Our future depends on love and life prevailing

It was disheartening to read in Wednesday’s Post-Gazette that anti-Semitic incidents are increasing in number in Pennsylvania and across our country (Feb. 28, “Report: Anti-Semitic Incidents Rising in U.S., Pennsylvania”). Given the political culture being modeled in Washington and beyond, why should we be surprised? Political civility and mutual respect are in diminishingsupply these days.

Moments later I noticed and was heartened by the photo on the front page of Section B. It pictured Eckert Seamans law firm partner Robert Campedel sitting on the floor at the U.S. Steel Building with Justin Wilson, a second-grader at Manchester Charter School, whom Mr. Campedel is mentoring. Justin’s smile says it all.

The first story was a sign of hatred and evil. The second was a sign of love and life. I wonder in the end which will prevail. Our society and national future hang in that balance. REV. WILLIAM M. PAUL

Cranberry District 8 committee.

It is exactly this hubris and heavy-handedness on the part of our Democratic leadership that helped deliver Pat Toomey and Donald J. Trump to our country.

We, as a Democratic Party, have to realize that we had better embrace a policy of bringing in new voices and new blood and get off the path of nepotism and cronyism. For our leadership to rebuke the voice of its base with a “we know better” attitude is leading us to the incestuous downfall of the party. It is time to return to our democratic roots in a quest to build a strong, successful and progressive America. ROBERT URICCHIO

Squirrel Hill

All residents of the city of Pittsburgh should be concerned about our public schools. They pay taxes to the school district, and many have children enrolled in our public schools. A+ Schools has provided the voters in city council District 8 an opportunity to review the candidates’ responses to the organization’s education questionnaire (www.aplusschools.org).

After reviewing their responses, I think it is clear that Erika Strassburger is the only candidate who has worked with the district, attended a school board meeting and understands ways that the school board and city council can work together for all children from preschool through graduation. As chief of staff for Councilman Dan Gilman, she was responsible for quarterly meetings with the leaders of all the schools in District 8, and she intends to continue these meetings and work with the school board and the district to support their strategic plan. She will continue to support preschool education for all children in the city and strengthen and expand the city’s programs for school-age children.

As a former member of the Pittsburgh school board, I understand the complex state regulations for school funding (the district does not have the authority to implement a drink tax), and Erika is the only candidate who has the knowledge and experience to work with the district on solutions that will strengthen public education for all of Pittsburgh’s children. Erika understands that Pittsburghers benefit from quality public schools. Research confirms that educational success increases job opportunities, reduces crime rates and reduces the need for remedial social programs. BILL ISLER Squirrel Hill