As we approach this next election , I can’t help but submit a letter supporting our current local district magistrate, Cheryl Peck Yakopec. Her opponent is campaigning on the motto “Choice for change” and “Justice you deserve.” I respectfully disagree with the idea we need change.

One of the positive aspects of living here has been the relentless support and service from the Peck Yakopec family over the years. They have spent decades supporting, defending and maintaining this community for our safety and security under the law. She consistently uses her years of experience to dispense the appropriate bonds for repeat and high-risk offenders, she works endlessly to support our law enforcement day and night when called upon, and she has the judicial temperament to hand out leniency and compassion as appropriate.

She works endlessly with the surrounding school districts to combat truancy while supporting the families who need to be heard and understood with compassion and understanding.

We have an amazing judge with a proven record, who has demonstrated year after year her dedication and compassion to keeping our community safe and serving her constituents within the law.

So, my response to the campaign gaslighting rhetoric, false punchlines and backhanded character insults, “No thank you.” We don’t need this kind of change in our community for district justice. On May 16 please join me in making the choice we deserve.

Helen Makara

Lower Burrell

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