Reelect Hodges and Peischl in South Whitehall

As a former South Whitehall commissioner, I strongly endorse Monica Hodges and Chris Peischl for reelection as South Whitehall commissioners.

I advocate for their reelection so that they may continue their excellent, transparent, successful governance that they provide for South Whitehall citizens, who should vote for Monica and Chris to continue their beneficial accomplishments which keep the township strong.

Monica and Chris have demonstrated strong leadership while presiding over the complete, challenging, transformational change that has made South Whitehall Township a model municipality.

The township has an extremely qualified top-tier township manager and operations director who serve the citizens and businesses with unquestionable dedication and work ethic; strong professional financial management and a balanced budget; a new exceptional chief of police; and three very strong volunteer fire companies and extraordinary emergency management services.

South Whitehall has a new comprehensive plan and zoning ordinances and land preservation is coming to fruition via the landscapes plan and innovative farmland preservation program.

I am very proud of Monica Hodges and Chris Peischl for serving on the South Whitehall Board of Commissioners which has successfully accomplished all these tremendous achievements.

Vote for Monica Hodges and Chris Peischl to keep South Whitehall strong and successful.

Michael K. Wolk

Millsboro, Del.

The writer is a former South Whitehall Township commissioner.

Equality doesn’t necessarily mean happiness

In the editorial by F.D. Flam titled “What archeology can teach us about inequality” (The Morning Call, Oct. 12, 2025), the author asks readers to reject inequality because eastern European neolithic farmers had very equal societies. But they were equal at a level of poverty, toil, suffering and want that would be unimaginable in the 21st century, even in our most undeveloped areas. And that poverty did not change for thousands of years. In fact working conditions did not improve much for the peasant class until late in the 19th century. That’s when the Industrial Revolution made a few people unimaginably wealthy, and the vast increase in productivity soon resulted in real improvements in living standards for everyone. So don’t worry about the fact that a handful of entrepreneurs have become obscenely wealthy. Their feckless heirs will likely dissipate it in a generation anyway. It’s the chance of becoming fabulously wealthy that drives innovation. With just a touch of well-considered government regulation, that innovation will soon make everyone’s life better.

Roger Chapman Burk

Bushkill Township

Congress should use its power of the purse

Trump doesn’t seem to care about the country or the world. It’s all about himself and power. It’s extremely depressing and distressing to see how willing some Americans are to accept and adapt to Trump’s dictatorial behavior. Where is the Congress and its checks and balances on this administration? Doesn’t the House of Representatives under the Constitution have “the power of the purse” not the president? Congress needs to start doing its job and stop being a cheering section for Trump.

Donald DeCray Sr.

Bethlehem

Action needed now on climate change

The Associated Press article in the Thursday, Oct. 16, 2025, edition of The Morning CalI is scary. The U.N.’s World Meteorological Organization reported annual carbon dioxide emissions last year were higher than at any time before. Legitimate climate scientists have warned of this for decades, but our leaders prefer to deny it.

President Trump, supported by Sen. McCormick and Rep. Mackenzie, prefers to defund clean energy projects and even turn off climate monitoring satellites. Meanwhile business as usual has pushed emissions to greater amounts than natural systems can absorb.

To avoid more expensive natural disasters exacerbated by a warming climate, we must end our addiction to fossil fuels and switch to renewable energy sources at large scale, and soon. But even small steps can change our climate direction. The national electrical grid is in dire need of upgrades to get clean energy (wind, solar) from where it is produced, to where it is needed (population centers), yet grid projects are languishing in the approval bureaucracy. Permitting reform is sorely needed to get these projects online. There are bills before Congress to do that, if they would only get to work to pass them.

We will soon reach a tipping point when climate catastrophes are inevitable. Action on climate solutions is desperately needed.

John Gallagher

Bethlehem Township

Far-right groups show hypocrisy

The stated goals of the Oath Keepers and people who say they are Three Percenters in the militia movement are to protect constitutional rights and to resist government overreach and tyranny.

America currently is in the throes of government overreach and tyranny. Where are the Oath Keepers and the Three Percenters now? Both are missing in action.

David Correll

Nazareth

Hodges, Peischl deserve reelection in South Whitehall

I am writing this letter to strongly endorse my colleagues, Monica Hodges and Chris Peischl, for reelection as South Whitehall Township commissioners. After years of challenges, our township is thriving, achieving unprecedented levels of fiscal health, commitment to first responders, and a clear plan to preserve open space. This success is directly attributable to the deep knowledge Monica and Chris bring to every decision. I have witnessed their work firsthand, and truly believe they are the most qualified candidates for this important position in our community. Their consistent dedication to the township — Monica attending over 180 public meetings before joining the board, and Chris’ 42 years as a volunteer firefighter — is unparalleled.

In this election, we cannot risk our community’s future. That’s why I am proud to stand with Monica and Chris. As the only registered Democrat on the board, I urge all residents to join me in looking beyond party labels and voting for these exceptional candidates. In chaotic times, Monica Hodges and Chris Peischl brought calm, steady leadership to South Whitehall. If reelected, their selfless service will benefit our community for decades to come.

Thomas J. Johns

The writer is a South Whitehall Township Commissioner.

ELECTION LETTERS 

Letters to the editor about candidates and issues in the Nov. 4 general election must be received by 10 a.m. Monday.  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.