To The Editor:

“Party polarization in America is real … It is evil. It is pulling our country apart.” - Ken Stern, former CEO of National Public Radio.

This problem isn’t just at the federal level but also at the local level. We saw this in the commissioner race in South Whitehall.

You may think that at the township level, there is no Democratic or Republican pothole, and that party is less important.

It should be about electing people who want to keep our streets clean, our infrastructure up to date, and many other things we need in our township.

Is the person honest? Are they going to try to act on behalf of all of the town’s residents or are they only working on behalf of their party?

Years ago, I was the only Democrat on South Whitehall’s board and worked with four fair-minded Republicans.

They always listened to what I had to say. They were not partisan. They focused on the residents of South Whitehall.

This year, the Democrat Party only put forth one candidate for commissioner.

Today, there are five Republicans on the board, and three seats are up for election.

I endorsed Republican commissioner candidate Ben Long, and I thought his honesty and abilities would shine.

Frankly, I never expected Ben to vote as a Democrat, but I believed he would listen to all sides.

Commissioners Diane Kelly and Jacob Roth attacked Long because I endorsed him. They said he wasn’t a real Republican. To be fair to the commissioners, it is a political race, and they should fight to win.

However, I believe a candidate should show why they are stronger than another candidate. Criticizing someone for not being a real “Republican” doesn’t say anything. It just riles people up.

They could have focused on why they think they are better for the town. Instead, Kelly and Roth showed they only care about the Republicans in the town.

I understand Roth will be in college during his tenure as commissioner. Phoning it in seems worse than being from one party or another.

Now that the election is over, we can see that Kelly and Roth also asked Democrats to write them on the Democratic side of the ballot. They kept that part a secret when they were lambasting Mr. Long.

Ben is an outstanding individual, deeply rooted in his faith and devoted to his family. He embodies the principles of truth, justice, and the American way.

He values honesty, integrity, and the unwavering pursuit of truth as cornerstones of a strong society.

Ben believes everyone should be treated fairly and equally under the law, regardless of their background, status or beliefs.

Moreover, he understands the significance of listening to everyone.

Good leaders discuss ideas and work together to do what’s best for everyone. They don’t just fight for their side.

It’s hard to get anything done when people only care about their party. We need leaders who care about doing the right thing, no matter what party they belong to.

As controller, I have tried to live up to that standard. I am pretty sure that I have angered both parties with audits, but my office has also saved millions of dollars for the residents of the county.

We need leaders who use facts and think about what’s best for everyone.

We should pick people to lead based on what they believe, not just their party.

Good leaders can change their minds and work with others for the good of all.

Working together is vital for our future. We should care about facts and fairness, not just fighting for our side. It’s time to choose leaders who work together and care about everyone.

I apologize to Ben and his family that my endorsement caused them to be criticized and endure the wrath of commissioners who seem to care not about the people but only about their party.

America First should also mean that we are American before our party.

Mark Pinsley

South Whitehall