Kimberly Felan
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Kimberly Felan (Democratic Party) ran for election to the U.S. House to represent Pennsylvania's 14th Congressional District. She did not appear on the ballot for the Democratic primary on April 23, 2024.
Felan completed Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey in 2023. Click here to read the survey answers.
Biography
Kimberly Felan was born in Johnstown, Pennsylvania. She earned an associate degree from Cambria-Rowe Business College in 1996, a bachelor's degree from the University of Phoenix in 2018, and a graduate degree from Southern New Hampshire University in 2020. Felan's career experience includes working as a senior organizer with For Our Future Pennsylvania. She has been affiliated with Indivisible and with the Johnstown Symphony Choir.[1][2]
Elections
2024
See also: Pennsylvania's 14th Congressional District election, 2024
Pennsylvania's 14th Congressional District election, 2024 (April 23 Democratic primary)
Pennsylvania's 14th Congressional District election, 2024 (April 23 Republican primary)
General election
General election for U.S. House Pennsylvania District 14
Incumbent Guy Reschenthaler defeated Chris Dziados in the general election for U.S. House Pennsylvania District 14 on November 5, 2024.
Candidate | % | Votes | ||
| ✔ |  | Guy Reschenthaler (R) | 66.5 | 268,380 |
 | Chris Dziados (D)  | 33.4 | 134,755 | |
| Other/Write-in votes | 0.1 | 501 | ||
| Total votes: 403,636 | |||
| = candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey. | ||||
| If you are a candidate and would like to tell readers and voters more about why they should vote for you, complete the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection Survey. | ||||
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Withdrawn or disqualified candidates
- Adam Halfhill (Independence Party)
Democratic primary election
Democratic primary for U.S. House Pennsylvania District 14
Chris Dziados defeated Ken Bach in the Democratic primary for U.S. House Pennsylvania District 14 on April 23, 2024.
Candidate | % | Votes | ||
| ✔ | | Chris Dziados | 51.5 | 29,268 |
 | Ken Bach | 47.8 | 27,193 | |
| Other/Write-in votes | 0.7 | 412 | ||
| Total votes: 56,873 | |||
| = candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey. | ||||
| If you are a candidate and would like to tell readers and voters more about why they should vote for you, complete the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection Survey. | ||||
Do you want a spreadsheet of this type of data? Contact our sales team. | ||||
Withdrawn or disqualified candidates
- Kimberly Felan (D)
- Phillip Vecchio (D)
Republican primary election
Republican primary for U.S. House Pennsylvania District 14
Incumbent Guy Reschenthaler advanced from the Republican primary for U.S. House Pennsylvania District 14 on April 23, 2024.
Candidate | % | Votes | ||
| ✔ | | Guy Reschenthaler | 98.7 | 63,162 |
| Other/Write-in votes | 1.3 | 856 | ||
| Total votes: 64,018 | |||
| = candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey. | ||||
| If you are a candidate and would like to tell readers and voters more about why they should vote for you, complete the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection Survey. | ||||
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Withdrawn or disqualified candidates
- George Karpacs (R)
Endorsements
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Ballotpedia did not identify endorsements for Felan in this election.
2022
See also: Pennsylvania House of Representatives elections, 2022
General election
General election for Pennsylvania House of Representatives District 69
Incumbent Carl Metzgar won election in the general election for Pennsylvania House of Representatives District 69 on November 8, 2022.
Candidate | % | Votes | ||
| ✔ |  | Carl Metzgar (R) | 100.0 | 25,771 |
| Total votes: 25,771 | |||
| = candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey. | ||||
| If you are a candidate and would like to tell readers and voters more about why they should vote for you, complete the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection Survey. | ||||
Do you want a spreadsheet of this type of data? Contact our sales team. | ||||
Withdrawn or disqualified candidates
- Kimberly Felan (D)
Democratic primary election
Democratic primary for Pennsylvania House of Representatives District 69
Kimberly Felan advanced from the Democratic primary for Pennsylvania House of Representatives District 69 on May 17, 2022.
Candidate | % | Votes | ||
| ✔ |  | Kimberly Felan (Write-in) | 50.0 | 388 |
| Other/Write-in votes | 50.0 | 388 | ||
| Total votes: 776 | |||
| = candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey. | ||||
| If you are a candidate and would like to tell readers and voters more about why they should vote for you, complete the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection Survey. | ||||
Do you want a spreadsheet of this type of data? Contact our sales team. | ||||
Republican primary election
Republican primary for Pennsylvania House of Representatives District 69
Incumbent Carl Metzgar advanced from the Republican primary for Pennsylvania House of Representatives District 69 on May 17, 2022.
Candidate | % | Votes | ||
| ✔ | | Carl Metzgar | 99.3 | 12,074 |
| Other/Write-in votes | 0.7 | 80 | ||
| Total votes: 12,154 | |||
| = candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey. | ||||
| If you are a candidate and would like to tell readers and voters more about why they should vote for you, complete the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection Survey. | ||||
Do you want a spreadsheet of this type of data? Contact our sales team. | ||||
Campaign themes
2024
Ballotpedia survey responses
See also: Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection
Kimberly Felan completed Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey in 2023. The survey questions appear in bold and are followed by Felan's responses. Candidates are asked three required questions for this survey, but they may answer additional optional questions as well.
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Kimberly Felan was born in Johnstown, Pennsylvania. She earned an associate degree from Cambria-Rowe Business College in 1996. She earned a bachelor's degree from the University of Phoenix in 2018. She earned a graduate degree from Southern New Hampshire University in 2020. Felan's career experience includes being a senior organizer with For Our Future Pennsylvania. She has been affiliated with Indivisible and with the Johnstown Symphony Choir. I grew up here. In Kernville and Moxham till 4th grade then in Salix. I know the area and have been in Somerset County since the Summer of 2016. I care about this district, this county, these people. I know some folks are frail, scared, minorities, and in hindering circumstances. It's ok. I am ready to stand for the entire community. I should be able to give the folks I represent hard answers to questions. I should also be able to give them my time. Whether I can fix a problem or not, I have just about had enough of this fascist, hatred, anti-democratic commentary, and people in power pushing us against each other. I'm a Democrat. I believe the government has a duty to its citizens, governed by and for all Americans, not some, but all. Even the ones who do not always agree with my ideas. I also believe we can work together to solve problems. While I believe in freedom of religion, this area is very spiritual, and I am as well. It is time to remember why we are a community, discuss our similarities, and come together.
