Opinion

Editor’s Note: This is a transcript of a presentation by Rachel Elliott during the public comment period at this week’s Upper Adams School Board meeting I want to start off by giving my thanks and great appreciation to Shelley Hobbs, Joe Albin, and Courtney McCreary. Their input into the grants, budget, and curriculum are invaluable

For almost a decade, over 6,000 Pennsylvania volunteers, led by Fair Districts PA and their allies, have been doing the hard, unglamorous work democracy demands. Collectively, they have sustained a statewide, citizen-led effort to reform the redistricting process and end the gerrymandering, legislative hyper-partisanship and dysfunction that has increasingly failed to meet the mounting challenges

All across the state, residents and businesses have been facing rising electricity and utility bills. One thing that can help Pennsylvanians save money is improving energy efficiency, so that they’re not paying for energy they don’t need. And as an added bonus, increasing energy efficiency can help protect our environment and health at the same

After years of writing columns mainly about environmentalism or gun sense, today I need to address what makes it possible to work together on either topic. Without a system based on the rule of law, the work we do to save lives through environmental and gun sense policy and legislation goes for nothing. We are

The news this morning wasn’t good. Climate regulations rolled back, nuclear arms tests, ICE controversies, Epstein files. That’s to say nothing of the blatant “slap in the face” delivered to America by the nefarious Bad Bunny. We can go round and round concerning what can be done at this critical juncture in American history, but

With the “Economy and Affordability” top issues for Americans, it’s appropriate to give President Trump a grade on the economy Hint: it won’t be the A plus plus he gives himself. A January 2026 AP poll shows only 37 percent of Americans approve of President Trump’s handling of the economy, down from 40 percent earlier

In moments when our system of government seems to be unraveling, it is natural to let anxiety and fear for the future take over. Don’t be scared—be prepared! History has shown us that when the state infrastructure starts to fall apart, it is local communities that quietly hold life together. It begins by strengthening the

Violence is taking place in our streets as citizens protest the actions of masked government agents. We tend to quickly take sides. Some support the agents; some support the protesters. Positions harden. We feel justified becoming more conservative or more liberal. We no longer seek facts and truth. We just know we’re right. The agents

Two recent pro football incidents demonstrated how screwed up our priorities are in punishing bad behavior. Steelers’ wide receiver DK Metcalf was suspended for two games without pay in December after a physical confrontation with a fan. In January, wide receiver Alec Pierce was ejected from the Colts’ season finale for accidentally “bumping” a field

Americans can be very generous.  Here in Gettysburg, our community gave $4.3 million in our local Spending Spree this year.  Many of us engage in additional charitable giving at the end of each year.  But we can only do so much on an individual basis.  For example, it is estimated that for every meal donated

When Adm. Alvin Holsey relinquished his command Dec. 12, , it was amid growing criticism of attacks that began on his watch. Since the first U.S. strike on an alleged drug smuggler in September, the United States has carried out over 21 attacks in international waters, killing at least 81 people. The Department of Defense disclosed recently that the first

Jermaine Fowler, author, historian and founder of Humanity Archive, helped me realize two important thoughts for this moment in U.S. political history. 1. President Trump is temporary, but legislators’ voting records are permanent. 2. Love him or despise him, Trump changed our lives and the way we view government. Trump follows the well-worn playbook of

“If you build it, they will come.” This is an often quoted line from an old movie. But it isn’t always true. State College used to look very much like Gettysburg with 2-3 story buildings. In 2010 their Planning Commission voted 5-2 against an 8 story apartment building. Quoting from the website StateCollege.com, Charles Gable, who

In April 1775, Lexington and Concord Massachusetts, saw the beginning of the Revolutionary War between the thirteen colonies and Great Britain.  Concord Bridge witnessed “The shot heard round the world”.  These battles were smaller and of less duration than Gettysburg, but of great significance to American history.  In 1776, the Declaration of Independence was adopted,

