For Wayne and Susquehanna county, PA, my state house representative, Jonathan Fritz, is hosting a concealed-gun seminar on October 14.

Recent research from Johns Hopkins University is concerning: Wayne County leads the state in per capita suicides by guns. Susquehanna County is third. Even more disheartening is that in the past five years, suicide by guns, state by state, has gone up by 10 percent, but only in states that have passed concealed carry legislation.

If this worsening statistic holds true, we can expect to witness an increase from 43 gun-related suicides to 47 gun suicides in the coming years in Wayne County.

William F. Davis
Honesdale, PA

For prosperity and opportunity, we need Matt Cartwright

Dedicated elected public servants don’t begin their efforts with an eye toward claiming credit for whatever it is they might accomplish. Rather, such leaders work hard to solve the problems of their constituents, simply because their people need redress and relief. 

After 10 years in the House of Representatives, working for the people of NE Pennsylvania, in 2022, Matt Cartwright ascended to the Chair of the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Commerce, Justice and Science. In that position, an opportunity arose to marshal $50 million for NEPA within President Biden’s $65 billion bipartisan Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act. 

As you know, infrastructure dollars provide massive job opportunities, and include funds for bridges, roads, high-speed internet, etc. However, such dollars are also long-term generational opportunities that cannot be immediately realized. No glitz, no drama, no headlines. 

Nonetheless, jobs and redevelopment represent vital opportunities and Matt Cartwright was not going to allow our region and our people to be overlooked. His reasoning: the need is here and so he acted on our behalf to “seize the day.”

Matt garnered those funds, and the consequent benefits will be realized for our people—but not before the upcoming election. Timing was not part of a calculation that others might have made. But then, whatever the calendar might say about the season, Matt Cartwright is a perennial fighter for the people of NEPA. On November 8, we should continue to keep it that way. 

John Pace
Honesdale, PA

Campaigning for freedom

We all are distressed by deeply contentious divisions between our major political parties. Tragically, the divisions have caused distrust between individuals and gridlock in government. When elected to be your state representative, I will defend our state and federal constitutions because they define and protect our freedom.

We Americans are free to choose both our own paths and our leaders. Different people make different choices. When our choice is wrong, we ought to make amends and find a different path forward. We learn to make good decisions and become mature citizens.

Faith is a powerful force. Each American rightfully chooses the facets of our faith. Our beliefs are not uniform. Most certainly, we are protected by our constitutional freedom.

Included in this freedom, I believe, is the right for a woman to have control over her own body. She ought to decide whether or not to have a baby. Stigmas that ensnare a woman around this choice—single woman, working mom—further add to her burden. These stresses cripple her success, both outside the home and within marriage. Importantly, most people believe in a woman’s right to make decisions about contraception, pregnancy, abortion, or adoption with the love and support of her community.

Individuals and families need economic, political, and social systems to thrive. 

Government that supports the well-being of all pays off for everyone. For example, public schools have been with us for a very long time. More recently, assistance with housing, food, income, and healthcare have sustained families during difficulty. Government that strips away these systems would not be working for people.

I am running for state representative as an independent write-in candidate who is not bound to partisan politics. I run as an independently minded leader who will bring sensible, evidence-based government that protects our freedom. When elected to represent all people of PA House District 139, I will strive to balance the people’s views on budget votes, policy decisions and legislative bills. Always, I will apply my conscience and intellect to serve you.

Visit www.KeeganforPA139.com for more information.

Marian Keegan
Lackawaxen Township, PA