete in an election with those progressives, instead she and other Republicans would block people from even voting for them. That is what happens in Putin’s Russia, not here in America.

Voters get to decide elections, not GOP

Really, Rep. Stephanie Borowicz? You are suing to prevent Centre County from receiving a grant that will help make our election safe and secure for all voters because you oppose “the election of progressive candidates in local, state and federal election”? I thought the voters get to decide the people in elected positions, not you.

These grants were not just offered to progressive communities. It sounds like it just bothers you that Democrats/progressives vote and you’d like to make that harder. Have you forgotten that this is a democracy and that rights extend to those with whom you disagree? Shame on you.

Joe Waltz will be good for economy

Joe Waltz feels this election is about the people of the 76th District and ensuring everyone feels included and heard in Harrisburg. His campaign volunteers have been calling voters, and many say the economy is their biggest concern. Joe will promote entrepreneurship and strive to create more job opportunities for rural Pennsylvania.

Joe supports a move toward family-sustaining wages. He believes no one should struggle to make ends meet while working a full-time job. Since PA’s clean energy sector has become the fastest-growing energy sector, Joe knows it can provide long-term, family-sustaining jobs. The Central PA Building and Construction Trades Council has endorsed Joe. Outdoor recreation is a $29 billion industry in PA. The 76th District has over half a million acres of public land; Joe believes we can use this to attract new visitors, residents and investments. He’ll work with farmers to find technical assistance, and promote legislation to provide grants for farms to go organic (PA is second in organic sales in the nation).

But all the legislative ideas in the world do no good if a lawmaker can’t work with others. Joe pledges to work with anyone who can help the residents of the 76th District, including across the aisle. The other duty of a representative is to represent! Those of you who’ve met Joe know what an earnest listener he is. Joe will take our concerns to Harrisburg where he will put people over party.

In November, vote for Joe Waltz.