During the 2026 budget presentation, Gettysburg Borough Manager Charles Gable shared a chart showing annual surpluses or deficits from 2016 through 2024.  The Borough recorded surpluses in eight of those nine years, resulting in a combined positive balance of $2.8 million.  In simple terms, revenues exceeded expenses in nearly every year during that period. A

It is difficult to imagine what the organizers of the cemetery dedication expected when they belatedly invited President Lincoln to make “a few appropriate remarks.”  After all, Lincoln’s reputation as an orator was primarily based on his political debates during his campaign for the White House. However, if they did think about it, a few

The “Big Beautiful Bill” has negatively impacted Medicaid and SNAP benefits, harmed national and state economies, and increased pressure on state budgets across the country.    I discuss here the additional pain and hardship that would affect people who can only afford health insurance thanks to Enhanced Health Insurance Tax Subsidies (EHITS), subsidies designed to

Every November 19th is a big day here in Gettysburg as we observe Dedication Day. This is a series of events preceded by the Remembrance Day Parade the Saturday before, and including Wednesday’s wreath-laying ritual, Naturalization ceremony, keynote speaker, recitation of the Gettysburg Address, and lighting of luminaria, culminating with the Gettysburg College Fortenbaugh Lecture

Upper Adams has long been known for its close-knit community and commitment to helping every child succeed. Now, we have the opportunity to strengthen that legacy with a Dual Language Immersion program beginning in kindergarten. Extensive research shows that students in dual language programs not only close the achievement gap but often outperform their peers

By Mike Mathis, Fairfield There’s a lot of discussion about what the ‘Founders’ intended in the Constitution.  E.g. just what is ‘freedom of speech’, ‘the right to bear arms’.  I would suggest a look at the Preamble for guidance: “We the People of the United States, in Order to form a more perfect Union, establish

Showing Up For Our School Board Two “Get to Know the School Board Candidates,” forums were held this fall, one at the college and the other at the seminary.  Given the importance of the GASD school board elections, you would assume all of the candidates would show up. But three of the eight candidates not

The Adams County Community Foundation traces its beginning to 1985 when the Rotary Club of Gettysburg established a charitable organization to build a permanent charitable endowment and promote philanthropy in Adams County.  From that very humble beginning we now have an organization that manages 350 charitable funds, a community grant program that awards grants to

I am writing to urge Adams County citizens to vote on November 4  for Paul Royer for Judge. I served as Adams County’s Chief Public Defender until my retirement at the end of 2022. Paul worked for me as an Assistant PD for two years, giving up a more lucrative position with a local law firm to

I am writing to express my strong support for my friend Rita Frealing, candidate for Mayor ofGettysburg. I’ve known Rita since our early days reporting news for WHP-TV, serving central Pennsylvania. Shewas an inspired journalist who covered many areas, including city, county, and state politics. Ritagathered, wrote, and delivered her stories with confidence, accuracy, and

By Richard Barvainis The Gettysburg Borough Council is considering adoption of a new zoning ordinance (set of regulations) covering the entire borough, and will be holding a hearing on October 27 for public input on the plan. There are several important changes relative to the current ordinance, one of which has potentially far-reaching consequences for

In September, Gettysburg Borough Council discussed the proposed Rezoning ordinance. Mr. Moon stated that Borough population decreased between the 2010 and 2020 census – implying that our population is declining so we need to attract more people. The 2020 Census was lower due to Covid and the fact that students were not here.  Gettysburg is

On November 4th, 2025, the residents of the Upper Adams School District will have the opportunity to vote for four new members of the School Board of Directors. You will find 7 candidates listed on the ballot for those 4 positions. Deb Steckler, Eric Markle, John Lindemulder, Kay Hollabaugh, and Rachel Elliot have all committed

The recent area shootings of seven police officers, four of whom died, attest to the somber reality that our brave public servants protect us at the risk of their own lives on a daily basis.  Here in our community, the Gettysburg Police Department deserves much credit for their professionalism and dedication to keeping us safe. 

