Don’t let Pennsylvania be fleeced by next coach

Lehigh Valley Sens. Coleman and Boscola, who represent both parties, should get together and put a bill through legislation that will address the insanity of James Franklin’s buyout. Since we the citizens will get to pay coach Franklin around $50 million as he leaves Penn State, we need to prevent this happening again in the future.

1. No contract for state employees should exceed four years; not the 10 years Franklin got.

2. The guaranteed money should not exceed more than 50% of the contract.

I spent over 32 years in the payroll industry as a senior account specialist and never saw such a ridiculous contract. I don’t care if Jesus Christ applies for the Penn State job, four years should be the maximum. I want the senators to make it a state law. There are plenty of good coaches who wouldn’t demand such outrageous salaries. The Lafayette and Lehigh coaches are good examples of good, talented coaches.

Also, I was looking at the staff size of the Penn State athletics staff, and it seems there are hundreds of employees. I wonder why so many are needed. I hope the senators do something and believe 99% of their constituents will agree.

James Dal Pezzo

Lower Macungie Township

How Donald Trump can win Peace Prize

If Donald Trump wants to be in contention for the Nobel Peace Prize, he should take a close look at who they chose this year: Maria Corina Machado, a Venezuelan crusader who fought for democracy in her country. President Trump should stop his vengeful ways against Democratic-led states and cities; bring back freedom of speech in the U.S.; and have the courage and integrity to be a leader all Americans can look up to. Then the Nobel Prize committee will have positive, factual data to discuss. Maybe he’ll even get to heaven!

Wanda Finelli 

Bethlehem 

Why isn’t Social Security as secure as foreign aid?

I’m 75 years old, and all my life all I ever heard was that Social Security is going to run out of money. Yet, I’ve never heard that foreign aid is ever going to run out.

Jim Takatsch

Whitehall Township

James Dal Pezzo

Lower Macungie Township

Hodges, Peischl avoid unnecessary partisanship

In today’s divisive political climate, it is both refreshing and comforting to know that we have local leaders who rise above partisanship to truly serve all residents of our township. That’s why I’m proud to support the reelection of Commissioners Monica Hodges and Chris Peischl.

These two commissioners have consistently demonstrated a commitment to responsible governance, transparency and collaboration. As members of a bipartisan Board of Commissioners, their thoughtful approach to decision-making focuses on what’s best for the township — not political gain.

Under their leadership, our township has maintained stable taxes while planning carefully for the future. They have overseen the budget with diligence, making smart investments in our roads and infrastructure, first responders and our parks that benefit residents today and in the long term. Their steady, community-first leadership is exactly what we need in these uncertain times.

As a Democrat, I value candidates who prioritize integrity, fiscal responsibility and unity over division. That’s why I’ll be voting to reelect Commissioners Hodges and Peischl. I encourage all residents, regardless of political affiliation, to do the same. Let’s keep our township moving forward with proven leaders who put people first.

Denise Graves

South Whitehall Township

We must protect rights of people with disabilities

Recent layoffs at the U.S. Department of Education have decimated special education offices, meaning that there is no one to administer the law that guarantees the rights of students with special needs.

As the mother of an adult son with autism, I’ve spent much of my life and career fighting for the rights and services that help people with disabilities live full, meaningful lives. I am outraged by the Trump administration’s gutting of offices meant to protect students with disabilities and slashing Medicaid and other programs that provide essential care and oversight. These cuts don’t stay in Washington. They hurt children, adults and families who depend on these supports every day, here in the Lehigh Valley and across the country.

I honestly don’t understand how anyone who has a family member with a disability, or who works in education, health care, or social services, can still support an administration that does this. We need to hold local elected officials who back these policies and support Trump accountable by voting them out. We need to elect people who will defend the services and programs that protect the rights of children and adults with disabilities and their families.

Michele Grasso

Hanover Township, Northampton County

Plastic packaging leads to expanding landfills

Single-use plastic has unfortunately become the standard for product packaging worldwide. This practice is problematic because it relies on an unrecyclable and inefficient material. Packaging is accounting for 40% of global plastic waste, and increasing the demand for landfill space worldwide. Products that require packaging should use recyclable alternatives or refillable containers made from paper, tin or glass. We must educate our elected officials about the benefits of a shift toward efficient and sustainable packaging if we want to slow global waste and prevent the expansion of landfills in our communities.

Chiara Mood

Bethlehem

Remember who, why we fought in World War II

Around 407,000 U.S. service members in the prime of their lives died in World War II fighting against authoritarian leaders who suppressed free press, seized power and dominated industries. The authoritarian leaders waged war and threatened peaceful nations. We stood up to these regimes to preserve our democracy and protect the world. Now, we’ve moved far beyond the early stages of becoming the kind of country we fought against. Why are so many Americans confused about this? Supporting or opposing Donald Trump isn’t like cheering for a football team. It is about the health of our country. It’s about choosing decency over tyranny, which is incredibly difficult to stop once it takes hold.

Terry Pundiak

Palmer Township

ELECTION LETTERS 

Letters to the editor about candidates and issues in the Nov. 4 general election must be received by 10 a.m. Oct. 27.  Election-related letters will not be published after Oct. 30.

The Morning Call publishes letters from readers online and in print several times a week. Submit a letter to the editor at letters@mcall.com. The views expressed in this piece are those of its individual author(s), and should not be interpreted as reflecting the views of this publication.