- Veteran's Services and Advocacy for their Needs long forgotten and neglected!!! Homeless, forgotten, and alone.--It is time to stop leaning on differences between us. Time to start discussing what we all share in common. Time to start thinking about Somerset County, not buzz words and division. We need some serious conversations and understanding. We do not have to agree with everything, but we need to understand each other.
- Working in the states, economic equality, assist small businesses at the expense of big corporations!--transportation/fuel/logistics/trucking/delivery issues all related to current events, inflation, Ukraine, etc.
- Environmental justice, Energy review/capital gain, Citizens assisted in community build back --local farming issues/environment/drainage/small business concerns, including infrastructure issues/internet/roads/drains/culvers/bridges/safety
I won't make colorful promises I cannot keep. As only one person in the House, I can only influence... I cannot force change. I feel many politicians do that. But,
✔️I will do my best to give you honest answers,
✔️tell you what I am trying to do to fix it!
✔️Let you know how we can fix it or where we start
✔️ Tell you whose chain we got to pull to get responses
✔️ Be honest if I have no way to fix it and who can
✔️ make your voice heard in Harrisburg
I should be able to give the folks I represent hard answers to questions. I should also be able to give them my time. Whether I can fix a problem or not.
I know some folks are frail, scared, minorities, and in hindering circumstances. It's ok. I am ready to stand for the entire community.
I have just about had enough of this fascist, hatred, anti-democratic commentary, and people in power pushing us against each other. The ideology willing to force people to suffer for its own gain is an abomination. Democracy is about compromise.
I'm a Democrat. I believe the government has a duty to its citizens, governed by and for all Americans, not some, but all. Even the ones who do not always agree with my ideas.
I also believe we can work together to solve problems. Maybe not all problems, and probably not all over the state. But that does not mean our state and country cannot reach our goals and thrive in difficult circumstances to be what WE want, not what powerful donors or influencers say we should want or need,
I cannot speak for anyone else but me. I will share all my links and information. Anyone can ask me anything. #ImNotAfraid
When I am working, in a professional atmosphere, representing others, and working on professional matters, I put my personal opinions on the back burner, as well as my religious affiliation. They are not necessary to express who I am, nor are they required to bring people together for the greater good.
I am often on social media, sharing/replying to friends. It is personal and is highly opinionated. My thoughts are my own and I do not hold any specific comments or opinions back, especially for some GOP-powerful.
My Facebook account is Rosebud1668
My Twitter is Rosebud1668 and ResistinginPA
With that being said, I am sure there are things I have said on social media that have offended people. I am not going to backtrack or try to dissolve things that I have previously posted. I am sure I have called someone a name because they said something hurtful or mean. I may have had a meaningful conversation with someone in a message somewhere. However, I do not throw hate at people, I do not deliberately insult people or attempt to have them feel bad about themselves on a personal level. My general criticism is because of a behavior, not an appearance.
With that being said, I will explain an opinion or commentary on a specific post or comment I have made on social media or in public. Do not be surprised if I double down on it either. If I find that I have said something rude or wrong, there is a likelihood I will also acknowledge it and remove it from my post as well.
I get mad like anyone else, I get upset like anyone else, I cry like anyone else, I screw up, make mistakes, goof off, make friends, chit chat, and have all the faults of a regular individual. So I will not say that I cannot offend people or that I may not say something that is found offensive. But if it is pointed out to me, I will review it and give it a thought.
In my opinion, the most important characteristics of elected officials are as follows:
Honesty - integrity - humility
Ability to delegate - Admit when you need Support - Help others
Communication is a Key - Communication with Constituents - Staff - Peers
Respect - Respect yourself, your colleagues, your constituents, and your naysayers
Gratitude - I try to remind myself - every day - By The Grace of God (or life) Go I that I am not:
hungry, addicted, stranded, injured, hurt, alone, homeless, thirsty, sick, or dead
Empathy - regardless of your personal circumstances, we can empathize with those who are suffering, having hardships, dealing with discrimination, hunger, etc.
Courage is important, even if you do not feel it, you have to show it. It is important to give the folks you represent the ability to feel you are in control. Now, courage does not necessarily give you control, but it does give you enough control to face your foes, stand for your beliefs, and be honest about who you are. Those qualities are worth giving a listen to, even if folks do not believe in the same things you do, they will respect you for speaking truth as you see it. That is important. That is why my motto is #ImNotAfraid
Influence is important because we influence others every day. Some child somewhere will remember the words of encouragement you gave them, or the nasty words of hate you tossed in their direction. Someone having a bad day can get a little bit of a boost through someone's smile, and maybe that made their day bearable. Hate is a bad influence. It spreads like wildfire and cannot be put out with more hate. If we do not come together, we cannot solve our problems. It is time to consider the influence we have on others around us.
Self-awareness and Learning agility
These are worth mentioning but I must admit, are often my shortcoming. I have a habit of getting on my little soapbox, so hopefully friends can help :D
I want to represent people. I feel my local community is not well-represented. I want to change that.
I do not care about finances --- now let me caveat that. I care about living a decent life. Everyone does. That is a fact, but I am not in the groove of owning two houses, or a yacht, taking a world trip, or kissing up to world leaders. I have no wish to leave vast amounts of money to my family, nor do I have any urges to travel the world.
I do get a lot of satisfaction in helping others. Even in difficult tasks.
I am an inquisitive soul. Why, why can I not have something, do something, help someone? Who says I cannot do it and why. Whom do I need to get approval from and when does it need to be turned in?
I really do not like it when folks belittle or look down on others. Especially from a point of privilege or higher standing.
I LOVE a good debate. Give me a topic. Let's chat.
In spite of myself, I do like proving naysayers wrong. Please, if you truly feel I cannot do something, I strongly suggest you do not tell me I can't do it. It is probably the strongest motivation for me to reach out and do it.
FOR MY SPIRITUAL FRIENDS:
I will also say this. While I am a Christian. I also believe that we all live in sin. Therefore, we are just supposed to be good people and good to each other. I will not stand here and claim to be someone who is spiritual but without fault. Friends will tell you that I will cuss, and listen to rap music--as well as almost all forms of music, I drive faster than some folks, and I am NOT the one to point fingers about perfection or lack thereof.
An elected official is a civil servant. They have a duty to their constituents and the US and PA Constitutions. Those are the responsibilities.
