To the Editor:

Our country needs change. Desperately. Change in Washington, D.C.

The forces of gerrymandering and huge money in politics are stealing away our democracy.

In D.C., we need a U.S. House member who will work daily on issues important to the vast majority. One who will work to preserve Social Security and Medicare. One who will fight for our families, working people and the middle class.

A U.S. House member who will fight to end all discrimination. One who understands that women need total control of their health care and reproductive rights. A Congress member who will promote equal pay for all, raising the minimum wage to a living wage and tackling outrageous student debt.

A person who understands addressing gun violence in America today is a public safety issue, not a Second Amendment infringement. Preserve gun rights and reflect the overwhelming number of Americans’ support for universal background checks and sensible gun laws.

A person who understands that immigration and diversity are what created America’s success. A person who understands the danger of hateful talk by leaders in Washington. One who is compassionate yet strong in her convictions.

A U.S. House member who will fight for - demand - a clean environment and combat climate change.

Susan Wild is that person.

Susan has pledged to fight for us, the millions of people who make our country work. Health care for all, strengthening Social Security, fighting for families, improving education and the environment, and changing the vast income inequality that is damaging our country. Susan will work to return our government to a government of, by and for the people.

Susan Wild is a fighter who, as an attorney for more than 35 years, never shied away from tough cases and tough negotiations. She will not back down from the Trump Administration or any special interest in Washington. Susan will always keep us in mind whenever she casts a vote in the U.S. House.

For these reasons and more, when my campaign ended my effort for the U.S. House last March, I immediately endorsed Susan Wild for Congress. She possesses true Progressive Democratic values. She is straightforward in style and not a sloganeer. Susan has always been a progressive, not an election year progressive.

I think we want a real Democrat in the U.S. House. That Democrat is Susan Wild. I hope you agree and vote for her this May 15.

Bill Leiner

Coplay