LETTER: Open Pennsylvania's primary elections

Enough is enough. It's time for Pennsylvania's open primary elections to begin.

Do you believe our constitutional right to freedom of speech is abridged?

Well, I do.

In the primary election, it is my right to vote for the candidate of my choice, not the parties. I look at the person, the content of his/her character, the one to best serve the people. To do so now may require a person to temporarily divorce oneself from their political party affiliation and be deemed a turncoat or traitor to the party. What a price to pay for freedom of choice. So unjust.

This brings to mind Susan Byrnes, a candidate for county commissioner. She is one of many voters who changed party lines just to support Tom Wolf for governor in the primary election. She endured an unjust attack on her character for having the courage to exercise her right to vote for the person of her choice. It has been done, it is done, and it will continue under this archaic law until it is changed.

To assume that our qualified candidates for county commissioner hold animosity or discontent for one another is absurd.

I believe all elected Republican and Democratic commissioners can work together, having the best interest of their constituents in mind.

It is time for Gov. Wolf and the General Assembly in Harrisburg to come to the aid of their party. The people have spoken. We rally around the call for open primary elections.

VIC CASTELLANO

Springettsbury Twp.