That means the civil servant opens their ears and eyes and allows constituents to tell them what is wrong in the district. Of course, some things are ongoing or generally scheduled on a regular basis like things related to schools, transportation maintenance, etc., but who does the farmer call when their land gets continually flooded and they lose crops possibly needing some sort of land grant for irrigation?
How about the truck driver who cannot find an adequate place to drop a viral load in the vicinity of a hospital? Permitting for a loading zone? Fuel issues, tax questions, passport problems, I am not exactly sure about all the issues and problems in our county at this time. I plan on finding out. I plan on helping.
My constituents are my core responsibility. They are the ones I answer to and will if elected, seek reelection with if I am elected. They will judge my performance as their representative. The Constitution and my constituents are my core responsibilities.
I am not one to make promises. To me, the word "promise" actually means something. So if I promise something to someone, they need to know the only reason I would break a promise is if something happened that was out of my control: flat tire, storm, emergency, etc.
I don't like when people make commitments and then do not keep them. It is a pet peeve of mine. No one forces someone to promise or say they will do something. You can tell someone you do not know, maybe, possibly, or even no. Committing to something and then not coming through is rude, and cruel, and it can be extremely difficult for the person who was counting on your word and presence.
I do not have secrets other than those I keep to protect those that I love. My own life? Well, ask away. I have made mistakes, and I have not always been proud of myself, but I will never shirk or flinch if someone surprises me with some bones falling out of my closet. I say let that fly! I always keep this in mind. When you open someone else's closet, there is a good chance someone will open yours.
I am a bit of an OCD personality type. Without answers or closure, there is a larger-than-average likelihood that I will not allow something to rest. Whether it's investigating something, searching for answers to a concern or question, or finding resolutions or solutions. In fact, I have an occasional history of popping in a subject change during a conversation because I was thinking about it.
My biggest flaws, my private insecurities, but you are a lucky bear if you catch me off guard in public. More like I will walkway and come back in the room with a list of responses or comments.
My kids, no matter where they are, and my youngest are seventeen. As their mom, I have given them 33 years and am more than ready to give them 50 more. They are the main reason I have waited to plunge into this journey. I was unsure if I could give 100% to both my constituents and my children when they were young.
When I was about nine or ten years old, without looking up the historical record ;)
Mt. St. Helen's blew.
The eruption was not that big of a deal, I suppose, as I was here locally at the time, but for children in the 1970s and 80s, playing outside was pretty much the summer thing. You know, drinking from the outside hose, playing outside all day except for lunch, then coming in for dinner. Afterward, going back out until the street lights came on at night and you were on the time clock to get your butt in the yard or house. The younger generation here will think we lived in the dark ages here.
Anyway, to me it was so memorable because there was volcano soot and ash everywhere. The eruption was so vast, all the way from across the country, that it kept the sun from shining and the nice Summer weather from being normal that year. Now, we were not in the dark ages, and we did still play outside, but as the first historical event that I remember entirely, I would say that is the one.
I was an individual in the system. I aged out, graduated high school, was given $100, and was dropped off at the closest YWCA.
Did you know that is what happens, or used to happen, to teens after they aged out of the foster care system or orphanage, etc?
Anyway, too green to know what green was, I suppose. I had this job for about two months, or so, at a small grocery market called Be-Lo in Virginia Beach, Virginia.
It was a growing experience. I try not to look back on my life and think that errors or mistakes were made, right? We look back more like this:
"Yo, that was $3.25 an hour in 1987" The pay rate sucked then, and now in PA, over 30 years later, it is improving but STILL stinks." We need to have conversations with businesses and find out what is up, why things have changed, and what brainstorming efforts we can create to make a win-win for all in the community. We can figure it out, but it takes some effort.
I have had a challenging life, from six months old, tossed around from parent to parent, and adopted at five by my grandparents. Grandma (mom) was my rock, my heart, and showed me what love, Jesus, and empathy meant. I know now how precious that is. Back in the 70s and 80s, being the fat kid was no fun. Teased and tortured daily, physically, mentally, and emotionally as a kid. My mom would hold my head in her lap daily, working gum and glue out of my hair, wiping tears from my cheeks. She (mom) died of colon cancer when I was twelve, and the love, affection, and hope she taught me still lingers with me today 40 yrs later
Adopted by faraway relatives with a mentally ill mother and a physically abusive father who would beat or shock my little brother for peeing the bed, I learned life with love, hope, and happiness is not everyone's reality.
Running away and ending up in an orphanage at 16, I graduated and ended up on the streets on my own. I made huge mistakes through those several sketchy years. The type of mistakes made when you are hungry, homeless, hurt, troubled, catch VD, raped, attacked, mistreated, must beg, jailed, screw up, get sick, pregnant, and eventually come back to my hometown and find some family I grew up with that helped. Other than a few years here and there, I have had my act together.
I have an autistic son. He is 33 years old and in federal prison. Some pedophiles hurt him when he was very little. In spite of seeking help for over 20 years, he sexually abused a five-year-old child. I could no longer help him, If he ever gets out, he will be in a facility for life for his good and for all other kids too.
Life is hard, full of commitment, responsibility, sacrifice, and pain. The government is not supposed to make that worse.
The only true journey in life is to help others along the way.
I want to do that. I would like to take a few of those obstacles away that make life a little more difficult.
Many baby steps eventually = miles
There was a time when I would have said it did not matter. As far as the US Constitution goes, experience is not necessarily a commodity required for civil service.
However, we seem to be in a political environment where you cannot trust those who are entrusted to be forthright and truthful. Therefore, it is incumbent upon individuals to enlighten themselves, at least to the ability to acknowledge whether something is "kosher" or on the up and up.
Leaders do not necessarily need experience, but then it is necessary to have an uncanny test for truth in one's friendships and business work. Oftentimes, we elect leaders and we trust them, they seem authentic, want to help, support us individually, and really reach our hearts. Then they must hire others around them to assist in that work. it is there where things can fall apart.
it is also there where much of our recent political history has taken a wrong turn.
So no, previous experience is not required......... but anyone that does not know the political climate better grabs some folks to help them that have an uncanny knack for catching half-truths and lies.
As far as my personal opinion, deception, and lies are deal breakers and opportunities to oust you to those you choose to lie to. If I am a leader that is my obligation to those who elect me. I shall not allow the electorate to be poisoned by hate and pretty lies. Our citizens cannot afford it, do not deserve it, and I will not tolerate it.
