To the editor:
I am usually a person who keeps my political opinions to myself. I have my picks and I vote faithfully. But with such a volatile election year, I am inclined to write about a man whom I admire for his attributes as a man and as a politician for the people, leaving the mudslinging out of it, but rather writing from my heart and my gut. That man is Rep. Kerry Benninghoff, a man of integrity and honesty that is far from the norm of politicians in this day and age.
I have known Kerry Benninghoff for many years, first as my local representative, and as the re-districting took place, we lost him, but we never lost touch. I have called upon him for help with different situations, both as a constituent in his district, and out of his district. He has never told me that he could not help. He is always responsive to needs of the people, no matter what the situation or what district they live in. If he does not have an answer, he will do his best to find one.
I am an RN for the DOC and when our jobs where threatened buy privatization, Kerry Benninghoff met with me, heard my argument against this issue, and gave us his full support, and was more than willing to help save our jobs. This is just one, of many times, he has come to the aid of the people.
With Benninghoff's common background and work ethic as a laborer, in his early years, he knows how hard it is for the "working class" people and has served them well since 1996. The fact that he has served as Centre County Coroner and worked as a supervisor for Mount Nittany Medical Center, gives him perfect insight for the Health and Human Service Committee on which he serves.
Kerry Benninghoff is an independent thinker who is not afraid to oppose his own party when he feels it is not in the best interest of the people. That makes him a responsible candidate who is not afraid to go against the grain when necessary. He also reaches across the aisle to ensure that he's looking out for everybody in the community, not just his own party. That makes him fair minded and open minded.
Once again I will say, I am not here to be a big political advocate, but rather, I am here to tell you about a man, Kerry Benninghoff. A man that knows about hard work, knows about hard knocks in life, cares about helping people and does so without hesitation and truly cares about the people and the community of which he has served for the past 16 years.
This is a man I am proud to know, and he would get my vote every time.
Lisa Barker Wise
Burnham
