Letters: Movement doesn’t align with PSU values; Rater demonstrates progressive Democratic values
Editor’s note: The CDT welcomes letters endorsing candidates in the May 16 primary election and will accept letters that are received by May 11. Letters are subject to editing, must be based on facts and should avoid attacks on other candidates.
Movement doesn’t align with PSU values
This year, the Penn State Board of Trustees election includes candidates representing “Penn State Forward.” These candidates receive support from an ultra-liberal nonprofit called “The Boarding School” and they have direct ties to a small cadre of extremists at Harvard where the organization began. The “Forward” movement is embarked on a coordinated effort to take over university boards — and now they have targeted Penn State. Their goal is to elect young people who will focus primarily on climate change and social injustice. This appealing bumper sticker enabled the organization to gain initial traction at Harvard and Yale. However, they became widely unpopular when the full extent of their narrow agenda was exposed. At Harvard, three “Forward” overseers won election before the university changed its election rules to stop further board intrusion and at Yale, the “Forward” candidates became so disruptive that the university removed the right of alumni to elect members to the board.
The connection of one of this year’s candidates with Harvard is telling. “Harvard Forward” provides the primary energy behind a radical agenda that does not align with the needs or values of Penn State. While the “Penn State Forward” candidates are careful to hide their affiliation with this unpopular movement, they are guided by a niche focus on climate change at all costs. Sadly, there is no evidence that the “Forward” movement values what the Penn State community holds dear — quality education, academic research, and athletic excellence. Please consider this before casting your vote.
Rater demonstrates progressive Democratic values
I’m responding to a letter in the April 22 CDT about the race for Centre County Judge. It does not require a letter from the Republican Party chair — an internet search is sufficient — to know that both Julia Rater and Gopal Balachandran appear on both Democratic and Republican ballots. This is not unusual for a bipartisan position.
Julia is no more a Republican than is Gopal — both are Democrats — and voters should not be fooled by this letter. Julia will judge using the law, not politics.
Julia Rater supports and enacts Democratic values. She is pro-choice, and an advocate for inclusion and equity. Through 27 years practicing law in Centre County, Julia has worked tirelessly to support our community and represent her clients.
For example:
Julia won a same-sex custody case in the Pennsylvania Supreme Court.
Julia represented a father in proceedings under the Hague Convention, recovering his child following abduction by the mother.
Julia successfully defended clients in all three state appeals courts.
Julia does pro bono work for and through many nonprofit organizations, including Strawberry Fields, Tides, Special Olympics and Centre County Bar Association.
Julia is trained and experienced in mediation and collaborative law.
Julia has done all this while raising three successful daughters.
Julia’s experience and commitment make her the perfect judge for the cases coming before the court (40% family law, 32% civil law, 28% criminal law).
Please join other Democrats and vote for Julia Rater on May 16.
Portney has key qualities for council
I am writing this letter in support of Josh Portney for State College Borough Council. Josh answers several important requirements for Council. He is aware of the actual work that the Borough does and is not simply a one issue candidate. He knows the issues because he has actually been at our meetings, week in and week out for years. He has been on Planning Commissions for both the Borough and the Centre Region for over a year. His consistency, reliability, and growing knowledge base are key qualities for any elected official.
We are lucky to have many experienced men and women on our Borough Council. We also need new, younger officials who understand the problems and interests of this new, changing century to join them. Josh is able to provide that insight and voice. I urge you to vote for him as a new and able representative for our neighborhoods and many different constituencies.