To the Editor:

I am pleased to announce I have decided to formally endorse Zach Mako for state representative in the 183rd Legislative District.

I have found Zach to be an individual of high integrity worthy of your support.

He is a veteran with a high sense of pride in our Armed Forces and commitment to public service.

There is no greater level of public service than to serve and defend one’s country.

As a son of a veteran, a proud father of a combat veteran and a veteran myself, I respect Zach immensely in this regard.

While continuing to serve and defend, Zach has found the time to complete his bachelor’s degree in finance from Kutztown University.

His degree and background in finance will be of great help during the budget process in Harrisburg.

This will also help him in his quest to deliver a high level of constituent service with minimal cost to taxpayers, especially seniors on fixed incomes.

There are those who feel Zach might be too young and inexperienced.

I ask you to question yourself. Do you question the age of our men and women who fly Chinook helicopters in country like Zach?

Do you question the age of veterans like my son who saved lives in Afghanistan while a hospital corpsman with the fleet Marines?

Do you question the age of young men and women who train to protect our neighborhoods in our police department or our firefighters or emergency first responders whom we rely on to protect our lives and our homes in times of crisis?

If one can do all of these at a young age and be willing to lay their lives on the line to perform their duties with honor and dignity, should we question whether or not they are too young or inexperienced to represent us in Harrisburg and our district offices?

I think not. Age is not a prerequisite to capable leadership. Zach has proven that.

Finally, I have found Zach to be a man of few words. Quite frankly, I find that refreshing.

When you sit down with him either in a group or one on one, you will find he not only hears you ... he listens.

Zach is one who walks first, then talks. Truly he exemplifies the motto of my past campaign: Deeds Not Words.

Marc Grammes

Washington Township

Editor’s note: Marc Grammes is a former Lehigh County commissioner and candidate for the 183rd Legislative District. In Lehigh County, the district covers parts of Whitehall, Washington and South Whitehall townships and Slatington.

In Northampton County, the 183rd includes North Catasauqua, Walnutport, Northampton, Lehigh and Allen townships and parts of Moore Township.