Letters: Weighing in on the Penn State alumni trustees election and PA governor’s race

Extend waivers to keep children fed

Without swift action from Congress, children in Pennsylvania are at risk of losing access to meals this summer and many more next school year.

That’s because critical child nutrition waivers will soon expire and so far, Congress has failed to authorize USDA to extend them.

These waivers are an important tool that allow schools and community organizations to serve meals in ways that work best for their communities while they grapple with ongoing pandemic-related challenges like supply chain disruptions, rising food prices and staffing shortages.

But in a few months, meal programs will once again be turned on their heads, forced to transform how they operate; many won’t be able to operate at all.

Without flexibility from the waivers, many schools will be unable to open summer meal sites. Children in rural communities will be at particular risk when meal providers will no longer be allowed to meet kids where they are by reimagining traditional summer meal service.

School food budgets, already taking a hit from rising food costs, will go deeper into the red because of decreased reimbursements. Schools will also face financial penalties for not meeting federal nutrition requirements if certain products aren’t available due to supply chain disruptions.

Congress and the White House must work together to fix this. Senators Toomey and Casey, please don’t pull the rug out from under schools working to feed kids. Doing so would fail the 1 in 6 kids facing hunger in Pennsylvania.

Experience, passion make Oldsey ideal trustee

I have known Bill Oldsey for over 50 years as a fraternity brother, friend and dedicated PSU alum. Bill’s background in higher education, extensive experience as a member of the board of trustees, and his passion for Penn State, make him ideally suited to continue to help guide our great university. I very strongly endorse his candidacy for the board of trustees.

Corman should be last choice for voters

Once again, Jake Corman kneels at the feet of former president Trump to decide his political future. Is this the kind of governor you want, someone who answers to a chief executive twice-charged for impeachment? A legislator who cannot make up his mind?

All Centre County residents should be appalled by this hometown kid who claims to represent Pennsylvania’s citizens. The other Republican candidates for governor are not exactly a stellar cast, but Jake Corman should be dead last as a choice for voters who care about governing with personal integrity and providing leadership for the residents of this state.

Josh Shapiro has served this state well as Attorney General and is committed to doing so as governor.

Schmidt will help make stronger, better Penn State

I’m supporting Maribeth Roman Schmidt for Penn State trustees and ask all readers to vote for her in the current election. She’s a smart, dedicated and influential alumnus, who is keenly aware the the major issues facing our fine university. Maribeth will work tirelessly with our new president, trustees, students, faculty and alumni to enhance the excellent reputation of Penn State. I appreciate your consideration to vote for Maribeth and a stronger and better university community.

Support for Oldsey to continue service to PSU

For the fourth and final time I have the pleasure of recommending that my friend of 50 years be returned to the board of trustees of Penn State. Bill Oldsey has worked as hard as anyone on the BOT to make the university fulfill its mission to students, faculty and the communities it impacts. Bill’s positions on fiscal responsibility and the obligation to honor Joe Paterno have remained consistent throughout his nine years of service to the university. He has my continuing support and regard for his continuing service to Penn State.