To the Editor:

Last night [April 17], I attended the Concerned East Penn Taxpayer debate for the 134th district state representative race between Ron Beitler and Ryan Mackenzie.

CEPTA has been hosting almost all local race debates since 1980. The problem was that Ryan Mackenzie did not show up for the debate even though his Harrisburg duties did not interfere with the event.

This is not the first time he has ducked a debate.

Ron Beitler’s presentation for an hour and a half was very informative and inspiring with questions coming from many in the audience. He seemed to have an intuitive grasp of all the important issues.

His stances on term limits, pension reform, land use practices, government waste and tackling special interests with no fear was insightful and entertaining.

Pledging support for elimination of property taxes and pragmatic moves to tackle the pension time bomb were discussed thoroughly.

Although Lower Macungie might be losing the best commissioner we have ever had, Harrisburg would be dealing with a force to be reckoned with. He spearheaded the charge to go from a township without focus to a township that practices smart growth and preservation of open spaces, reconciling the economics with the practicality of planning for the future.

I wish to thank both Mr. Beitler and CEPTA for providing such a great community service.

Rob Hamill

Lower Macungie Township