Mar 31, 2019 2 min read

37th State Senatorial District Special Election nominees D. Raja and Pam Iovino are accomplished, highly educated individuals who have served their communities in different ways.

Their positive attributes are difficult to distinguish as they engage in a shameful, knock-down, drag-out fight on the airwaves, both focusing less on why we should vote for them, but why we should cast a ballot against their opponent, whom they portray as a good-for-nothing bum.

I can imagine the slop I would be receiving in my mailbox on a daily basis if I lived in the 37th District. The barrage that assaults the local television viewer seemingly each time they turn on their sets is bad enough.

I wonder how hit-below-the-belt candidates for office explain to their families, including impressionable children, that the mantra is, “I will do anything to be elected: anything. I will engage in a smear campaign, portraying my opponent in a negative light in every way possible, stretching the truth along the way. When my smarmy tactics lead to a victory, I will not look back: no apology for my actions, not even any mention of what I did to secure my senatorial seat.”

Mr. Raja and Ms. Iovino, are insults to one’s intelligence all that you think the residents of a prominent area deserve? You deserve each other. Some of us will not forget how you sprung into office, in a manner devoid of integrity and honor.

Oren Spiegler

South Strabane Township