UNITY AND APATHY
When has America ever accomplished anything great without unity? I am not talking about holding hands and singing some Christmas carols. That is easy. Since when do we not hold empathy for those who mourn? When do we find ourselves agreeing with violence of any kind? When did we decide we were a nation of blame instead of solutions? Every tragedy America has ever overcome was with a force of unity that puts the rest of the world into shades of awe and creates hope. That was the spirit of democracy we meant to bring to others.
When did Americans decide to vote on the ballot every year was not worth the cast? Apathy does not appear overnight. It comes slowly, like an invisible parasite, leaching off of our hope, pride, and love. Damaging our dreams, dashing our hopes, and crushing our spirits. When did we teach our children and our grandchildren that it is no longer worth it to care about our government?
We may not have said it, we may not have meant it, but we have demonstrated it.
Our polling statistics show a massive apathy in our democracy. I am not talking about protests, complaints, arguments, standing up in defense, or outrage. I am talking about a country that no longer cares about each other. A citizenry, that despite outreach and attempts, has chosen to turn its back on its neighbors and friends. A neighborhood church refuses to feed a hungry person or give them comfort because they do not patronize that church.
Is that what you have become? Is that who I am? Are we to mistreat each other because we believe in one policy over another?
One person's misery or need for assistance does not take away from another person's hard work. Nor does it take away from the value we hold in that work. It is time to look in the mirror. That does not mean we have to bear hug each other, but we should CARE about others in our community. If you do, you know you are a dying breed.
It is time to change #ImNotAfraid
When I mention legislators and who I want to model after, I am thinking of how they stood their ground, gave their all for their country, and supported the overall objectives of the United States, State, or Local government. Additionally, Keep in mind that every one of these folks is an individual human being with flaws and shortcomings like all of us.
My admiration is due to their tenacity, refusal to give up, and grace to face adversity even if everyone else feels they are wrong or should not take a stand.
I come from a past where no one had any confidence in me, and it took me a long time to figure out that their confidence does not matter. It is my confidence that does. So the policy, whether it may be agreed upon or not, is not the point. Conquering adversity, seeking and meeting the challenge, and showing everyone who counted you out, that they do not know you or what you are capable of. These political figures meet the criteria for me:
Barack Obama, Ketanji Brown Jackson, Jesse Jackson, Rev. Martin Luther King Jr., Ruth Bader Ginsburg, Nelson Mandela, Amy Klobuchar, John Lewis, John McCain, and to a certain degree, Bob Dole and Liz Cheney
And see, where I gave birth they did not have a NICU, so they had to transfer little Dillon to another hospital.
After delivery, they came to my room and informed me about his condition. See, his major chromosomes didn't grow right, he had a trisomy, his little heart was too small, and his lungs looked like little puffy clouds... not normal...
So I left 6 hours after birth to go to the other hospital to be with him. If he was going to die. I was going to be there. So I self-discharged.
I spent the next 4 days there at the NICU with my son's grandparents with him. He was dying but we were waiting for his lung x-rays to clear to see what we could do. 3 days later we saw his deformed lungs and knew 100% there was no way he could survive. Not with both heart and lungs damaged.
and died in my arms 4 days later from congenital heart and lung defects.
That knowledge...put me through the wringer. Felt that pain. Longed for that trade on death. Not my baby's fault, not my child's sin. What can I do, who can I call? Where do the miracles come from? Begged God to trade me for my baby. Laid across from the NICU unit praying, rocking all night. In my frantic, grief-filled mind bargaining with death, thinking I could somehow sacrifice myself for my baby. Dillon was born Dillon Michael Kearns on 10-25-96 to 10-28-96 he has a social security card. A birth certificate, and a death certificate. I love him like I do my other living children.
My reward for discharging early after birth. I got a uterine infection. Seriously ill. But I buried my baby right. To me, that was going to happen before I went back to any hospital. So I was in a week's recovery after that as well. (Grandpa died that week too, '96 was a sad year)
Took me a very long time to recover. And I suppose part of me never has because I cry now. But, I wrote my letter to God. I came to terms with it.
And I did not give up. We tried again. So grand was my love for my babies.
Unborn have advocates already, Moms
I love a good joke, but I am very bad at giving the punchline, so I will share these:
My old aunts would come and tease me at weddings, “Well Sarah? Do you think you’ll be next?” We settled this quickly once I started doing the same to them at funerals.
Let us break this down a little bit and define policymaking.
Policymaking is the formulation of ideas or plans used by the government as a basis for making decisions. In the US, we develop a policy on a system of democracy. American democracy relies on the whole republic working together for the good of all, as it should. What does that mean?
A republic is how we frame democracy. We choose or elect people we want to represent us at our government's table. It is that individual's function, obligation, and duty to speak for those who elected them (on average, every US House Rep will represent 700,000 citizens).
This, in effect, is the way our democracy is formulated. In, our democracy is formed around the US Constitution and governed "by and for the people." The US Constitution is also a "living document."
So, what does it mean to say that the US Constitution is a "living document" What's it going to do, grow legs and walk out of the Capitol building?
Note: Ballotpedia reserves the right to edit Candidate Connection survey responses. Any edits made by Ballotpedia will be clearly marked with [brackets] for the public. If the candidate disagrees with an edit, he or she may request the full removal of the survey response from Ballotpedia.org. Ballotpedia does not edit or correct typographical errors unless the candidate's campaign requests it.
2022
Kimberly Felan completed Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey in 2022. The survey questions appear in bold and are followed by Felan's responses. Candidates are asked three required questions for this survey, but they may answer additional optional questions as well.
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I should be able to give the folks I represent hard answers to questions. I should also be able to give them my time. Whether I can fix a problem or not. I grew up here. In Kernville and Moxham till 4th grade then in Salix. I know the area and have been in Somerset county since the Summer of 2016. I care about this district, this county, these people. I know some folks are frail, scared, minorities, and in hindering circumstances. It's ok. I am ready to stand for the entire community. I can't jog, I can't marathon, and even occasionally need a cane...been a mom for over 30 years, have a Master's in Political Science- so I know how American politics works, and I have just about had enough of this fascist, hatred, anti-democratic commentary, and people in power pushing us against each other. I'm a Democrat. I believe the government has a duty to it's citizens, governed by and for all Americans, not some, but all. Even the ones who do not always agree with my ideas. I also believe we can work together to solve problems. Maybe not all problems, and probably not all over the state. But that does not mean Somerset county must be a den of hate and mistreatment of others. The time for hate is over. It's time for some actual commitment from someone who gives a darn here in our district. While I believe in freedom of religion, this area is very spiritual and I am as well. It is time to remember why we are a community, discuss our similarities, and come together.
