To letter-writer Pamela Ann Long (“District 59 leader must be responsible,” April 19, TribLIVE), thank you for the questions you raised in your April 19 response to my letter “Mariah Fisher ready to represent” (April 4, TribLIVE). Efficient use of taxpayer funds and well-paying jobs are concerns for us all.
Fisher has been thoughtful about both. One of her key issues is reliable, fast internet service in our rural areas. She has researched possibilities and will pursue grant funding, thus minimizing any taxpayer costs. Furthermore, the American Rescue Plan provides a funding stream for broadband. In other words, Fisher is already poised to take on the broadband challenge while attending to local expenditures.
Broadband goes hand in hand with jobs. Do you know of any businesses that would locate or expand in an area with spotty internet service? I don’t. One enables the other. Again, Fisher is poised to move forward on this from day one. She, too, wants to keep our local talent in the area.
Two other candidates, one libertarian and one Republican, appear on the District 59 ballot. As you note, it would be excellent to hear some specifics from them on these very issues.
Helen Sitler
Ligonier