Letter: Supporting Balachandran for Judge

As we head to vote on Tuesday, I write to share why I support Gopal Balachandran’s campaign for judge. When he ran for State College Borough Council in 2021, as a neighbor and friend, I knew he’d be an important voice and conscientious presence. Now in that role, I have appreciated his thoughtful yet gentle questioning about an array of topics, seeking through questioning to learn more. As a fellow parent of young kids, I’ve seen his dedication to supporting youth through a variety of community roles as well as welcoming my kids as they bounce over to his house. I appreciate deeply that we have such a committed public servant, and role model for our children, and I welcome greater racial diversity in our courts.

I also know he has deep experience that would serve the people of Centre County well. At times, his current role as a professor at the law school has been dismissed even though I know from professional collaborations with other law school clinics of the incredible work these students and their supervising professors do as they learn through direct engagement with the law. I value deeply his experience with the Pardon Project, supporting a chance at better opportunities for those who have completed their sentence, as well as his years of public defender work. These experiences suggest that he will be mindful of ensuring that he applies the law fairly, knowing deeply the consequences of the job.

Erica Frankenberg,
State College