- --It is time to stop leaning on differences between us. Time to start discussing what we all share in common. Time to start thinking about Somerset County, not buzz words and division. We need some serious conversations and understanding. We do not have to agree with everything, but we need to understand each other.
- --transportation/fuel/logistics/trucking/delivery issues all related to current events, inflation, Ukraine, etc.
- --local farming issues/environment/drainage/small business concerns, including infrastructure issues/internet/roads/drains/culvers/bridges/safety
I won't make promises. But,
✔️I will do my best to give you honest answers,
✔️tell you what I am trying to do to fix it!
✔️Let you know how we can fix it or where we start
✔️ Tell you whose chain we got to pull to get responses
✔️ Be honest if I have no way to fix it and who can
✔️ make your voice heard in Harrisburg
I should be able to give the folks I represent hard answers to questions. I should also be able to give them my time. Whether I can fix a problem or not.
I grew up here. In Kernville and Moxham till 4th grade then in Salix. I know the area and have been in Somerset county since the Summer of 2016. I care about this district, this county, these people.
I know some folks are frail, scared, minorities, and in hindering circumstances. It's ok. I am ready to stand for the entire community.
I can't jog, I can't marathon, and even occasionally need a cane...been a mom for over 30 years, have a Master's in Political Science- so I know how American politics works, and I have just about had enough of this fascist, hatred, anti-democratic commentary, and people in power pushing us against each other.
I'm a Democrat. I believe the government has a duty to it's citizens, governed by and for all Americans, not some, but all. Even the ones who do not always agree with my ideas.
I also believe we can work together to solve problems. Maybe not all problems, and probably not all over the state. But that does not mean Somerset county to be what WE want.
The main reasons I look up to someone is because they have either stepped up and stood up for others, especially those who have been mistreated or had cruelty thrust upon them, or it has to do with their personal journey and their ability to overcome odds that most of us would consider impossible.
Those that belong to the first group of selfless advocates for others:
- American Veterans - The TRUE patriots and civil servants
- Reverand and Representative John Lewis
- Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg
- Rev. Martin Luther King Jr.
- Senator John McCain
- POTUS Barack H. Obama
- POTUS George Washington, who gave up the chance to be a king in a country yearning for a solid, permanent leader. His selfless retirement after two terms led to the ideology we stand by today
- POTUS Abraham Lincoln, In spite of his personal struggles with his wife, family, war, mental illness, and putting his own life in jeopardy, decided to put it all on the line to unite a country that seemed like it could not ever be united.
Those that belong to the latter group of people who have overcome insurmountable odds:
- Mohammed Ali
- Hellen Keller
- Marshall Mathers
- Harriet Tubman
- The People of Ukraine
- Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson
This is NOT an exhaustive list, these are the people that come to mind at the moment.
I cannot speak for anyone else but me. I will share all my links and information . Anyone can ask me anything. #ImNotAfraid
When I am working, in a professional atmosphere, representing others, and working on professional matters, I put my personal opinions on the back burner, as well as my religious affiliation. They are not necessary to express who I am, nor are they required to bring people together for the greater good.
I am often on social media, sharing/replying to friends. It is personal and is highly opinionated. My thoughts are my own and I do not hold any specific comments or opinions back, especially for some GOP powerful.
My Facebook account is Rosebud1668
My Twitter is Rosebud1668 and ResistinginPA
With that being said, I am sure there are things I have said on social media that have offended people. I am not going to backtrack or try to dissolve things that I have previously posted. I am sure I have called someone a name because they said something hurtful or mean. I may have had a meaningful conversation with someone in a message somewhere. However, I do not throw hate at people, I do not deliberately insult people or attempt to have them feel bad about themselves on a personal level. My general criticism is because of a behavior, not an appearance.
With that being said, I will explain an opinion or commentary on a specific post or comment I have made on social media or in public. Do not be surprised if I double down on it either. If I find that I have said something rude or wrong, there is a likelihood I will also acknowledge it and remove it from my post as well.
I get mad like anyone else, I get upset like anyone else, I cry like anyone else, I screw up, make mistakes, goof off, make friends, chit chat, and have all the faults of a regular individual. So I will not say that I cannot offend people or that I may not say something that is found offensive. But if it is pointed out to me, I will review it and give it thought.
In my opinion, the most important characteristics for elected officials are as follows:
Honesty - integrity - humility
Ability to delegate - Admit when you need Support - Help others
Communication is a Key - Communication with Constituents - Staff - Peers
Respect - Respect yourself, your colleagues, your constituents, and your naysayers
Gratitude - I try to remind myself - everyday - By The Grace of God (or life) Go I that I am not:
hungry, addicted, stranded, injured, hurt, alone, homeless, thirsty, sick, or dead
Empathy - regardless of your personal circumstances, we can empathize with those who are suffering, having hardships, dealing with discrimination, hunger, etc.
Courage is important, even if you do not feel it, you have to show it. It is important to give the folks you represent the ability to feel you are in control. Now, courage does not necessarily give you control, but it does give you enough control to face your foes, stand for your beliefs, and be honest about who you are. Those qualities are worth giving a listen to, even if folks do not believe in the same things you do, they will respect you for speaking truth as you see it. That is important. That is why my motto is #ImNotAfraid
Influence is important because we influence others everyday. Some child somewhere will remember the words of encouragement you gave them, or the nasty words of hate you tossed in their direction. Someone having a bad day can get a little bit of a boost through someone's smile, and maybe that made their day bearable. Hate is a bad influence. It spreads like a wildfire and cannot be put out with more hate. If we do not come together, we cannot solve our problems. It is time to consider the influence we have on others around us.
Self-awareness and Learning agility
These are worth mentioning but I must admit, are often my shortcoming. I have a habit of getting on my little soapbox, so hopefully friends can help :D
I want to represent people. I feel my local community is not well-represented. I want to change that.
I do not care about finances --- now let me caveat that. I care about living a decent life. Everyone does. That is a fact, but I am not in the groove of owning two houses, a yacht, taking a world trip, or kissing up to world leaders. I have no wish to leave vast amounts of money to family, nor do I have any urges to travel the world.
I do get a lot of satisfaction in helping others. Even in difficult tasks.
