Why were these GOP women omitted from commentary?

I read the Aug. 19 Forum commentary “The Way Is Still Not Easy for Women Candidates,” but I think the title should have been “Support Democratic Socialist candidates for office this November.” The piece was nothing more than political advocacy. How else could you explain why the author excluded mentioning the great qualified Republican female candidates for the state House in Allegheny County, including Lori Mizgorski for the 30th District, Natalie Mihalek for the 40th District and Valerie Gaydosfor the 44th District?

Clearly, each one of these qualified women have unique and interesting stories that were omitted from the Democratic campaign opinion piece.

Further, why are we advocating based on gender only? House Speaker Mike Turzai hired the first female chief of staff in the history of the speaker’s office, has a female district director and has selected Kathy Gallagher as the caucus’ chief outside legal counsel.

Mr. Turzai has put women in the highest positions of power throughout the state government because he has sought the best counsel for the office and the House without regard to gender.

Also, should we not look at what candidates have done to give back to their communities? Mr. Turzai and his wife, Lidia, have long been involved with their community’s schools, Boy Scouts, church and sport teams. Meanwhile his opponent, who has lived here only a few years, is mentioned in this political pandering piece solely because she is a woman.

The notion that only women promote bills focused on “improving the lives of women, families and children” is inaccurate. It was under Mr. Turzai’s leadership that a task force was established to address the issue of child abuse. Mr. Turzai teamed up with chairs Kathy Watson and Ron Marsico to pass 36 bills resulting in broad reform and increased funding for child advocacy centers.

Finally, it was Mr. Turzai’s unwavering support and encouragement that helped lead me to join the proud ranks of elected women in Allegheny County. I personally walked many of those same streets and knocked on many of the same doors and found most people were very welcoming and supportive.

It’s time to stop the politics of victimization!

CINDY KIRK Allegheny County Councilwoman, District 2

McCandless