The writer of the letter “Ward correct on vouchers” (Sept. 2, TribLIVE) described Fair Districts PA (FDPA) as “a left-wing advocacy group.” I’d like correct that and other misstatements.

FDPA is a nonpartisan project of the League of Women Voters of Pennsylvania, launched in 2016 to address partisan gerrymandering. The goal is to amend the Pennsylvania Constitution to create an independent citizens redistricting commission to remove the conflict of interest created when legislative leaders of any party draw districts for themselves and their colleagues.

FDPA has no position on vouchers. Our interest is in the way decades of gerrymandered districts have created an unaccountable Legislature that regularly ignores constitutional requirements, legislative rules and the interests of constituents.

The writer suggests that only “a left-wing Democrat or a member of a teachers’ union” would oppose the school voucher program Sen. Kim Ward has championed. The Pennsylvania Constitution requires the General Assembly “to provide for the maintenance and support of a thorough and efficient system of public education to serve the needs of the commonwealth.” Diverting public funds to private schools before public schools are fully funded demonstrates disregard for the Constitution.

She mentions PSEA donations to Gov. Josh Shapiro. Opponents have noted that Ward’s top donors are entities profiting from private school management. Bills to address the outsize influence of money in our elections and legislative priorities are regularly blocked by leaders like Ward who enjoy the power over colleagues and process that money provides.

FDPA will continue to do what we can to insist that Pennsylvania leaders respect the Constitution and attempt greater transparency in the legislative process.

Carol Kuniholm

Exton

The writer is chair of Fair Districts PA.

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