Remember Infrastructure Bill Votes
Congressmen Fred Keller and Glenn Thompson and most of the rest of the Republican Caucus proudly voted against last year’s bipartisan infrastructure bill, even while knowing full well that Pennsylvania ranks fifth worst in the nation for bridge maintenance with more than 12,000 of the state’s bridges in need of repair.
Keller and Thompson, apparently in the firm grip of “party-above-all,” just don’t seem to be able to vote for anything Democrats or Independents propose. After all they are self-proclaimed warriors for the tribe rather than representatives of the constituents.
On Jan. 28, a bridge collapsed in Pittsburgh, one listed in poor condition for years. Ten people were injured; 14,500 vehicles per day will need to be rerouted.
Thankfully, in spite of the “No” votes of warriors Keller and Thompson, Pennsylvania will soon be receiving nearly $18 billion to repair and improve infrastructure. $1.6 billion is set aside for bridge repair; repairs obviously needed across the state.
This fall, when it comes time to elect Congresspersons, we should look for representatives who can work with others and represent constituents to replace our current tribal warriors.
Jeffrey Kern,
State College
Secure Storage of Firearms Is Critical
Two-thirds of gun deaths in Pennsylvania are suicides. Suicide rates are especially high for middle-aged white men, veterans, those living in rural areas, and LGBTQ adults and youth. Fifty percent of suicides are not planned – they occur within one hour of the suicide decision and 25% occur within five minutes of the decision. Any delay in access to a firearm may save a life. Secure storage of firearms means storing guns locked, unloaded, and with the ammunition locked and stored separately.
Winters in Central Pennsylvania can be lonely and isolating. If you know someone struggling with sadness or depression who has access to firearms, please learn more about how you can help them at afsp.org. You can learn more about secure gun storage, how to get free gun locks, and how to ask about gun safety in the homes your child visits at BeSMARTforKids.org. Safe storage of firearms is an easy and effective way to save lives.
Cari Gustafson & Erin Garthe
Co-Leads
Be SMART/Centre Region, PA
The Right Thing to Do
Hats off to the Patton Township Supervisors for unanimously voting to enact a mask mandate when inside public buildings in their township. Now we need all the rest of the municipalities in our area to follow suit.
The best way to stop the coronavirus, including Omicron and future variants, is to do a few simple things: maintain social distance, get all your shots, test occasionally and, yes, wear a mask when around others. The cost of doing these things: almost nothing. The cost of not doing these things: sickness and possibly your life, or the lives of people you know.
At last report we have 326 dead from Covid in Centre County, 32 dead just last month. Why risk it?
Thank you to the Patton Township Supervisors for their leadership on this life and death issue.
Promoting public health and safety? It’s always the right thing to do.
Polly Dunn,
State College
