We need Murt to continue representing our community

To the Editor:

The issues of recent issues have contained numerous views on the forthcoming election for state representative in the 152nd District of Pennsylvania.

I have been a resident of the 152nd District for more than 75 years and have been an active voter for some 52 of those years, following my military service. During that time period, we have had excellent representation in the Pennsylvania House of Representatives; that having been said, none has truly given better service to all his constituents, regardless of party affiliation or need, than current Rep. Thomas J. Murt.

I have seen Rep. Murt in action on many occasions, and no issue is too small to warrant his attention because he truly believes that each matter tackled is of some level of urgency to the person presenting it.

I personally have raised numerous community-related issues to Mr. Murt, and each time, a thoughtful, intelligent response has been received and action taken has reflected what is needed to be achieved.

This year, it seems that there is an ill-advised movement to throw out all the incumbents, which will not serve our communities well. I’ve noted that some letters supporting Daryl Boling are from afar (i.e., Jersey City, N.J.), where I have to question the true knowledge of the writer on the issues facing the 152nd District.

As a person who was born, raised, educated and employed in Lower Moreland Township, I am totally convinced that Tom Murt is the man we need to continue to represent and serve this community. He has earned re-election to his position, and anything less would be a disservice to the citizens of the 152nd District. from Rep. Murt. I noticed a troubling pattern: Murt is not transparent with his stance on issues, including abortion and gun control. He employs methods to avoid directly answering questions on tough issues.

But it gets worse. Murt added to his own obfuscation by making up and attributing positions for his opponent. Murt falsely claimed Daryl Boling wants to raise taxes, yet Boling wants to protect middleclass voters from tax increases.

Murt’s “town halls” are not open forums but controlled last-minute telephone sessions. By design, there is no opportunity for open exchange or challenging questions. All questions are screened and selected prior to being put through. These sessions give the appearance of open communication without delivering.

Some constituents called Murt and, when pressed for specifics on an issue, were treated with hostility. Particularly around abortion, Murt’s hackles are raised when pressed for specifics.

This lack of transparency coupled with occasional outright disrespect is contrasted against Boling’s approach. Example: Moms Demand Action scheduled a Q&A session around Murt’s availability, yet he no-showed. Boling attended and answered all questions with details. There was no need to guess.

Boling hosts open, inperson events in which he clearly communicates his positions in support of health care, women’s rights, education and sensible gun control. He encourages questions.

I expect transparency and truthfulness. The choice is clear. I’ll vote for Boling, the straightforward truth teller.

There is much concern about the quality of drinking water in the district and for those responsible for its quality. The townships and the water companies, as well as the state legislature, are responsible. Mr. Stephens has been the representative for this district for four terms, but what has he and the Republicancontrolled legislature done about water pollution?

Now with the evidence mounting and the public up in arms, Mr. Stephens is attempting to become a newly minted environmentalist. However, his legislation regarding environmental cleanups was rejected by his own Republican party in the Pennsylvania legislature.

Ms. Rothman, on the other hand, has been endorsed by high-quality environmental groups, including the Conservation Voters of PA and the Pennsylvania chapter of the Sierra Club.

I support Ms. Rothman because she will not be a political opportunist. Vote for her for her much greater concern for the environment. so prevalent by the GOP today, damages your own credibility.

Regarding claims on your mailer:

• By “safer schools,” are you planning to arm teachers? What are you going to do to make schools safer?

• Will your “fiscal discipline” de-fund Medicaid, Medicare and Social Security in order to make it more “accessible and affordable,” as is suggested by your party leaders? Give us your plan — not simple rhetoric. Do you support getting rid of the social programs that work and substituting vouchers that will reduce the funding for fixed income seniors and underserved citizens?

• How will you fight to reduce exorbitant drug costs?

What dark money PACs are funding your campaign?

You seem to be more of the same — nothing new. For the record, I do not mind paying taxes for social good, but I do mind those who deceptively seek to put my tax dollars in their own or their children’s pockets.

Your slogans are just that — no substance, no reason to support you. I’m voting for Ms. Collett for Pennsylvania Senate. is by far the most prolific abuser.

Her attempt to keep her off-shore accounts and her business dealings with China from the voters and her disregard for the Cheltenham political sign policy might make one wonder if she is the person who should represent us in Washington. increased significantly. Use jumped from 11 million pounds in 1987 to nearly 300 million pounds in 2016.

And the World Health Organization lists Roundup as a carcinogen to humans.

The evidence is clear: We have to work to ban glyphosate now. Bees, butterflies and our health can’t wait.

Together, we can save bees and monarch butterflies from extinction. We can move to a truly sustainable, healthy, organic food system that works for pollinators, people and the planet.