Letters: Protect Addison Court and its residents; Children’s safety a concern at casino

Protect Addison Court and its residents

An editorial in the Centre Daily Times of Jan. 16, 1996, stated, “As the town’s good-will ambassador (Mayor Arnold) Addison promoted tolerance and understanding among diverse groups, especially minorities ...” In his remarks at the dedication of Addison Court, the mayor said, “I relish the knowledge that even after I’m gone, citizens are assured that Arnold Addison will always be downtown every day.”

Regarding the probable demolition of Addison Court, the first concern should be for the residents of the building. Addison’s desire to provide affordable housing to disabled, elderly and citizens of limited means was the primary goal. The downtown location for these residents is essential.

The developers of the proposed student-occupied building have made millions of dollars in this community, having benefitted from the many advantages made available to them by State College and the university. In addition, investors have been able to deduct their stake in the building from their federal income taxes for years. One would sincerely hope that they could see their way to give back to the town’s citizens by allowing this building to stand.

Carol Addison McKeever, Judith Addison Rayback and Gail Addison Guss, State College

Children’s safety a concern at casino

Every year, hundreds of children are left unattended in cars at Pennsylvania casinos while their parents or caretakers gamble. These children are at risk of heatstroke, hypothermia, kidnapping and numerous other harms. The opening of the Happy Valley Casino will likely introduce this serious problem to our community as well.

The Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board has provided guidance about what private citizens can do to help keep kids in our community safe:

We’re encouraging all casino personnel and the public to say something when they see something.

A very informative article from 2021 also provides further specific guidance about what private citizens can do if they see a child alone in a car near a casino:

In the vast majority of the cases, casino security was not the first to notice a child ...

According to the PA Dept. of Health, the best thing to do is immediately call 911 and follow the instructions of the emergency dispatcher.

Whenever you are near the casino or any of the surrounding businesses, please help us keep our community’s children safe by keeping your eyes open and your phone ready!

Nathan Tack, State College

Keep fair elections in Pennsylvania

Pennsylvania’s legislature currently uses one of the fairest district maps in the nation. Following the 2030 census and redistricting, the continuation of that fairness is up to the whims of a handful of politicians. I therefore urge Pennsylvanians to support the creation of an independent redistricting commission and furthermore, for state legislators to pass House Bill 31 and Senate Bill 131 to codify this commission into the state constitution.

Under Pennsylvania’s current system, redistricting is done by the majority and minority leaders of each house of the legislature and a fifth member chosen by the Supreme Court. Party leaders have a clear incentive to gerrymander districts such that they and members of their party are reelected. A Supreme Court with partisan leanings could then appoint a member who would ensure that incumbents of their party are protected while opposing incumbents are left to struggle.

Additionally, this process excludes the rapidly growing share of independent voters. Roughly a third of new voter registrations are for independents, yet they have no way to make their voices heard in this process. The proposed commission would require three of eleven members to be independents to ensure our voices are heard.

The continuation of this system fundamentally undermines the idea of fair elections; it must be replaced with one that gives power to the people over party bosses and recognizes the existence of independents. I wish to thank Representatives Conklin and Takac for cosponsoring these bills and encourage Senators Dush and Langerholc to join them.

Julian Mintz, State College