Smearing the record

Dear Editor:

While most of your readers were preparing their Christmas cards, Dante Picciano chose instead to continue his unusual holiday tradition of attempting to smear my legislative record through a letter to your newspaper a few days before we celebrate the birth of the Prince of Peace.

I suppose that we should expect these letters, just as we read his earlier attacks upon Congressman Holden, Senators Rhoades and Specter, Representative McCall, and many other local officials.

There was at least one new twist however - one of the local individuals he chose to attack has passed away and is unable to defend himself - a new low, even for Dante. That man, who has created hundreds of family-sustaining jobs here in our region, deserves to be remembered for his significant local achievements, not insulted by a poison-pen letter years after his tragic and sudden death.

I learned many years ago that there are people who try to improve our local communities by stressing our positive aspects and building upon our assets and there are those who choose to constantly complain and attempt to destroy the good work of others. I believe we are fortunate that our area enjoys many more builders than destroyers.

I also realize that, each day we cast votes in Harrisburg, we cannot please everyone. Whether the subject is taxes and budget cuts, slot machines and table games, traditional marriage vs. gay unions, or a host of other "hot" issues, most people understand that their view will not always prevail in the House and the Senate. Sadly, some do not understand this concept.

During this holiday season, I should thank my critics as well as my supporters. It is interesting to me to note this rather odd trend over the past few years: The harsher and the more unfair the attacks upon my record, the higher the number of votes I receive on election day. It appears that the people of this area understand the difference between the truth and the attempted smears, after all.

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

Dave Argall

State Senator

29th District