I am an inquisitive soul. Why, why can I not have something, do something, help someone. Who says I cannot do it and why. Whom do I need to get approval from and when does it need to be turned in?
I really do not like it when folks belittle or look down on others. Especially from a point of privilege or higher standing.
I LOVE a good debate. Give me a topic. Let's chat.
In spite of myself, I do like proving naysayers wrong. Please, if you truly feel I cannot do something, I strongly suggest you do not tell me I can't do it. IT is probably the strongest motivation for me to reach out and do it.
FOR MY SPIRITUAL FRIENDS:
I will also say this. While I am a Christian. I also believe that we all live in sin. Therefore, we are just supposed to be good people and good to each other. I will not stand here and claim to be someone who is spiritual but without fault. Friends will tell you that I will cuss, listen to rap music--as well as almost all forms of music, I drive faster than some folks, and I am NOT the one to point fingers about perfection or lack thereof.
An elected official is a civil servant. They have a duty to their constituents and the US and PA Constitutions. Those are the responsibilities.
That means the civil servant opens their ears and eyes and allows constituents to tell them what is wrong in the district. Of course, some things are ongoing or generally scheduled on a regular basis like things related to schools, transportation maintenance, etc., but who does the farmer call when their land gets continually flooded and they lose crops possibly needing some sort of land grant for irrigation?
How about the truck driver who cannot find an adequate place to drop a vital load in the vicinity of a hospital? Permitting for a loading zone? Fuel issues, tax questions, passport problems, I am not exactly sure about all the issues and problems in our county at this time. I plan on finding out. I plan on helping.
My constituents are my core responsibility. They are the ones I answer to and will, if elected, seek reelection with if I am elected. They will judge my performance as their representative. The Constitution and my constituents are my core responsibilities.
I am not one to make promises. To me, the word "promise" actually means something. So if I promise something to someone, they need to know the only reason I would break a promise is if something happened that was out of my control: flat tire, storm, emergency, etc.
I don't like when people make commitments and then do not keep them. It is a pet peeve of mine. No one forces someone to promise or say they will do something. You can tell someone you do not know, maybe, possibly or even no. Committing to something and then not coming through is rude, and cruel, and it can be extremely difficult for the person who was counting on your word and presence.
I do not have secrets other than those I keep to protect those that I love. My own life? Well, ask away. I have made mistakes, and I have not always been proud of myself, but I will never shirk or flinch if someone surprises me with some bones falling out of my closet. I say let that fly! I always keep this in mind. When you open someone else's closet, there is a good chance someone will open yours.
I am a bit of an OCD personality type. Without answers or closure, there is a larger than average likelihood that I will not allow something to rest. Whether it's investigating something, searching for answers to a concern or question, or finding resolutions or solutions. In fact, I have an occasional history of popping in a subject change during a conversation because I was thinking about it.
My biggest flaws, my private insecurities, but you are a lucky bear if you catch me off guard in public. More like I will walkway and come back in the room with a list of responses or comments.
My kids, no matter where they are, and my youngest are seventeen. As their mom, I have given them 33 years and am more than ready to give them 50 more. They are the main reason I have waited to plunge into this journey. I was unsure if I could give 100% to both my constituents and my children when they were young.
When I was about nine or ten years old, without looking up the historical record ;)
Mt. St. Helen's blew.
The eruption was not that big of a deal, I suppose, as I was here locally at the time, but for children in the 1970s and 80s, playing outside was pretty much the summer thing. You know, drinking from the outside hose, playing outside all day except for lunch, then coming in for dinner. Afterward, going back out until the street lights came on at night and you were on the time clock to get your butt in the yard or house. The younger generation here will think we lived in the dark ages here.
Anyway, to me it was so memorable because there was volcano soot and ash everywhere. The eruption was so vast, all the way from across the country, that it kept the sun from shining and the nice Summer weather from being normal that year. Now, we were not in the dark ages, and we did still play outside, but as the first historical event that I remember entirely, I would say that is the one.
I was an individual of the system. I aged out, graduated high school, was given $100, and dropped off at the closest YWCA.
Did you know that is what happens, or used to happen, to teens after they aged out of the foster care system or orphanage, etc?
Anyway, too green to know what green was, I suppose. I had this job for about two months, or so, at a small grocery market called Be-Lo in Virginia Beach, Virginia.
It was a growing experience. I try not to look back on my life and think that errors or mistakes were made, right? We look back more like this:
"Yo, that was $3.25 an hour in 1987" the pay rate sucked then, and now in PA, over 30 years later, it is improving but STILL stinks." We need to have conversations with businesses and find out what is up, why things have changed, and what brainstorming efforts we can create to make a win-win for all in the community. We can figure it out, but it takes some effort.
I have to be honest. It has been a while since I have had the time and inclination to read a good book. Years ago, historical romance was my thing, I would read hundreds of pages a day, but not so much nowadays.
Today, books remind me of the current political debate about burning books. In my opinion, if you are suggesting burning books, I do not care what books they are, you are losing. Yes, there is a small percentage of books that lead young minds astray thinking or pushing into bad behaviors. However, to determine that any book of dispute should be burned is almost as abominable as a fascist regime would be in doing so.
Books teach us basics, knowledge, reading, learning, history, entertainment, and yes, excitement, fear, disgust, revulsion, anger, lust, and even vengeance. It has always been up to parents what books their children read. That has never changed. Books bring the world to us when we cannot go out into the world. Discussions on this issue should continue and be ongoing. On the face of it, without further data, I strongly admonish any damaging or burning of literature.
I have been in a classic EMINEM mood lately
while I know many will profess his work is sexist, violent, and can be much for most folks, he gives me spirit. His music reminds me that no one can stop me unless I allow them to. No one. Marshall went through so many hardships and issues, he never let anyone tell him he could not succeed. He kept going, so he inspires me through the attitude in his songs.
Favorites:
Lose It
8 Mile
So Bad
Tone Def
Gnat
Monster
Venom
Not Afraid
I have had a challenging life, from six months old, tossed around from parent to parent, and adopted at five by grandparents. Grandma (mom) was my rock, my heart, and showed me what love, Jesus, and empathy meant. I know now how precious that is. Back in the 70s and 80s, being the fat kid was no fun. Teased and tortured daily, physically, mentally, and emotionally as a kid. My mom would hold my head in her lap daily, working gum and glue out of my hair, wiping tears from my cheeks. She (mom) died of colon cancer when I was twelve, and the love, affection, and hope she taught me still lingers with me today 40 yrs later
Adopted by far away relatives with a mentally ill mother and a physically abusive father who would beat or shock my little brother for peeing the bed, I learned life with love, hope, and happiness is not everyone's reality.
