DeLissio stands up for her constituents
To the Editor:
In our Government and Civics class, we are taking a closer look at our state representatives. We appreciate the work Rep. DeLissio has been doing for our district. Her views on education, gerrymandering, gun control and many other issues important to our community are ones we have in common.
We read an article from 2011 titled “Pam DeLissio, Bala Cynwyd’s State Representative, Stands Alone on Education Vote.” This title was eye catching, and as we read further, we saw the strengths in her stances on the government. Casting a sole dissenting vote on a bill demonstrates how she stands up for what she believes in. The legislation would temporarily suspend professional development for teachers. We admire how DeLissio asks for the feedback of us, her constituents, on her decisions. We appreciate how in this bill and others she takes the time to think through bills and understand their meanings and the effects they may have.
However, gerrymandering has often limited the chance to look through legislation in detail before voting. The majority party is in control because of gerrymandering, and they often prevent members of the minority party from reviewing legislation. In an article from 2017 on gerrymandering, DeLissio says that on a recent and controversial budget code bill, the minority party was prevented from discussing the legislation for a fair amount of time. We agree that this is a very big problem. We are glad that even the people who are elected can recognize the harms of gerrymandering.
DeLissio’s recent statements about gun control got to the heart of the issue. When other’s solutions were to simply increase school security, she brought up that shootings are not limited to school facilities, pointing out that it was not the root of the problem. We think that that needs to be recognized, and we agree that without that recognition, this will continue to be a problem. We want this problem to be solved, not just covered up.
Her strong leadership skills are inspiring, and her dedication to your local community is admirable. We respect DeLissio’s diligence in working to reflect our (her constituents’) views through her monthly town hall meetings and contact with the people in our district.