Letters: Wiesel’s words more important than ever; Election ‘double dipping’ should end

Editor’s note: The Centre Daily Times welcomes letters endorsing candidates in the Nov. 2 election and will accept letters that are received by Monday. Letters are subject to editing, must be based on facts and should avoid attacks on other candidates.

Wiesel’s words more important than ever

Last Tuesday evening, my cousin and I attended the Elie Wiesel Public Forum at the Washington National Cathedral. The purpose of this event was to dedicate a carving of Elie Wiesel to the National Cathedral as well as celebrate his life, contributions, and legacy.

As a survivor of the Holocaust, this quiet and humble man dedicated his life to our understanding of the atrocities of the Holocaust as well as what we — humanity — can carry with us in promoting peace and speaking out against injustice. Even on a daily basis.

Speakers Rabbi David Saperstein, the Honorable Madeleine Albright, Canon Jon Meacham, Dr. Mehnaz Afridi, and Wai Wai Nu (a Burmese political prisoner), reinforced how Elie’s message is a reminder of the fragility of society when we are silent.

Through his literature and presentations, he taught us that ignorance can be overcome by teaching others about the diverse needs of individuals and groups. Indifference, on the other hand, is very difficult to change — when people refuse to acknowledge and understand differences.

Perhaps Elie Wiesel’s greatest gift is the challenge to acknowledge the needs of the most vulnerable people among us — people with disabilities, elders, those living in poverty, indigenous people, and those who face discrimination based on gender and sexuality and refuse to ignore injustice and discrimination. And even though these acts may saturate our culture, they are never acceptable.

Election ‘double dipping’ should end

We’ve been hearing a lot from State Sen. Jake Corman about election integrity and reform. Who can be against integrity and reform? Aren’t they like Mom and apple pie?

Perhaps Sen. Corman would be so good to push for a change in Pennsylvania law which allows an elected official to run for two state offices simultaneously. It’s already happened once in Centre County and it could happen again if Corman decides to seek re-election next year and seek to be the Republican Party’s nominee for governor.

Corman should get out in front of this problem and eliminate the double dipping. That would be real election integrity and reform.

A stand against negative campaigning

On Oct. 18, the Centre County Republican Committee (CCRC) chose to rescind their endorsement of me for Ferguson Township supervisor. The decision was made after I criticized their use of inflammatory language against another candidate. Running counter to their bylaws, the CCRC then promoted a Democratic candidate in my place. Regardless, my campaign remains active and supported by Ferguson Township voters across the political spectrum.

Months ago, I made a personal commitment and stated my intentions to run a positive campaign and that I would avoid negative campaigning. However, when the CCRC chose to use my likeness to incite inflammatory language against an opponent, I held fast to my word and spoke out against this incendiary attack. I am committed to the issues that voters care about and will not stand for negative campaigning. I am focused on my vision of a welcoming and inclusive community that focuses on important quality of life issues within the township: health, safety, and wellness; diversity, equity, and inclusion; affordable housing; environmental protection; and fiscal responsibility. Additionally, I have vowed to work with the public through open and transparent engagement and dialogue on addressing the Stormwater Fee Ordinance to find common ground that will allow the township to maintain its stormwater infrastructure in a fiscally sustainable manner.

Every candidate running deserves a fair opportunity to share their campaign message, and voters deserve the opportunity to evaluate candidates without the distraction of negative campaigning.

I would be honored by your support in the upcoming election.