This letter was submitted to LebTown. Read LebTown’s submission policy here.
I’d like to thank LebTown for covering local government meetings and bringing an issue to light regarding politics during official government proceedings.
I am writing in response to political statements happening in several borough and school district meetings in the county. Political conversations about endorsements and other candidates during official business are inappropriate. Unfortunately the presiding officers seem to have no awareness of this nor a desire to stop it. In fact they have encouraged it. This in and of itself shows the need for change. The endorsements of the Lebanon County Republican Committee are taking up time at those meetings that should be used on public policy issues. It shows disrespect for the institutions which they “serve” and the comments made show a lack of understanding the democratic process.
Unlike many groups that try to influence elections, local party committee members are elected. As such their endorsements are representative of the people of each precinct. There are discussions and debates and sometimes there are no endorsements leaving committee people to support any candidate. However when an endorsement is made it is a deliberative process with committee members offering their opinions and then voting as a representative of the people in their precinct. Being a local committee member is not easy nor is it paid but it is an important role and one each of members takes seriously.
Lebanon County Republican Committee endorsements may be found on our website and the LCRC is hosting several forums to meet our endorsed candidates. We as a committee will also be knocking doors, making calls, sending communication and working the polls for these candidates. Our poll workers are our committee people elected by the voters, if you want to know why we endorsed a candidate I encourage you to ask us.
Bill Bova
LCRC Chair
Bill Bova is chairman of the Lebanon County Republican Committee. He lives in South Londonderry Township, where he serves on the Board of Supervisors.
