Jun 9, 2013 2 min read

The news from last week that state Rep. Jesse White was attacking people online under pseudonyms and then lying about it was very sad and disappointing for many of us in Washington County.

Editorials expressing outrage over his actions have noted that his “pugnacity” while in office got the better of him. Unfortunately, I would like all of White’s constituents to know that this pugnacity has been present, and often misguided, well before his time in office and they should seriously reconsider who is representing them in Harrisburg. In fact, over 18 years ago, White attacked me in the press while he was a student at Beth-Center writing for the “Young Observer” column in the Observer-Reporter when I was a school board director. He made incendiary comments based on his desire to make a name for himself, while appearing to be the “savior” for a radical student group he helped form. After all these years, nothing has changed with White, except this time he used the anonymity of the Internet to help build his own esteem while crushing others.

As a school board member for many years, I like to see all former students succeed. And being a Beth-Center graduate allows for some pugnaciousness, as we are the Bulldogs, after all. But this recent behavior by White should not be tolerated by anyone and especially his constituents. My advice to White is to reflect on his actions over the years and take a step back from politics to focus on his law practice and channel that energy to the courtroom. Some pro bono work for the public might be a good start. Because my advice to voters in his district is to find someone more level-headed to represent them next year.

Karen Drill

Marianna

Drill is a director on Bethlehem-Center School Board.