In the coming weeks, voters in the Gettysburg Area School District (GASD) will elect new School Directors in a highly important general election. I humbly ask for your support for a group of community-minded leaders who possess the experience and dedication needed to navigate the challenges ahead. For the four four-year positions please consider:Julieta Booz,

You may recall that Rita Frealing narrowly lost the Democratic primary, but overwhelming won the write-in Republican vote, which qualifies her to run on the Republican ticket.  She could have quit at that point, but Rita is not a person who backs down in the face of adversity or challenge.  Regardless of ticket, Rita has

Adams County is at a crossroads.  According to the Adams County Community Foundation, 50 percent of all scholarship applicants from 2025 planned to pursue tech, trade and certificate programs. Adams County Technical School does an amazing job preparing our students for a career in technical fields.  However, the school’s space has quickly become too small

In just a few weeks, new School Directors will be named in a very important general election. For Upper Adams School District, my name will appear on the ballot along with four other candidates whom I highly recommend.  But first I want to acknowledge the dedication and service of three directors who have chosen not

I’ve heard people, who should know better, argue you must show I.D. to receive utility service, but you don’t have to show I.D. to vote. Receiving electricity or cable is a privilege for those who can afford it. Voting is a constitutional right. Therefore, we put as few roadblocks as possible in the way of

On Nov 4, voters in Upper Adams School District will have the opportunity to elect four candidates for Upper Adams school board.  Here is a sampling, in the order they will appear on ballots, of what five bipartisan candidates supported by bipartisan community members think about school board membership: Kay Hollabaugh – Will provide the

What has happened to our country? A high-school honors student, Nory Sontay Ramos, and her mother, Estela Ramos Baten, were deported on July 4 to Guatemala after a routine immigration appointment. They had an asylum case pending in our country because Estela had been threatened by a Guatemalan gang before they came to the United

Though I relocated to Littlestown in 2017, my relationships extend throughout Adams County. I’ve met remarkable people whose warmth, resilience, and vision affirm that moving here was one of my greatest gifts. Chad-Alan Carr, a name many know as the Founding Executive/Artistic Director of Gettysburg Community Theatre and as a Borough Council member, is one

Our society and form of government is based on free speech, be it in writing or orally.  That right is enshrined in the First Amendment along with the rights of free exercise of religion, freedom of the press, and the right of the people to peacefully assemble.  We enjoy the right to speak our mind,

I have written before about the dangers created when Congress abdicates its duties and responsibilities under the Constitution to the executive branch. Article I of the Constitution gives “pride of place” to the structure and authorities of Congress, reflecting what I believe was the Founders’ clear intent to give priority to that branch of government

Not long ago, I saw a t-shirt that read, “They didn’t burn witches, they burned women.” Strip people of their humanity, and you can do a lot of bad things to them because they are “vermin” and “the worst of the worst”. Under the cover of dehumanizing labels, this administration is justifying violence, cruelty, and

President Trump’s big budget bill includes big, bad news for those of us concerned about gun safety, deaths and violence in our country. The new law repealed a $200 tax on firearm silencers and short-barrel rifles, which was originally enacted by the 1934 National Firearms Act (NFA) and re-codified in 1968. The tax cut totals

Straban Township lacks vision. When the Board of Supervisors approved the Adams Miller Solar Project, an expert pointed out deficiencies in the plans. Even our Town Solicitor admitted that the plans were not the most thorough ever submitted. Now, the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection has given the developer a deadline to address or fix

A mattress TV ad shows a reprehensible person being asked by an onlooker “How do you sleep at night?” The accused claim to sleep all night long on one of the company’s mattresses. Cute, but it made me think. “How do Republican legislators who voted for tax breaks for the wealthy, but large social spending

The following is a statement made to the Gettysburg Planning Commission at its July 21 meeting. To the Planning Commission: During the year that the Planning Commission was revising the Rezoning document, I provided public comments that usually included a map or two.  During my 5 minutes, the image was shown on the screen so

