Letters: Key questions for candidates; Acting on all levels to address climate change

Key questions for candidates

Once again, we’re rounding the corner into another election season. Candidate forums and surveys provide us with valuable, but predictable position statements — necessary, but clearly not sufficient. Now seems a good time to ask each of them a few questions that will immediately shine a bright light on their character, values and commitment to democracy.

Since it’s clear (to most at least), that our democracy is on increasingly fragile ground, it’s hard to think of a better time to know exactly where every candidate stands on a few of our most fundamental concerns. So, regardless of party or office, I like to suggest we ask every candidate the following questions at every opportunity:

• Based on the evidence to date, was the 2020 election in PA free and fair and devoid of widespread fraud that would, or should, alter the certified results?

• Is there any legitimate reason to believe that Joe Biden is not the duly elected president of the United States?

• Do you believe anyone who participated in, and/or helped plan, January 6th should be held accountable to the full extent of the law?

• Do you feel the former president bears any responsibility for the violence that occurred at the Capitol on January 6th?

If they can’t respond clearly and unequivocally, and in ways that reflect their commitment to democracy, evidence, and the rule of law, we will know everything we need to about whether they are qualified to hold elective office.

Acting on all levels to address climate change

In the March 31 CDT, Terry Kordes questions “Will ‘climate complainers’ pay the price?” He takes extreme positions on solar electricity, electric vehicles and wind farms, and then claims that if I advocate for reducing greenhouse gasses then I have to support all of his extreme claims, or I am not sincere.

His first attack is on residential solar. He refers to an estimate of a solar/battery, off-grid system for his house ($97,000). A more realistic grid-connected solar electric system would cost around $40,000 or less. But that is not where to start, he should look at reducing electricity use via more insulation and higher efficiency appliances.

The next claim is that we should junk our gas or hybrid cars and buy electric cars. My hybrid car has halved my gas usage and CO2 production. It won’t be long before electric cars are more affordable, and when my hybrid wears out, I can again halve my CO2 production with an electric car.

Next up is a claim that wind energy will mean all mountain ridges, including Mt. Nittany, would be covered with turbines. Nonsense. It only makes sense to consider mountains where there is sufficient wind. And I love to see wind turbines (not on Mt. Nittany), and solar farms.

Only by acting at all levels will we address climate change. It will cost us more now but inaction pushes the disastrous consequences and costs to our grandchildren.

Vote to change trends at PSU

Penn Staters, please vote responsibly.

Penn State’s 2022 board of trustees elections begin April 10. Three seats are up for election.

Over the last 9 years:

• Penn State has dropped from 3rd to 9th in the US News and World Report rankings of Big Ten Universities, and to 14th in the Big Ten – dead last – in value (which considers costs in the rankings)
• Penn State’s long-term debt has nearly quadrupled – to nearly $3.5 Billion. That debt burden will be paid for by Penn State students for generations to come.
• Penn State’s standardized test scores have dropped from 4th to 10th in the Big Ten, and nearly 80% of prospective students offered admission choose to not enroll at Penn State (again, the worst figures in the Big Ten).
• Penn State’s in-state tuition remains at the highest in the Big Ten, and the net cost of a 4-year degree at Penn State is nearly double the average of other Big Ten universities.

If we want to change those trends, we need to start with an infusion of responsible leadership on the board of trustees. Penn Staters have the right, and the opportunity, and the duty to elect responsible governors to the Penn State Board. It starts this week.