Mackenzie wrong on labor; Wild supports unions, workers
As president of my local, AFSCME 1979, I have many reasons not to vote for Ryan Mackenzie for Congress. As a member of the state House, Mackenzie has been a roadblock to passing common sense, pro-union, pro-worker legislation in Pennsylvania. These bills would have significantly improved the livelihood and working conditions of my union sisters and brothers, myself and working folks all across Pennsylvania.
Mackenzie has blocked efforts to raise Pennsylvania’s minimum wage. His campaign is funded by out-of-state groups that push anti-worker legislation and “right to work” for less laws in Pennsylvania. He also voted against a constitutional amendment to enshrine workers’ rights, which would have protected our right to organize and collectively bargain. This is especially troubling given the rich history of organized labor in the Valley.
Support for unions is crucial to me. Workers’ rights shouldn’t be a political issue — they benefit everyone, regardless of politics. In this race, Susan Wild is the only logical choice. Her record on workers, accessibility and community engagement has earned my support.
Susan is endorsed by every major local union, and she’s got my vote too. For the sake of the workers in your life, vote for Susan this November.
Anne Radakovits
Emmaus
We the people can make and keep America great
“Make America Great Again” and “Keep America Great” have been Donald Trump’s campaign rallying slogans. Well, I can tell you it’s neither Trump nor any other politician who can make or keep America great but us, we the people. Look around at all the buildings, roads and the food on your table, because it was hard-working, everyday men and women who built those buildings and roads, and produced that food. Do you think they accomplished this by constantly arguing, insulting and trying to undermine each other? No – it required collaboration, purposeful communication and being respectful.
Too often, today’s political players, social media, and highly partisan news sources promote never-ending divisiveness resulting in Republicans detesting Democrats and vice versa. You want to make America great? Then toss the vulgar political signs, wash your hands of the political insults, self-serving lies, intolerance, hostilities and conspiracies then reach out to shake the other person’s hand and say, “Come on, let’s work together to make America great.” And that’s how we make and keep our country great.
Barbara Adamcik
Freemansburg
Will Recompete grants be spent wisely in Allentown?
An Aug. 6 front-page Morning 첥Ƶ story, “Allentown gets help in unemployment fight,” deserves careful analysis. Some $20 million in federal Recompete grants is intended “to help create opportunities in economically depressed communities through jobs and to improve access to the workforce.” Allentown was selected in part because it is already working toward “planned zoning code overhauls.”
Nobel laureate economist Milton Friedman observed, “One of the great mistakes is to judge policies and programs by their intentions rather than their results.” How are these “Recompete” grants to be evaluated? What metrics will be used?
For example, would a 10% increase in private sector employment or a 50% measured improvement in English language skills indicate that the $20 million was well-spent? Maybe metrics like this are there but I could not find them.
What about the $20 million? It appears free but was first taken from us by direct taxes, or by inflation resulting from excessive government deficit spending. Friends, remember this observation by 18th-century moral philosopher and economist Adam Smith, “There is no art which one government sooner learns … than that of draining money from the pockets of the people.”
James Largay
Upper Saucon Township
Medicare additions are unfair extra costs
A recent letter to the editor, “To Help Seniors, Stop Taxing Social Security Benefits,” was right on. And I will add to it. I’ve worked for 54 years of my life. I just retired at the age of 73 last year. I have paid taxes from the time I was overseas in the Marine Corps, from the late ‘60s into the ‘70s. I paid Medicare, Social Security, every local, state and federal tax there is. So when I retired, I thought, well, I’m going to get a break. There was none. In order for me to be medically taken care of, I need Medicare Part B, Part D and a Supplement, all of which I pay a high cost for. Yet I paid into all of these since 1968.
Jim Takatsch
Whitehall Township
Ad congratulating Wild wasted taxpayer dollars
I know that we’re getting into campaign season, but is it too much to ask for campaigns to use their own money? I saw an advertisement Aug. 14 in 첥Ƶ congratulating Rep. Susan Wild for receiving the Hero Award from the Pennsylvania Alliance for Retired Americans. I had assumed that this ad was paid for by this organization, but no. The ad was paid for with official funds from Susan Wild’s congressional office — with our tax dollars. This kind of advertising is both duplicitous and an egregious waste of taxpayer dollars. Our money should not be paying for Susan Wild to congratulate herself and try to help her campaign.
Heather Wickett
Weisenberg Township
Bethlehem parking plans aren’t very welcoming
The Bethlehem Parking Authority is increasing the cost of parking 67% and reducing meter time limits in September. The authority will also eliminate 253 parking spaces when rebuilding the downtown Walnut Street Garage. Oddly, this coincides with the Moravian settlement being inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List, an honor that will surely bring many new visitors to downtown Bethlehem. Rising demand and reduced supply create the perfect opportunity to raise prices and issue more tickets. It’s certainly not welcoming and visitor friendly, the very image that Bethlehem works hard to achieve, but it will increase revenue for the parking authority. The question is where were Mayor Reynolds and Council President Colon when these plans were being approved?
Jim Disario
Bethlehem
Inflation Reduction Act ends ‘doughnut hole’ in 2025
Regarding the Aug. 24 letter, “Want my vote? End medication ‘doughnut hole,’ ” the Inflation Reduction Act signed by President Biden in 2022 eliminates the prescription drugs coverage gap (known as the doughnut hole) for seniors in 2025.
Beginning Jan. 1, people with Medicare prescription drug coverage will benefit from a yearly cap ($2,000 in 2025) on what they pay out of pocket for prescription drugs.
Gregory J. Csencsitz
Northampton
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