I just read the Gettysburg Connection article, “Planning Commission considers time limits for public comment.”  While public officials may terminate comments that are obscene, exceed the allotted time limit, or lack decorum, they may not censor speech based on its viewpoint. It’s concerning when I see many local governing boards restricting public comment in ways

The US Constitution is revered as an inspired work that not only has endured since New Hampshire became the ninth state to ratify in June 1788, but also because serious people over the centuries staked their honor on its words. It should surprise no one that the Constitution’s first article addresses the legislative branch and

When political rhetoric targets the “deep state” and promises to dismantle the federal bureaucracy, it often sounds abstract. But for millions of Americans, the civil service isn’t an abstract concept; it’s the bedrock of essential services, from veterans’ benefits to environmental protection. And as I’ve recently discovered, gutting these vital agencies, particularly those like the

What has happened to our compassion for others in America?  I remember as a youth of the 60s a TV commercial showing a ship unloading huge white bags with the word “CARE” on the outside.  Here, the United States was giving of its bounty to other countries so that others would not starve.  I remember

Rarely had a trial attracted such drama, amusement and frenzy as the 1920s Scopes Trial. Few had ever produced more column inches.  July 21st marks the centenary of the end of the trial. It created a storm. The trial involved the prosecution of a Dayton, Tennessee teacher, John Scopes, for breaching the Butler Act, prohibiting

The Adams County Food Policy Council (ACFPC) would like to publicly thank Representative Dan Moul for his support of the Local Food Purchase Assistance (LFPA) program. On June 3rd of this year, we wrote about smart steps to address food insecurity in Adams County, and we urged constituents to call their representatives. On July 1st,

by Rev. Andrew R. Geib The past two weeks have been some of the more difficult I’ve had in my nearly ten years of being a pastor.  A brief text from Shirley Sanders last Tuesday afternoon, turned phone call, broke the news that one of our long-time Boy Scouts here at St. James had died

My partner and I recently spent five days in Gettysburg, our first visit, which we much enjoyed. However, one painful memory is of the excessive motorcycle ‘cruising’ back and forth, up and down the streets, around and around the traffic circle in the main square, and on many of the roads we traveled all throughout

Fortunately, we rarely see local law officials do anything to be accused of being a “disgrace to their badges.” The exception occurred on June 14 when Adams County Sheriff James Muller posted on Facebook a photo of a white pickup labeled “The All New Dodge Ram Protester Edition.” The front of the truck was drenched

A system of checks and balances has been critical to the success of the United States Government for 250 years. “Ambition must be made to counteract ambition,” James Madison stated, and thus the separation of powers was built into the U.S. Constitution. Our system was designed to protect us from any branch of the government

By Save Historic Gettysburg Inc. In a recent letter, Gettysburg Borough Council President Matt Moon presented a history and defense of the Gettysburg Station Project.  There are a number of inaccuracies in the article that we feel need to be addressed.  After explaining the history of the project and commenting on current public resistance to

By Save Historic Gettysburg Inc Gettysburg Station is the largest, most complex project the Borough has ever had to review, with the most potential impacts.  Given widespread concern and opposition to the project, it is important that Council representatives present accurate information to the public. We were not surprised, but were greatly dismayed by inaccuracies in

Flag Day, celebrated annually on June 14, recognizes the adoption of the U.S. flag on June 14, 1777, by the Second Continental Congress.  President Woodrow Wilson, in 1916, first formally recognized the day, and in 1949, Congress officially established June 14 as Flag Day.  Traditionally, the special day is celebrated with parades and other patriotic

Today, the richest Americans control a greater share of the country’s wealth than during the Gilded Age of Carnegies and Rockefellers, a period of unprecedented concentration of wealth in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. This is partly due to significant decreases in taxes on the rich. Throughout the 1900s up to 1963, the

