This letter was submitted to LebTown. Read LebTown’s submission policy here.
As the only resident of Dauphin county (and ONLY woman) that threw my proverbial hat into the ring to run for the Republican nod, I am disheartened by the lack of concern for the other two counties that the 48th District Senate seat represents. This district represents so many communities that your article does little to address.
The needs of Middletown, Highspire, Steelton, Swatara Township, Paxtang Borough, Fairview Township, and Newberry Township never got a mention. Those residents should pay close attention to the candidate that acknowledges the other places besides Lebanon county and their citizen’s concerns. Harrisburg International Airport, the PA Turnpike Commission HQ, and some of the busiest railroad yards, overpasses and crossings in the United States occupy this district.
The school districts in these parts of the district also have differing needs that should be addressed and will be a challenge; Central Dauphin School District is one of the biggest in the area and is home to students speaking over 78 languages and dialects. Steelton-Highspire School District is one of the smallest districts and is struggling to meet the needs of its’ online students not to mention their possible upcoming split and closure by the PA Department of Education.
It behooves the candidates running to get to know ALL of the residents of the 48th District, not just those they are comfortable with and live close to.
Maureen Roth had been a Republican primary candidate for the Senate District 48 special election. Roth is a Licensed Professional Counselor who lives in Paxtang Borough and has offices in the City of Harrisburg and Dover Township in York County.