Letters: Nanes is the problem solver State College needs; Yeaple has right priorities on council

Editor’s note: The Centre Daily Times welcomes letters endorsing candidates in the May 18 primary election and will accept letters that are received by May 10. Letters are subject to editing, must be based on facts and should avoid attacks on other candidates.

Assault on the working class

It’s this writer’s contention that the stark polarization of masses, the anti-government movements, and their propensities toward violence and populist politicians has its roots in the dismantling of hard-working, middle-class people which has transpired over past four decades.

Economic mobility along with affordable educational opportunity due to government policies and interventions (FDR New Deal, regulated capitalism, progressive tax rates) between 1940-1970 benefited my career opportunity, mobility and a flourishing standard of living.

A few personal facts:

• After 6 college years, earned a MSW degree — debt-free (no handouts)
• In 1980 secured a USDA loan to start up farming (no collateral or co-signee)
• Our generation could buy homes, new vehicles, save for retirement, bank emergency funds and enjoy job security with benefits.

The assault and betrayal of working class began in 1970s equally by both political parties. Research reform outcomes of the McGovern Commission. Unions were essentially banned — replaced with elite, educated affluent professionals. Similarly, research these documents (1970s): On Republican side, the Lewis Powell memo and for the Democrats, read Fred Dutton’s manifesto, “Changing Sources Of Power.”

These proclamations were politically implemented — first by Reagan then Clinton along with their anti-government narrative.

Throughput the 1930-1970s, the Democratic Party earned the reputation of being “the party of the people.” No longer the case.

And don’t be fooled with the Rescue Plan!

Nanes is the problem solver State College needs

Robert Kennedy used to say, “There are those who look at things the way they are and ask, why? I dream of things that never were and ask, why not?” Because I see that same spirit in my friend and neighbor Ezra Nanes, I am certain that he is the right person to become the mayor of State College at this transitional time. We need affordable housing, police reform, a thriving downtown that is accessible to everyone, and a more welcoming and inclusive city. Since I have known Ezra for many years, I can tell you that he means it when he says, “We have to be there for one another through these challenging times ...” Whether it was figuring out how to look after our children on a snow day or gathering as a community at his house to process the results of the 2016 election, Ezra has been a problem solver and support system for State College for years. His demonstrated empathy and leadership are the characteristics we need in our next mayor.

Yeaple has right priorities on council

I support Katherine Yeaple for State College Borough Council. Kathy has the expertise, wisdom and creativity needed to address the issues facing us. Her background in psychiatric nursing and urban planning are great assets, along with her respectful consideration of all views.

As a nurse, she recognizes that health care should be a public good. The crisis in mental health care in part results from decades of defunding public health initiatives. Her work to establish an Act 315 Health Office is a needed step toward health justice.

Kathy seeks to create a community where all members feel protected. She strongly supports creation of a Police Oversight Board and a mental health co-responder unit. These are first steps. Kathy voted to approve the requested police budget. I agree. As we assess the impact of the co-responder unit, further evidence-based changes can be made. Let’s build on what’s working.

Our patrol officers are a key part of emergency services when every minute counts as they respond to all ambulance calls.

Proactive policing helps maintain our low crime rate. New high-rise downtown apartments greatly increase population density. With numerous liquor establishments nearby, we won’t need a football game or Arts Fest for alcohol-fueled crowds in the streets. Current research indicates increased police staff will be needed downtown. White supremacists leaving their calling cards further complicates the situation.

Kathy’s pragmatic, outcome-based approach to decision making will help create lasting change for the better.

Speak out about attacks on votes

We as U.S. Citizens cannot be silent about the elections of 2020. We can all look at what is happening in states across the country. In particular I draw your attention to Arizona and what is taking place right now.

How would Pennsylvania residents react to our local election commission providing your actual voting ballot to a “private firm” under the guise of yet another recount being done?

My first reaction is real outrage that exactly what entity or court allowed my actual ballot to leave the custody of duly elected officials. What an invitation to mishandle ballots to then claim a “new result!” More so because the ballots in question in Arizona had already been recounted at least two times with the same results.

What I truly do not understand is why Arizona voters in that particular county have not objected to having their ballots removed from the custody of election officials. I would sincerely hope that if this were to happen in Centre County all of us would be shouting as loud as we could to not allow such a procedure to even be considered — nevermind actually happening.

Our vote is not only personal but a cornerstone of our democracy. Please do not continue to be silent. If this is allowed to continue, we all know that Pennsylvania would be another state under contention for recount.

The message should be loud and clear to any “wannabe” politicians unhappy with voting results to be a good loser and work to understand what the voters are looking for in a representative.

Speak out!

Penn State should require, not encourage, vaccinations

According to The Chronicle of Higher Education more than 200 U.S. colleges and universities now are requiring vaccinations for students returning in the fall, and the number appears to be growing. Included in this group are Rutgers and the Universities of Maryland, Michigan, and Massachusetts.

Penn State should do the same. “Encouraging” vaccinations is not sufficient.