Letters: Disappointed in PSU’s board; No time for complacency

Disappointed in PSU’s board

With homecoming weekend upon us, I am very disappointed by our university’s actions toward alumni. The board has recently ended our democratic elections for trustees, a practice established 149 years ago by our founders. In addition, the board has muzzled trustees so that dissenting opinions cannot be expressed. This is a slippery slope for an institution of higher learning. It should be understood that diversity of viewpoints leads to increased understanding. Two trustees elected by us, the alumni, could be removed from the board for asking too many questions and taking their public accountability responsibilities seriously. This is beyond troubling. Our university should be better than this.

No time for complacency

With no moral compass and self-interest as his only North Star, Trump shamelessly exploits voter fears and frustrations. His never-ending lies, threatening rhetoric and unhinged name calling stoke anger and hate.

In normal times, 34 felony convictions would have ended a presidential campaign. But Trump’s candidacy is anything but normal. His criminality, and blatant disregard for decency, is misconstrued by his duped followers as a sign of strength.

Twice-impeached, Trump has been convicted of fraud and found liable for sexual assault. He faces four criminal indictments — for stealing classified documents, obstruction of justice, and inciting the J6 insurrection. His failed efforts to overturn the free and fair results of the 2020 election led to the deaths of seven Americans.

Trump, who’s becoming increasingly incendiary and incoherent, has long behaved as if he’s above the law. Now, with its unprecedented “presidential immunity” ruling, his hand-picked and grotesquely unethical Supreme Court has literally put Trump above the law, effectively giving him permission for a despotic second term!

What’s really terrifying is that Project 2025 has created a “conservative LinkedIn” to recruit “an army of Trump loyalists” to replace the federal workforce — and any remaining guardrails. John Kelly, H.R. McMaster and General Milley — the grownups in the room — will be replaced with co-conspirators such as Cory Lewandowski, Steven Miller, and Jeffrey Clarke.

Now is no time for complacency! Trump nearly destroyed our nation last time. Constitutional Republicans, Independents, and Democrats must do everything in their power to see that he never gets another chance.

Residents deserve a debate

Paul Takac’s a no-show! As his challenger, I proposed a September debate believing the voters deserve to hear from us: Paul Takac said, “no!”

I believe it’s critical we be heard sooner rather than later since voting starts earlier. Paul Takac claims he’s too busy for a September debate organized by Lions for Liberty, yet the House calendar doesn’t look so busy! He was a no-show in Harrisburg for months when the Capitol building had a leaky roof, and your money paid his salary. He’s been a no-show, many tell me they’ve never met him. I’ve been all over our district meeting voters, hearing their concerns. I’m tired of no-show politicians and have worked hard in my career. I know what it’s like to show up!

Paul Takac has been a no-show in alleviating the economic strain on residents. He’s more interested in bike paths than businesses. Will Paul Takac be a no-show at the one debate he’s agreed to (5 p.m. Oct. 17 in the Flex Theater on the Penn State’s campus,) when many of the mail-in ballots have already been cast and the audience is mainly not the people who live here year-round? Like Penn State students, they deserve to hear a debate but they won’t because Paul Takac is a no-show! Elect me for your next State Representative, I have the decency and courage to show up for you!