Running away and ending up in an orphanage at 16, I graduated and ended up on the streets on my own. I made huge mistakes through those several sketchy years. The type of mistakes made when you are hungry, homeless, hurt, troubled, catch VD, raped, attacked, mistreated, must beg, jailed, screw up, get sick, pregnant, and eventually came back to my home town and found some family I grew up with that helped. Other than a few years here and there, I have had my act together.
I have an autistic son. He is 33 years old and in federal prison. Some pedophile hurt him when he was very little. In spite of seeking help for over 20 years, he sexually abused a five-year-old child. I could no longer help him, If he ever gets out, he will be in a facility for life for his good and for all other kids too.
Life is hard, full of commitment, responsibility, sacrifice, and pain. The government is not supposed to make that worse.
The only true journey in life is to help others along the way.
I want to do that. I would like to take a few of those obstacles away that make life a little more difficult.
Many baby steps eventually = miles
The Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, like all independent states in the US, is formed upon the same governmental framework on which our US government was founded. The three equal branches of government. We have an independent Judiciary, Legislative, and Executive branch.
Every branch should be acting in, what they believe, to be the best interests of the American people.
The Judiciary should be looking at the PA Constitution and what laws and directives are written, whether something agrees or supersedes such, and make independent determinations forward.
The Executive branch should be acting and following policy that, in their determination, is in the best interests of the citizens of Pennsylvania.
The Legislative Assembly should be using the input of their constituents, PA constitutional legality, and any put any policy forward that supports the well-being of their constituents and members of their community.
All branches should be working towards the same goal and hash out the differences that put a gridlock on good policy that can help all citizens.
UNITY AND APATHY
When has America ever accomplished anything great without unity? I am not talking about holding hands and singing some Christmas carols. THAT is easy. Since when do we not hold empathy for those who mourn? When do we find ourselves agreeing with the violence of any kind? When did we decide we were a nation of blame instead of solutions? Every tragedy America has ever overcome was with a force of unity that puts the rest of the world into shades of awe and creates hope. That was the spirit of democracy we meant to bring to others.
When did Americans decide voting on the ballot every year was not worth the cast? Apathy does not appear overnight. It comes slowly, like an invisible parasite, leaching off of our hope, pride, and love. Damaging our dreams, dashing our hopes, and crushing our spirit. When did we teach our children and our grandchildren that it is no longer worth it to care about our government?
We may not have said it, we may not have meant it, but we have demonstrated it.
Our polling statistics show a massive apathy in our democracy. I am not talking about protests, complaints, arguments, standing up in defense, or outrage. I am talking about a country that no longer cares about each other. A citizenry, that despite outreach and attempts, has chosen to turn its back on its neighbors and friends. A neighborhood church refuses to feed a hungry person or give them comfort because they do not patronize that church.
Is that what you have become? Is that who I am? Are we to mistreat each other because we believe in one policy over another?
One person's misery or need for assistance does not take away from another person's hard work. Nor does it take away from the value we hold in that work. It is time to look in the mirror. That does not mean we have to bear hug each other, but we should CARE about others in our community. If you do, you know you are a dying breed.
It is time to change #ImNotAfraid
Democracy cannot properly function in a unicameral system.
Why? Because someone is always left out. Democracy is "for the people," and in that definition, you cannot have one party or one political ideology that conquers all others. You may as well have an oligarchy controlled by the wealthy or a monarchy controlled by a King. If every citizen in the US, over 255 million adult Americans, is not afforded the equal opportunity to vote, then we do not deserve to call ourselves a democracy, do we?
A unicameral state legislature goes against the fabric of democracy. All fifty states have a say in American democracy, and this is enshrined in the US Constitution and every state in the union. If one state becomes unicameral, they do their citizens an injustice by removal of choice. Individual choice, as long as it does not burden or injure the rights of other individuals, is a fundamental right of democracy. You have a choice of whom to vote for, whom to marry, whom to live with, whom to work for, whom to invest with, whom to assist, whom to represent, whom to love, whom to worship, and whom to support. I challenge anyone to claim those choices are not hindered by the implementation of a unicameral system of government. Proof of this is our current state of political influx and distaste for governmental officials.
Sure, we are citizens that choose a preference of either more liberal or more conservative policies depending on where you live, your background, upbringing, and core values but these viewpoints by themselves do not give you more or less say over a democracy. They are just highly valued because we live in a society that enjoys and loves our freedom and rights. The only justice viewed in a democracy is the justice of law and order.
There was a time when I would have said it did not matter. As far as the US Constitution goes, experience is not necessarily a commodity required for civil service.
However, we seem to be in a political environment where you cannot trust those who are entrusted to be forthright and truthful. Therefore, it is incumbent upon individuals to enlighten themselves, at least to the ability to acknowledge whether something is "kosher" or on the up and up.
Leaders do not necessarily need the experience, but then it is necessary to have an uncanny test for truth in one's friendships and business work. Often times, we elect leaders and we trust them, they seem authentic, want to help, support us individually, and really reach our heart. Then they must hire others around them to assist in that work. it is there where things can fall apart.
it is also there were much of our recent political history has taken a wrong turn.
So no, the previous experience is not required......... but anyone that does not know the political climate better grab some folks to help them that have an uncanny knack for catching half truths and lies.
As far as my personal opinion, deception and lies are deal breakers and opportunities to oust you to those you choose to lie to. If I am a leader that is my obligation to those who elect me. I shall not allow the electorate to be poisoned by hate and pretty lies. Our citizens cannot afford it, do not deserve it, and I will not tolerate it.
Yes. All relationships are important. It is important to work with those who feel you are in alliance with on a policy.
we do not have to agree on everything, but we can come together on things we agree on for the better of the people we represent
unity and teamwork is always the best option, in all circumstances
With that being said, I will caveat with this.
I will not deliberately hurt anyone, ever
If a policy benefits everyone, and leaves out some, it will be easier to hog tie a young calf for branding inside a small trailer park bedroom than it will be for me to agree to it. THAT is the truth. I do not like hurting people. I know most are not religious, and that is ok, but as for me, I am a Jesus lover, and he told me not to hurt people. So that is not going to work.
