Letters to the editor
Concerns aired over polling place
Now that the election is over, I feel the need to voice an opinion regarding the precinct where I vote.
I was once Judge of Elections in Nottingham Township and worked many elections at a precinct housed in a large church. We had a great relationship with the people at the church and rarely had any problems on Election Day. My team of poll workers was well prepared. I now live in South Strabane Township and vote at the municipal building, which houses two precincts and is too small to accommodate both. Many of my neighbors and friends have voiced concern about parking, confined space and, above all, safety.
When we voted Tuesday, the line went into the building, turned left and went down a small, narrow hallway. It was extremely hot in that hallway, and we waited 45 minutes to register. A gentleman became ill, and paramedics were called. There was little or no room available for the litter they brought with them. He was seated in a chair in the middle of the precinct, and was embarrassed and uncomfortable. Fortunately, his problem was attended to and he was able to be taken home.
The people manning registration were new and inexperienced. I know that it is a thankless job, having done it for seven years, but this also needs to be addressed. I gave the workers advice when a gentleman needed a provisional ballot and was met with a stare that told me they weren’t sure what to do.
We need a larger precinct for safety and flow of electors, and well-prepared poll workers. I know it is hard to find people, but perhaps employees of the county could be asked to be trained and help on Election Day. There has to be a better way.
Virginia A. Trois
Washington
Honor our vets
We owe our veterans a debt of gratitude every day for their service. The things that these young men and women witnessed and were asked to do for their country will live with them for their lifetime. I doubt if any of them knew exactly what was going to be asked of them.
Everybody always talked about our World War II veterans and the great things they accomplished. If you served in Korea, Vietnam, Desert Storm, Iraqi Freedom or Afghanistan, you deserve and have earned the same respect. The circumstances may have been different, but the lives lost, missing, wounded and expectations were the same.
I have never served, but I have the greatest respect and appreciation for those who did.
Thanks for a job well done.
Mark Holtkamp
Washington
Keep door open
To know where each of us stands regarding the “invasion” heading for asylum at our Mexican border, it’s enough to remember the inscription on the Statue of Liberty. Throughout the world she’s the most famous welcoming symbol for individual liberty. Let’s keep her that way.
“Give me your tired, your poor, Your huddled masses yearning to breathe free, The wretched refuse of your teeming shore. Send these, the homeless, tempest-tost to me, I lift my lamp beside the golden door!”
Jim Flenniken
Lawrence