Growing up in Summit Hill, I learned the most important things in life to be family, community, and helping those in need. As life evolved, I came to realize the importance of electing those who will fight for our communities so that we have access to life sustaining jobs, health care, affordable housing and affordable medicine, quality education, and mental health services.

As my congresswoman for four years, I can attest Susan Wild is that person. I have seen firsthand how Susan has worked to protect Social Security and Medicare, standing up to attempts to slash or privatize them. Her highest priority has been lowering prescription drug costs, and she passed a bill that will allow Medicare to negotiate the price of drugs and cap insulin costs for seniors. She’s standing up to corporate special interests that are price gouging.

As a counselor, I truly appreciate her advocacy for mental health and suicide prevention initiatives. She understands that the mental health system is in crisis and has introduced legislation including the Greater Mental Health Access Act, the Dr. Lorna Breen Health Care Provider Protection Act, and the Enhancing Mental Health and Suicide Prevention Through Campus Planning Act.

And while her opponent shut down her Silberline plant in Lansford and shipped jobs overseas for greater profit, Susan Wild is bringing investments in manufacturing to Pennsylvania. She has passed bills to invest in American manufacturing of semiconductors, to create jobs in construction and manufacturing, and to help make our community a 21st century manufacturing powerhouse. She is working to “Make it in America,” so jobs are not lost, but created.

If you want someone who will truly advocate for your values, vote on Nov. 8 for Susan Wild for Congress.

Grace Crampsie Smith

member, Bethlehem City Council

Former Carbon County Resident