Letters: The ‘Silly Party’; Past, present and future helpers for SCASD

The ‘Silly Party’

I never thought it would happen to a major party. I had this theory that small parties were prey to a death spiral caused by the arrival of deranged members, because with few people it is easier for someone with a few loose screws to reach a position of responsibility. Sensible people, aware that their political prospects are few, find the new arrivals the perfect excuse to leave. Which opens the door to more deranged people, which accelerates the exodus of the sensible ones.

I did not expect the GOP to fall into that spiral. But here we are. Four hours after being nominated for Speaker, the candidate withdraws. Would we ever get a Speaker? Well, we finally did, and we are just grateful that someone is filling the void. Do we like him? Well, we would have welcomed a two headed monkey if only we could have a Speaker.

What a ridiculous ride this has been ...

Face it, the GOP we all knew and respected is dead. What we have now is the Silly Party.

And whatever your opinions, your political philosophy, or your yearnings, you do not put silly people in charge of delivery what you want. Vote for the Sensible Party (the Democrats) for all offices.

Past, present and future helpers for SCASD

The five Democrats for SCASD school board are experienced and all parents of district students. Two are incumbents — Dr. Amy Bader and Gretchen Brandt. At the League of Women Voters’ Candidates’ Night, both competently answered residents’ questions, with topics ranging from master plan development to facilities to neighborhood policing. Dr. Anne Demo, Dan Kolbe, and Dr. Aaron Miller bring diverse expertise from business and education.

Besides their past experience, Slate for State candidates appreciate the present district staff’s expertise. They know district curricula are written by experts. They know administrators gather information and data from staff, come to the board with needs, and then the board acts, as Dr. Bader said eloquently. Moreover, Dr. Demo’s paraprofessional experience provides insight on how district policies play out for students and staff. This team of candidates knows the board is not the place for their own partisan ideas. They trust SCASD processes to provide excellent education.

And Slate for State is not closing their eyes to the future. At the LWV forum, Dr. Bader said the National Next Generation Science Standards, adopted by the Pennsylvania Commonwealth, guide SCASD curriculum. Ms. Brandt discussed the district’s sustainability policy. Mr. Kolbe emphasized all groups — conservative, liberal, LBGTQ+, minority and international — need to be valued, seen and safe. Dr. Miller reminded voters that effective programs’ outcomes are not always captured by standardized test scores.

Vote Nov. 7 for past, present and future helpers for SCASD. Vote Bader, Brandt, Demo, Kolbe, and Miller.

Kennedy has earned your support

It’s that time again when we must vote for those individuals who are best suited to serve the needs of Centre County. Fortunately for us, Colleen Kennedy is seeking to be reelected as treasurer for Centre County. We are fortunate because Ms. Kennedy has done an outstanding job over the past four years. She has modernized the treasurer’s office by introducing credit card and eCheck payments, and by implementing convenient online dog licensing. She also managed nearly $13M in hotel tax revenues, providing over $12.3M to the Happy Valley Adventure Bureau. In 2023, Centre County earned over $2.19M in unreserved interest, which represents a whopping 4,450% increase over what was earned in 2021. Finally, under her oversight, Centre County earned an additional $1.3M this year on bond proceeds for capital projects.

In view of Ms. Kennedy’s exceptional record, it is difficult to imagine why anyone would vote for her opponent, Mr. Justin Behrens, who has little if any experience relevant to the office of treasurer. Mr. Behrens is a failed politician who cares most about advancing his public profile. From 2006 to 2022, Mr. Behrens ran for at least eight state and local offices. He won a write-in vote for a six-year term as Wright Township Auditor in 2009, but resigned after one year. From 2010 to 2022, Behrens ran four times for a seat in the state legislature but lost each of those races.

By contrast, Ms. Kennedy has earned your support as a competent Centre County Treasurer.

Candidates would add perspective to school board

As you probably know, Laurel Zydney and I recently co-authored an opinion piece that argued that when we elect candidates to the school board, we have a unique opportunity to include a variety of perspectives and experience, to the betterment of board functioning.

Over the past few months I have had the opportunity to have extended conversations with Michelle Young, and John Krajkovic, candidates for the State College school board. I am impressed with their commitment to public education, their understanding of the issues facing our schools (as well as the future of education) and perhaps just as importantly, their open-mindedness and willingness to consider different points-of-view.

In addition to Michelle and John, I believe that Anne Demo would add perspective to the school board, due to her experience as a special education paraprofessional in the district.

Thank you for considering. Only if we can find a way to work together, can we provide the education that our community’s students need, and deserve.