During a recent town hall meeting, Iowa Senator Joni Ernst let slip the radical right’s thinking toward this country’s social safety net. Congressional Republicans want to decimate spending on the poor and elderly by supporting Trump’s mega-spending bill that gives tax breaks to billionaires and balloons the national debt while robbing millions of health care

Tracking federal budget decisions is never easy. Between the president’s budget proposal, congressional resolutions, appropriations bills, and last-minute continuing resolutions, the process is complicated even in a typical year. But this year is anything but typical. On top of the standard appropriations process, executive branch actions—some unilateral and potentially subject to judicial review—have introduced deep

Driving or walking around Gettysburg in 2025, one does not have to go far before they will see a yard sign that reads “STOP THE STATION,” or “SAVE HISTORIC GETTYSBURG.” If you were new to town, you might find these signs alarming. So, what is it all about? This has to do with a proposed

The straight facts of a veteran’s life don’t always tell the whole story.  On Memorial Day, I always think of my father, Gayle Smith, who was an ambulance driver during World War II.  After the war Gayle followed his father’s footsteps as a college professor, teaching English at the University of Maryland when he wasn’t

We live in Gettysburg, where the most famous and bloodiest battle of the Civil War was fought.  There were 50,000 casualties in that battle.  Among them were 10,000 soldiers who were “Missing In Action”.   Were they dead?  Did they desert?  At first, no one knew. Today, there are 273 people who are “Missing In Action.” 

By The May 20th Primary Election is next week. I have had a chance to hear from all seven of the candidates running to serve on the Gettysburg Area School Board. I have read and viewed all the information provided by the candidates in the Gettysburg Connection and on their Facebook pages and websites. I

Congressional Republicans’ budget plans would force America’s working class to foot the bill for tax cuts for the wealthy by cutting back on programs that help families remain financially secure. The programs at risk for the largest cuts include Medicaid, which enables 72 million people – more than 1 in 5 Americans – to obtain

The disgrace of Dred Scott (Sept 17, 1858)? Plessy v. Ferguson (May 18, 1896)? Internment of Japanese citizens (February 1942)? The fiasco of the Gulf of Tonkin Resolution (August 7, 1964)?  Invasion of Iraq (April 9, 2003)? There have been other candidates, but for pure evil and corruption, concentrated in one man, I think it’s

Carr for Mayor Editor, Gettysburg Times, I endorse Chad-Alan Carr for mayor of Gettysburg because he has proven himself to be someone who makes things happen. For nearly twenty years he has benefited our community through the Gettysburg Community Theatre, a non-profit that provides theater entertainment and education to all ages and abilities. He began

By Marty Qually, Former Borough Council member The opinions in this letter do not reflect my elected position as a County Commissioner.  They reflect my personal opinions as a Gettysburg resident and former Borough Council member.   Chad-Alan Carr has my full and unwavering support for Mayor of Gettysburg. Chad-Alan has proven that he works with tourism partners

Oversight of the police department is assigned to the position of Mayor under the Pennsylvania Municipal Code.  The DCED Mayor’s Manual states: “The mayor is the only elected executive officer in borough government. In contrast to the council, the mayor acts alone in carrying out mayoral powers and duties, which are primarily in the areas

What is that strange little box above the Mayor’s statement in the Borough newsletter? And who put it there? Could it have been Borough newsletter editor Charles Gable, a fan of Chad-Alan Carr? Could it have been an attempt to get people to question the mayor’s honesty? Whatever the intent, certainly the only questionable sentence

In the midst of a constitutional crisis, inside the picturesque Barn Resort set against the rolling hills of one of America’s greatest battles, Gettysburgians gathered for The People’s Town Hall on Saturday. With over 215 confirmed in attendance, the townspeople listened to Congresswoman Madeleine Dean (D-PA-04) and Representative Malcolm Kenyatta (D-PA181) describe the dismantling of

I write as a former mayor of Gettysburg to support the re-election of Rita Frealing. I have known Chad-Alan Carr for a number of years. I consider him a personable, highly competent individual who is capable of handling almost any position. But in this case, not that of mayor. And here’s why. Consider why the

