Letters: ‘No Kings’ showed democracy at work; Choose Republican candidates for SCASD board
‘No Kings’ showed democracy at work
We were so glad to attend the Oct. 18 No Kings Rally on Old Main Lawn. The rally and march were peaceful demonstrations of democracy at work. The crowd presented a joyful, patriotic spirit that was protesting numerous government policies of the current administration — ICE raids, cuts to Medicare, Medicaid, SNAP, etc. While the Trump administration is out to destroy the federal government, our country’s reputation, and silence dissent, our love of country was evident in the ability to assemble and protest together!
We want to thank the organizers of this event and our local police department for the secure environment that was created. We are proud to live in an area where such an event can be held peacefully.
Bonnie and Ken Kline Smeltzer, Boalsburg
Choose Republican candidates for SCASD board
How could anyone disagree with Chris Potalivo’s recent letter, asking voters in the State College Area School District to “... start balancing the board with a mix of Republicans and Democrats ...”? I certainly can’t.
Choosing the Republican candidates, Kirsten McTernan and Mihaly Sogor, gives us the opportunity to elect a new generation of leaders, with fresh perspectives and approaches; greater responsiveness to issues that may impact student learning and opportunities and who will promote more effective communication between the school board and the community it serves.
Kirsten and Mihaly are committed to student achievement, thrive as team players and demonstrate fiscal responsibility. They will always prioritize the community’s interest over special interests.
The State College Area School District consistently ranks among the commonwealth’s best. Each of us should be very proud. Your vote for Kirsten McTernan and Mihaly Sogor will help to ensure that it continues to grow even better.
Deborah Flavin, State College
One of county’s best judges must be retained
We have been very fortunate to have good judges in our Centre County court, and, in the upcoming election, we need to make sure we retain one of our best judges.
Judge Katie Oliver is one of the best judges I have observed in my 53 years as a Centre County lawyer. She was an excellent trial lawyer before she became a judge and she brings that courtroom expertise to the bench. Our lawyers and their clients appreciate her fair and balanced manner.
Judge Oliver is very aware that those who come to her courtroom are people, people in difficult situations, troubled people, worried people, anxious people. Her understanding and compassion for those who come to court are demonstrated by her leadership. She facilitated the creation of the Children’s Space in our courthouse, a designated space for children who are required to spend time for court proceedings. She leads Centre County in our Supreme Court’s Behavioral Health Initiative and she heads the DUI court team, where problem drinkers have the opportunity to turn their lives around.
Judge Oliver comes into her courtroom prepared, she knows about the case, and she understands the legal issues to be resolved. She brings extensive knowledge of the law together with incisive reasoning to guide the lawyers and their clients.
Judge Oliver is one of our best judges, and we need to keep her on our court, so vote yes to retain her on Nov. 4.
Alfred Jones Jr., State College
Learn where College Township candidates stand on casino
The upcoming elections for College Township Council will determine who will oversee College Township’s efforts to mitigate any harms caused by the soon-to-open Happy Valley Casino.
Three candidates are running for two open seats. This is an off-year election, so voter turnout will likely be low. Your vote will make a difference!
Candidate interviews discussing the casino are available here:
Steven Lyncha - see 4:00-4:37, 5:14-7:43, and 9:14-10:14 at videoplayer.telvue.com/player/GNduNoua2rBThhw6N4PRP9OCSPf6B2ru/media/974238
Gretchen Brandt - see 6:00-9:11 at videoplayer.telvue.com/player/GNduNoua2rBThhw6N4PRP9OCSPf6B2ru/media/974239
Eric Bernier - see 8:58-11:22 at videoplayer.telvue.com/player/GNduNoua2rBThhw6N4PRP9OCSPf6B2ru/media/974244
Additionally, since Bernier has been on the council from before College Township failed to opt out of potentially hosting a casino until now, his past actions can provide additional insight into his future approach to the casino:
Dec. 7, 2017: Voted not to opt out of possibly hosting a casino.
Aug. 16, 2021: Spoke in support of casino at Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board public hearing.
Oct. 6, 2022: Voted against sharing community feedback with PGCB.
Oct. 3, 2024: Indicated to Penn State student media he believes opposition to casino is overblown.
May 1, 2025: Voted to pay Convergence Strategy Group to conduct independent casino impact study despite CSG’s prior business relationship with Happy Valley Casino buyer Saratoga Casino holdings.
More information about concerns regarding the casino is available at saynocasino.org.
Please inform yourself and vote on Nov. 4!
Andrew Shaffer, State College
Local Sierra Club chapter endorses candidates
The Pennsylvania Chapter of the Sierra Club is proud to endorse Jesse Barlow to sit on the board of the State College Area School District. I have known Jesse since his son and my grandsons were grade schoolers many years ago. He has always had a strong interest in education and has been environmentally effective during his years on Borough Council, from signing on to Sierra Club’s 100% Renewable Initiative a few years ago to more recent advocacy for the Solar Power Purchase Agreement (SPPA). Please vote for Jesse Barlow.
I’m personally voting for Pamela Robb and Heidi Miller Kruesi as supervisors in Patton Township. Robb has a solid record when it comes to land use concerns, while Kruesi will be good for municipal park and recreation program support and other issues. I also like Robb’s veteran status. Please pull the lever for Robb and Kruesi if you live in Patton Township.
Other candidates who should be elected include Gretchen Brandt, running for Council in College Township. Brandt has many exceptional accomplishments, and few bulldogged the SPPA harder. She would be an outstanding board member. Vote Brandt.
If you live in Halfmoon Township, please vote for Donnan Stoicovy for supervisor. As board member of the ClearWater Conservancy for many years, most recently as president and even briefly as executive director, Stoicovy has invested untold hours protecting thousands of acres of some of central Pennsylvania’s most precious land. Your municipality will be in good hands if you make Stoicovy your public servant.
Douglas M. Mason, Port Matilda. The author is the chair of the Sierra Club Moshannon Group.