Letters: Learn about candidates before the primary; Volunteers are the cornerstone of the Red Cross

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.

Learn about candidates before the primary

Do you know your candidates? The May 20 municipal primary will feature candidates for school board, supervisors and council, mayor, district attorney, district judge and jury commissioner.

The League of Women Voters of Centre County is hosting a non-partisan Candidates’ Night April 29 at the State College Municipal Building at 7 p.m. The moderated format includes six questions from constituent concerns, each candidate rotating responding first, then each candidate’s closing statement. The forum is livestreamed and archived by C-NET.

Local elections have low turnout and can be won by a few votes, so every voter counts! Candidates’ Night is an opportunity to meet candidates.

Candidates in contested races for SCASD school board, BASD school board, Benner and Spring Township supervisors were invited. School boards hire teachers, build schools and set districts’ school taxes. Supervisors manage trash pickup, roads and zoning. Get to know the officials in charge of your life at Candidates’ Night!

LWVCC is a nonpartisan organization; we invite all candidates in contested races. SCASD school board candidates Deborah Anderson, Jesse Barlow, Jennifer Black, Rebecca Arnold Desmarais and Jackie Huff accepted; Kristen McTernan and Mihaly Sogor declined. For BASD, Nate Campbell, Jon Guizar and Joe Yech accepted; Kristin Lyons declined. Benner Township supervisors did not reply. For Spring Township, Frank Royer accepted. But Korena Defurio did not reply, so LWVCC cannot hold that race.

You may email your questions to lwvcentrecounty@gmail.com or submit questions at the event. We look forward to seeing you April 29!

Volunteers are the cornerstone of the Red Cross

During National Volunteer Week, the American Red Cross of Central Pennsylvania celebrates the selfless volunteers whose unwavering support make it possible for us to assist people in need every day.

Volunteers are the cornerstone of the Red Cross, representing more than 90% of our national workforce and their compassion helps to ensure that people are not alone during the most challenging times of their lives.

Here in central PA, more than 700 Red Cross volunteers supported blood drives, assisted veterans and military families and provided food and shelter after disasters of all sizes.

Today, volunteers are more critical than ever as the Red Cross responds to a new major disaster about every two weeks. These massive events, like storms and wildfires, are on top of the home fires which occur multiple times every day across the country.

During Volunteer Week, join us in thanking all those who volunteer across our community, and consider putting on a red vest and joining our team. Visit redcross.org/volunteer to get started today. Free online training will be provided.

Trump is testing American democracy

Donald Trump promised Americans a booming economy: “…the best jobs, the biggest paychecks, the brightest economic future the world has ever seen.” As egg prices reached a new high (just in time for Easter), he braced Americans for economic turmoil. His chaotic and destabilizing trade war will dramatically increase costs on a broad swath of products, including toys, clothes and electronics.

Trump’s overhaul of the federal workforce has targeted scientific research and international aid. Cuts also hit central Pennsylvanians — farmers who supply food banks, and programs treating veterans with PTSD.

Some cuts are purely petty. Eliminating National History Day, a nationwide competition that engages more than a half-million students annually and prepares students for success and civic engagement — something that benefits us all.

As Americans struggle with increased prices and reduced services, Trump frivolously spends $3.4 million for each golf excursion.

Trump vindictively targets law firms and universities whose policies or employees he doesn’t like. And he aggressively targets individuals who challenge his false claims.

He issued a brazenly vengeful executive order to investigate Christopher Krebs, former head of Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security, for refuting claims that the 2020 election was rigged. Alarm bells should sound when the president exacts retribution against people who dare to tell the truth that the 2020 election was not stolen. He’s testing American democracy.

Trump isn’t using his office to improve Americans’ lives. He’s wielding his power like a Mafia mob-boss and Republicans in Congress are helping him do it!

This story was originally published April 26, 2025 at 5:55 AM.