I am writing to express my utmost support for Chad-Alan Carr for Mayor of Gettysburg. I know both candidates, Mayor Frealing and Mr. Carr, and have much respect for them both. However, respect and suitability for an elected position are not the same. I agree with the five Borough Council members who have endorsed Chad-Alan Carr

Do you love your library? I do! When my family moved to Gettysburg twenty years ago, my wife pregnant and our daughter just two-years-old, the library was the first place we found community. It’s the place we met our first local friends, many of whom we still hang out with today. And my relationship with

I am supporting Chad-Alan Carr for Mayor of Gettysburg.   In the past month, I’ve had the opportunity to hear presentations by both Chad-Alan and the current mayor.  It is now clear to me that our community would  best be served by a change of leadership.  Chad-Alan has a proven track record of active community involvement

In light of the vigils planned to support Gettysburg National Military Park and the National Park Service in general, I’d like to share a recent experience.  I traveled by bus just over a week ago to Harpers Ferry National Historical Park as the coordinator for a tour group. I’ve made this same trip a number

In the United States of today, many of us suffer from the condition known as “moral injury.”  First identified as something veterans suffer from, this condition is the trauma experienced by someone in the midst of a situation where what they are asked to be part of goes so much against their conscience that it

While the White House Office of Gun Violence Prevention has closed, Pennsylvania’s efforts to reduce gun violence remain strong. The Pennsylvania Office of Gun Violence Prevention (OGVP), operating under the state’s Commission on Crime and Delinquency, continues to fund community-based programs that are showing real results. Since 2022, gun homicides in the state have dropped

Senator Mastriano is at it again.  He recently introduced Senate Bill 244, “Protecting the Rights of Concealed Carry Permit Holders Traveling Across State Lines Act.”  Not only does he want Pennsylvanians to be able to carry guns in their cars in the Commonwealth, he now favors doing so in states that have the sense to

By Dale Reichert – President of Abbottstown Borough Council It’s time for the federal government to recognize the medicinal benefits of cannabis and respect the local governments that are already effectively regulating this plant. Thankfully, President Trump is ready to lead the way. In 2024, the President stated on social media that he would continue

For the past three years, I’ve worked in a local pub, and every St. Patrick’s Day weekend, I hear the same stories from servers and bartenders: people ordering the infamous drink, the “Irish Car Bomb.” This cocktail, popular in the United States, involves dropping a shot glass filled with whiskey and Irish cream (typically Baileys)

By Chris Fee I belong to a tiny Quaker Meeting in the rolling hills of South Central Pennsylvania just north of Gettysburg. Our meeting house is surrounded by acres upon acres of apple orchards, and our community is an agricultural one. While no place is perfect, there is plenty here to love, and not least

If I wanted to spend $1 million ($1M) at the rate of $1 per second, it would take about 13 days; $1 billion ($1B) about 31 years, and $1 trillion ($1T) over 300 centuries.  The difference between 1M, 1B, and 1T is hard to comprehend. That’s just a fun math exercise until you realize the

The 1947 Truman Doctrine promised that the U.S. would provide military, economic, and political support to democratic countries threatened by authoritarian rule. From its issuance on March 12, 1947, until this year, the U.S. stood as the unquestioned world leader against tyranny. We sometimes supported equally bad tyrants because they claimed to be fighting communists,

It’s always darkest just before … it turns totally black. We can’t say we weren’t warned. John Adams wrote, “Remember, democracy never lasts long. It soon wastes, exhausts, and murders itself. There never was a democracy yet that did not commit suicide.” In his Farewell Address in 1796, Washington said, “The disorders and miseries which

This month, Bermudian Springs School Board interviewed three candidates to fill the vacant seat in Region III. Two of the three candidates were well-prepared for their interviews. They had thoughtful answers to the list of questions. One spoke with passion and sincerity. He had fresh, tangible ideas on how to further support our students. Another had