Letters: It’s not too late; Penn State community deserves transparency

Editor’s note: The Centre Daily Times welcomes letters endorsing candidates in the May 20 primary election and will accept letters that are received by May 6. Letters are subject to editing, must be based on facts and should avoid attacks on other candidates.

It’s not too late

It’s not too late, but we are in “trouble.” It’s the same “trouble” that Thomas Jefferson predicted when George Washington completed his term in office: “The next president of the United States will only be the president of a party.” Trump Republicans have gained control and, it seems, total control.

After his election, Trump delivered the longest presidential speech to Congress, at about 100 minutes, in recorded history. Trump declared, “we are going to forge the freest, most advanced, most dynamic and most dominant civilization ever to exist on the face of the Earth.” He continued, “Once again, I look at the Democrats in front of me, and I realize there is absolutely nothing I can say to make them stand or smile or applaud.”

For their part, many Democrats showed no interest in it. They stayed seated or stood with backs turned during Trump’s speech; others waved little signs saying “false” or “save Medicaid.” Some walked out, wearing shirts that read “resist” on the back. Trump continued on with his speech: “It has been stated by many that the first month of our presidency ... is the most successful in the history of our nation by many. And what makes it even more impressive is that — do you know who number two is? George Washington.”

Democrats need to come up with a credible plan. Where are they?

Penn State community deserves transparency

Penn State cannot claim to serve the public while locking it out. But the current leadership seems to think differently. It has shrouded its decision making, enjoying immunity from Pennsylvania’s Right to Know Law through its lobbying effort and failing to meet the transparency laws that do apply, like Pennsylvania’s Sunshine Act. And it has stunted journalism, defunding the Daily Collegian, which provides insight into the university’s governance and operations, and retaliating against the newspaper for its advertisements by removing newsstands and newspapers.

If university leadership continues to rob our community of opportunities to learn information and express viewpoints, Penn State cannot fulfill its mission to serve the public. In our current budget crisis, we must make difficult decisions. But we lack the knowledge to make them. Little information about the university’s budget is public. So how can anyone in the community comment on, for example, the looming commonwealth campuses’ closures when the university withholds information necessary to have informed opinions?

Opacity is an obstacle. And I’m dedicated to eliminating it. That’s why I’ve worked as a lawyer to help communities gain critical access to government records and fight for free expression rights. That’s why I’m running for Penn State’s Board of Trustees alongside Uma Moriarity and Katherine Wheatle. You can vote for us from April 21 to May 8 at 9 a.m. at PennStateVotes.com. Let’s return Penn State to the people it was built to serve.

Black has compassion, courage school board needs

Our local leaders matter more than ever. We need people who are clear in their values, courageous in their actions, and committed to bringing people together. This is why I support Jennifer Black for the SCASD board.

Many know Jennifer for her exceptional kindness and authenticity, paired with a disarming wit that helps navigate difficult conversations. Yet she is so much more. Jennifer combines her sharp intellect with a steady determination to protect the vulnerable and amplify overlooked voices. She excels at communicating complex issues while also making everyone feel heard, truly listening to differing opinions with empathy and respect.

Jennifer has courage to challenge systemic problems and push for meaningful change. When it comes to children’s needs, “it’s not possible” isn’t acceptable. Following the heartbreaking loss of her daughter Abby to suicide last year, Jen transformed personal tragedy into purpose by becoming a powerful advocate for student mental health and anti-bullying resources. Through her grassroots leadership, our schools are evolving into safer, more supportive learning environments.

Jennifer Black brings the compassion, intelligence and courage our school board needs. I hope you’ll join me in voting for her.