The letters in support of re-electing Donna Oberlander suggest that we should vote for her because she understands us. Obviously, she understands us and politics well enough to get elected four times. My concern, one that none of her supporters have addressed, is whether she represents us.

It is easy for a local politician to say that they have a strong stance on some philosophical issue that is popular with voters – one on which they will probably never vote. For example, a state representative could say that they support overthrowing Vladimir Putin. This would (I hope) be a popular stance, but, for practical purposes, it is meaningless. Similarly, a state representative can get people all riled up on federal issues such as Second Amendment rights — but unless she or he plans on becoming the President or a Supreme Court justice — a local representative’s stance on these federal issues doesn’t hold much weight. What matters is the stance on issues that the representative will actually vote on.

As we all know, actions speak louder than words — especially where politicians are concerned. If I want understanding, I have my family and friends. What I want from my state representative is for her or him to represent me and help me — or at least not hurt me. That is not what I have gotten from Donna Oberlander. Overwhelmingly, she and her fellow politicians have toed the party line in Harrisburg instead of voting for what will help the people who live and work here at home.

On the other hand, I am strongly enthused about voting for Joe Billotte, a local businessman who has been very clear that he will vote for what is best for the 63rd District, regardless of whether it goes against Democratic or Republican party leaders. Let’s elect someone who is independent of party politics, and is not taking money from ExxonMobil, R.J. Reynolds Tobacco Company, and undisclosed out-of-state sources. Let’s elect Joe Billotte– a man whose ties are not to Harrisburg or other outside interests, but to this area!

Submitted by Peggy Lingwall

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The deadline for candidate-related submissions is November 1, 2016.