Letters: No such thing as an ‘off-year election’; Good Day Cafe is a community asset

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.

No such thing as an ‘off-year election’

PA’s Municipal Primary Election is Tuesday, May 20. Voters will choose candidates for school board, supervisors and council, mayor, district attorney, district judge and jury commissioner. The neighbors you elect will run your schools, parks, trash, roads, police, zoning, taxes and community events.

There’s lots of politicking in the news these days — so whether you are thrilled or furious about what government is doing, use your voice to vote!

For League of Women Voters nonpartisan information on candidates, go to Vote411.org. Look out for the Voters Guide prepared by the LWV of Centre County in the CDT on Sunday, May 11. Refer to your candidates’ websites for their priorities.

Check your voter registration on the Department of State Website; you must register or submit changes by May 5 to vote in this election. Pennsylvania primaries are closed; you must be registered with the Democrat or Republican party to vote. You can apply for a mail-in ballot by May 13 and return it by 8 p.m. Election Day.

If you plan to vote in person, know your polling place! You can find it on the PA Department of State website. Polls are open 7 a.m. to 8 p.m.

Why should you vote in the municipal primary? These elections have lower voter turnout, and can be won by a single voter! Your vote has much greater impact than in a presidential election! Every election counts! You count! Vote.

Good Day Cafe is a community asset

Each April members of our community volunteer to review applications of funding for the 21 Centre County United Way partners. Recently several of us had the privilege of visiting with Strawberry Field’s mission in the Hamilton Square Shopping Center known as Good Day Cafe. This lovely coffee, breakfast and lunch shop is staffed by our neighbors who have intellectual disabilities, and by their coaches and support team. It is heartwarming to witness these folks contributing to our area while providing them a sense of purpose, financial stability and confidence. If you’re one of their regulars, they appreciate you. If you haven’t stopped by, go make their day and yours, even if it’s out of your way a bit.

Black would be engaged, compassionate school board member

With great enthusiasm, I endorse Jen Black as a candidate for the State College Area School District Board of Directors. As a candidate for the board, she looks forward to creating a dynamic interaction among the board, the public, the staff and the students. She will encourage constructive, open dialogue among these groups to address in a timely manner topics of importance to the district and the public. As a board member fully engaged in the working of the district, she will offer in-person interaction with the district’s administration, staff and students. She will offer her ability to speak forcefully and clearly. She will draw from her experiences as a community leader, a member of PSU College of Education Alumni Board, a tutor K-8 for 20 years, an elementary teacher for seven years, a WPSU Education Ambassador, a volunteer with AFSP (American Foundation for Suicide Prevention), and a parent. I applaud her belief that every child matters. She will support policies and actions that value diversity, equity and inclusion. Jen Black is diligent in her research, articulate in her commentaries, and persistent in achieving her goals. Jen Black is a good listener. Jen Black is methodical in her actions and diligent in meeting the demands of her commitments. I look forward to casting my vote for Jen Black. I encourage you to vote for Jen Black in the primary election for SCASD board of directors.

Barlow has ‘outstanding experience’ for school board

During these tumultuous days, I can think of no one better equipped to help us steer the course for the future of our children than Jesse Barlow.

I served with Jesse during my term on the State College Borough Council and can vouch 100% for his honesty, integrity and commitment to this community. He listens carefully and can always be counted on as a voice of reason during difficult situations.

Jesse would bring outstanding experience to the school board, having served two terms as a State College Borough councilman, including as president. His work with the Centre County Advisory Council for the Pennsylvania Human Relations Commission has helped familiarize him with state and federal civil rights law. He has lived in State College since 1981 and has two SCASD educated children!

As a member of the school board, Jesse promises a school district that is welcoming of all students and parents, maintains a high-quality education, and defends strong public schools.

Please join me in supporting Jesse and vote for him for State College Area School District Board of Directors on primary election day on May 20.