Letters: All politics are local; Partisanship undermines American democracy

Conklin the clear choice in HD 77

State Representative Scott Conklin is on the front lines of the ongoing battle to defend our democracy and protect our rights in Pennsylvania. In his chairman role on the House State Government Committee, he has demonstrated sound leadership rooted in years of experience and acquired knowledge of how elections operate at every level of government. For example, Conklin has championed legislative initiatives that garnered bipartisan support from Democratic and Republican county commissioners across the commonwealth. We’ve all seen the attacks on our free and fair elections, the misinformation campaigns, and attempts to sow seeds of doubt and dissension. This is why we must show up for true patriots like Conklin who will continue to withstand the attacks and protect these unalienable rights that so many have fought and died for. With our support for his reelection this fall, Scott Conklin will soon represent all of Ferguson Township, and with that comes a level of servant leadership that our community can be proud of. The choice is clear as day in House District 77: Vote for State Representative Scott Conklin on or before Nov. 8!

All politics are local

This year’s midterm election includes crucial Pennsylvania races for governor and the U.S. Senate, both of which have national implications. But down-ballot races are also crucial — state legislators directly impact our day-to-day lives.

Some issues likely to come before our state legislature next session include:

• Bans on abortion, LGBTQ+ rights and gender-affirming medical treatment.
• Restrictions on who can vote, including strict voting ID and residence requirements.
• Raising the voting age to 21 and increasing residency requirements that would make it impossible for many college students to vote.
• Restrictions on how we vote, including the elimination or curtailment of mail-in ballots and cumbersome rules about returning ballots.
• Decisions about whose votes count, and whether presidential electors should reflect the popular vote or opinions of government officials.
• The use of Constitutional amendments, placed on ballots in off-election years with low turnout, to create laws unpopular with voters.

MAGA Republicans are itching to enact bans on abortion and human rights, to restrict voting, to ignore the votes they don’t like, and to bypass the well-respected checks and balances inherent in our system of government.

By contrast, Democrats will vote to maintain reproductive and other human rights, to ensure broad voting rights, to respect the choices of voters, and to ensure the integrity of state government.

If you care about fairness, inclusion, and democracy, vote for the Democratic candidate for State Representative in your district — Paul Takac, Scott Conklin, or Robert Zeigler.

Partisanship undermines American democracy

The American political system is a model of democracy; the world depends on it. Whether impeding military strongmen, upholding an orderly transition of power or modeling a functioning republic, we have always been the shining example. Can we all agree that we’d like to remain in that well deserved position?

• Most Americans want to protect access to the polls and constrain state or local governments if they restrict that access.
• Most Americans oppose gerrymandering so that all voices, not just politicians, can be heard.
• Most Americans believe that anonymous corporate donations have no place in politics.

Accessing polls, determining fair congressional districts, and limiting the power of the wealthy are things most Americans agree on.

At the federal level, in order to protect our right to vote, there have been consistent calls for legislative reform which limit state control of elections, but still protect the basic tenets of democracy. Unfortunately, Senate Republicans have blocked these efforts.

Protecting and preserving our democracy requires difficult choices. Voters have a responsibility to ignore misleading rhetoric and to vote for those who will get the job done. John Fetterman’s vote can be the deciding factor in the Senate passing legislation needed to safeguard our democracy. Despite his recent health issues, Fetterman is a strong and consistent supporter of voting reforms. If there ever was a time to put country over party, it’s now. Partisanship undermines American democracy.

Send Fetterman to the Senate ensuring that our elections are free and fair.

Reject ‘the Trump stain’ on Pa.

The American Declaration Of Independence identifies three “unalienable rights”: Life, Liberty, and the Pursuit of Happiness. The preamble to our Constitution says “We the people of the United States, in order to form a more perfect union ... do ordain and establish this Constitution.”

If you Google the countries in which people are happiest, in which the quality of life is highest, or with the highest living standards, you find many countries are in more than one of these groups (Finland, Denmark, Sweden, Iceland, Switzerland, Netherlands, etc.). All of these countries have governments that are democratic, social democratic, or labor. None of these high-ranking countries have governments that are nationalistic, racist, fundamentalist, oligarchical, or authoritarian. The Trump Republican Party is willing to accept the latter traits and endorses utterly unqualified and morally reprehensible candidates simply in order to attain political power.

If you look at the recent performance of Congress, Trump Republicans are far more interested in pleasing Trump than seeking “a more perfect union.” Trump Republicans have multiple complaints about how awful things are now, while they seem to be unwilling to do anything to improve conditions.

A Trump endorsement or 2020 election denialism are clear indicators that a candidate truly does not care about “We The People” nor seeking “a more perfect union.” Please join me in rejecting the Trump stain on Pennsylvania politics in the November election. “No” to Mastriano, Oz, Perry, Kelly, Reschenthaler, Smucker, Joyce, Thompson. “No” to the Trump Republican-proposed amendments to the Pennsylvania Constitution.

The trust stops here

After the Thursday, Oct. 6 council meeting, I wonder how many College Township residents continue to trust the township’s own mission statement when it dismissed the dozens of powerful, logical and sound recommendations by its constituents concerning the overwhelming opposition to the casino. The 90 minutes of rich, robust and compelling public commentary were shut down, silenced within the course of five minutes through a vote to once again say nothing to protect its community from an outsider wishing to line its pockets on casino-based profits from our local town.

Does the council’s governance match its own mission statement? You decide. Here is an excerpt:

“The mission of College Township is to protect and enhance quality of life, while facilitating responsible growth and maintaining harmony between rural and urban areas, in an efficient and responsible manner for all its citizens.

Values: We value honest, open representative government. ... We believe it is important to engage and involve our citizens and be sensitive and responsive to their needs

Goals:

• To preserve and enhance the community’s beauty and natural assets and build upon the heritage of our community.
• To ensure residents have access to healthful, safe, and affordable housing and neighborhoods.
• To foster effective dialogue and clear, consistent communication with all stakeholders through both traditional and electronic means.”

Sensitive and responsive to our needs? Effective dialogue? Not even close.