Many folks have asked me why I haven’t written much about the upcoming election. My answer is simple. We’ve all heard enough about the November 5th date and suffer from negative voices across a chalkboard overload. I’ve been trying to live in positivity. That being said, my next two columns will be my views and thoughts on what has become the most divisive election in American history.

I will begin with what most of you already know: I am a proud American who loves God, family, and Country in that order. I do not work for a political party or our federal government. I answer to a much higher power. I am trying to leave the world we are blessed with in a better place when my time is up.

I believe all citizens of our great Nation have a responsibility to vote. Who you vote for is your business, and I only hope I can help educate and encourage you to do so. I try to be accurate and sincere and call it like I see it. I will not endorse any candidate; however, I will tell you the truth, and over the years, this has been about both Republicans and Democrats. If any criticism comes my way, it’s usually from the very far right fringe or the very left extreme.

Too many of our elected, appointed, and government officials have lost sight of who they work for and what’s most important. Their inability to understand the American voter, worker, and taxpayer has been lost. We need to return to the days of compromise through common sense based on respect for each other and those who came before us.

The most important thing about anyone you vote for is the person they are, not the letter that distinguishes what party they belong to. Are they honest? Do they have strong moral and ethical values? Would you trust them with your freedom? This does not go along with the election promises and words many speak. The closer you get to your home address, the more important the right person is over the right party, and usually, the more understanding a voter is of this fact.

There is nothing more frustrating to me than party being placed over the people they represent.

An example of this that jumped out to me last week happened in Lackawanna County. The residents have experienced decades of mismanagement, corruption, and personal agendas being placed over strong fiscal responsibility and management. This has resulted in a 33% property tax increase.

The two Democratic commissioners think this is just fine and are trying to sell it. The republican commissioner believes there needs to be more budget cuts, and no one should be asked to pay a 33% property tax increase. What is even more unbelievable is that I believe the people of Lackawanna County will continue to vote for the same party that caused this to happen.

We have been blessed locally to avoid the pitfalls areas not so far away are caught up in. This was accomplished by placing community, common sense, and the people of Lycoming County over political agenda. For our little neck of Penn’s Woods to stay strong, this must continue. Elected Democrats and Republicans have been able to serve their constituents well by doing what’s best for us — the People.

Our largest city, Williamsport, has Mayor Derek Slaughter, a Democrat working with a mostly republican City Council. They continue to move the city forward. This includes working with the WASD to help improve education and facilities and provide the best extracurricular programs. This has all been done in a way friendly to the taxpayer. The same cannot be said for the Scranton, Wilkes Barre, and Hazleton Schools in Lackawanna and Luzerne Counties, along with the concern for public safety.

I will carry these thoughts on choosing the quality of people over political denomination to the national level. I was shocked that our governor, Josh Shapiro, was not chosen over Minnesota governor, Tim Walz. And then I was insulted that they came to Philadelphia to make the big announcement and pony show.

The Democratic Party had the golden ticket to win the upcoming Presidential Election as Pennsylvania is the Keystone State. A more moderate Shapiro has always supported President Biden, has one of the highest approval ratings of any governor, and has dealt with the Democrat/Republican division firsthand. He has proven he has no problem taking on any organization or entity.

Wouldn’t you like to know the truth about why he wasn’t chosen? I am not a registered Democrat, and I would like the truth.

I’m out of space for this week. Just to give you a heads-up, next week, I will attempt to use my common sense and a little research to explain what drives Bob Casey, Matt Cartwright, and Kamala Harris.

Please, my contact info is on Page 4. If you have any thoughts, go directly to me, not my staff. I am always respectful and learn from talking with you. Thank you.
God Bless America.