Letter to the Editor:

 With two weeks to go before election day, I would like to encourage you to join me in supporting John Lawrence, our State Representative.

I’ve known John for a number of years, even before he was elected to the legislature.  He’s a native of this area, and is in touch with the needs of the community.  He brings a common-sense approach to governing, he’s accessible, and he listens.   

As a mother of young children, I am interested and concerned about the future of Pennsylvania.  One of the reasons my family moved to Pennsylvania was to take advantage of the educational opportunities available to my kids that are simply not as robust in surrounding states. I appreciate John’s strong and continued support of education, and of both traditional and charter schools.       

John has been a leader in protecting our children.  In the wake of several high profile child abuse cases, it was clear Pennsylvania needed to act in updating the laws on abuse and neglect.  As a member of the House Children and Youth committee, John was part of a team that researched the issue, held numerous hearings, and then enacted new legislation that brought Pennsylvania into the 21st century and will help keep predators away from young people.

I also can tell you that John is an independent thinker, and is as candid with the strengths and the shortcomings of elected Republicans as he is with those of elected Democrats.  The issues facing Pennsylvania, especially the underfunding of the state pension systems, were created by members of both parties, and need to be solved by members of both parties.

We need someone who is not “beholden” to a party but is instead beholden to the constitution and the people he represents.  John has shown during four years in office that he is willing to be that person. He has voted many times against his own party, particularly on bills that borrow and spend more of our kid’s money.  He has also shown he is willing to work with anyone who is trying to advance solid bills to help the future of Pennsylvania.

With this in mind, I again ask you to join me in supporting John Lawrence for State Representative on Nov. 4.

 

Julia Matthews

West Grove