I do not have my ActBlue set up today, 2 days before the primary, but when i do, I welcome donations, but I will NOT change my policy opinion on the basis of a donation. My policies are guided by my wish to help the people of my community, not to hurt others, and not to damage our democracy.
So that can be taken for what it is worth. I will work with a Jumping Bean if it will bring prosperity to Somerset County. That is a fact.
I do not sell my morality, and I do not hang it on anyone else's neck. My personal value system is my own, and it is not for sale or manipulation.
We good with all that? Lets go have lunch and chat!
As of January 2022, redistricting is complete. I find the new districts to be more fair and equitable for the people of Pennsylvania.
That is my statement on the matter.
No further discussion is necessary as this is a matter that has been closed with the PA Supreme Court.
Additionally, I will say this.
I do not believe there was enough full proof of voter fraud to change an election result for the 2020 election. This matter has been reviewed by a plethora of court districts, and all 50 to 60 judges, appointed by both Democrat and Republican Presidents, including President Donald Trump, have determined that there is insufficient evidence shown to implicate voter fraud on any mass scale.
Are there problems with our electoral systems, sure, and I am willing to discuss those and promote viable ideas to save taxpayers money and protect our election systems.
I also promote the prosecution of anyone who has misrepresented any information, lies, or implications of a false nature that question our government's intention to have a free and fair election. It is the fault of greedy and narcissistic leaders to claim there have been vast scandals in our election systems.
Where does the electorate think that is going to go? Honestly. The pictures of baskets of "ballot looking" envelopes dumped into a bag do not necessarily prove fraud or any other claim, other than to enhance a voting electorate to be more combative.
I am all for prosecuting those who break the law, BELIEVE ME, take them to jail, let them worry about bail, whatever. But this long, drawn-out whine about losing an election that the court has deemed, on various levels, to have been valid is not only pointless, it seeks to divide a country already divided.
I will not have any part of it, and I will not promote it.
I am not a current legislator, however, IF I am honored to be one, the following committees of our interest to me:
Aging & Older Adult Services
Agriculture & Rural Affairs
Appropriations
Children & Youth
Commerce
Committee On Committees
Committee On Ethics
Consumer Affairs
Education
Environmental Resources & Energy
Game & Fisheries
Government Oversight
Human Services
Judiciary
Labor & Industry
Local Government
Rules
Transportation
Veterans Affairs & Emergency Preparation
NO not applicable
When I mention legislators and who I want to model after, I am thinking of how they stood their ground, gave their all for their country, and supported the overall objectives of the United States, State or Local government. Additionally, Keep in mind that every one of these folks is an individual human being with their flaws and shortcomings like all of us.
My admirations is due to their tenacity, refusal to give up, and grace to face adversity even if everyone else feels they are wrong or should not take a stand.
I come from a past where no one had any confidence in me, and it took me a long time to figure out that their confidence does not matter. It is my confidence that does. So the policy, while it may be agreed upon or not, is not the point. The conquering adversity, seeking and meeting the challenge, and showing everyone who counted you out, that they do not know you or what you are capable of. These political figures meet that criteria for me:
Barack Obama, Ketanji Brown Jackson, Jesse Jackson, Rev. Martin Luther King Jr., Ruth Bader Ginsburg, Nelson Mandela, George W. Bush (circa 2001), Amy Klobuchar, John Lewis, John McCain, Bob Dole, and to some degree, Mike Pence (2021). Liz Cheney
IF I can assist Somerset County, and we are successful in bringing some peace and prosperity to our county, with successful policy and working together, then perhaps in the future that is something to consider.
However, I try to keep my head on the present and important work of today, and with that I will stay on this path working to better the lives of Americans in my district. thanks.
And see, where I gave birth they did not have a NICU, so they had to transfer little Dillon to another hospital.
After delivery, they came to my room and informed me about his condition. See, his major chromosomes didn't grow right, he had a trisomy, his little heart was too small, and his lungs looked like little puffy clouds... not normal...
So I left 6 hours after birth to go to the other hospital to be with him. If he was going to die. I was going to be there. So I self discharged.
I spent the next 4 days there at the NICU with my son's grandparents with him. He was dying but we were waiting for his lung x-rays to clear to see what we could do. 3 days later we saw his deformed lungs and knew 100% there was no way he could survive. Not with both heart and lungs damaged.
and died in my arms 4 days later from congenital heart and lung defects.
That knowledge...put me through the wringer. Felt that pain. Longed for that trade on death. Not my baby's fault, not my child's sin. What can I do, who can I call? Where do the miracles come from? Begged God to trade me for my baby. Laid across from the NICU unit praying, rocking all night. In my frantic, grief-filled mind bargaining with death, thinking I could somehow sacrifice myself for my baby. Dillon was born Dillon Michael Kearns 10-25-96 to 10-28-96 he has a social security card. A birth certificate, and a death certificate. I love him like I do my other living children.
My reward for discharging early after birth. I got a uterine infection. Seriously ill. But I buried my baby right. To me, that was going to happen before I went back to any hospital. So I was in a week's recovery after that as well. (grandpa died that week too, '96 was a sad year)
Took me a very long time to recover. And I suppose part of me never has because I cry now. But, I wrote my letter to God. I came to terms with it.
And I did not give up. We tried again. So grand was my love for my babies.
Unborn have advocates already, Moms
I love a good joke, but I am very bad at giving the punchline, so I will share these:
My old aunts would come and tease me at weddings, “Well Sarah? Do you think you’ll be next?” We settled this quickly once I started doing the same to them at funerals.
The Pennsylvania Constitution should always be followed.
If the constitution allows for such action, then that is permissible.
If not, the next step is to change the law or stop complaining.
True emergencies are often not planned that is why they are emergencies. Therefore, actions taken during that time should have the public best interests at heart, follow the PA Constitution, and offer empathy, cooperation, help, support, and anything else to people caught in that emergency are in need.
That is it.
Let us break this down a little bit and define policymaking.
Policymaking is the formulation of ideas or plans used by the government as a basis for making decisions. In the US, we develop policy on a system of democracy. American democracy relies on the whole republic working together for the good of all, as it should. What does that mean?
A republic is how we frame democracy. We choose or elect people we want to represent us at our government's table. It is that individual's function, obligation, and duty to speak for those who elected them (on average, every US House Rep will represent 700,000 citizens).
This, in effect, is the way our democracy is formulated. In, our democracy is formed around the US Constitution and governed "by and for the people." The US Constitution is also a "living document."
So, what does it mean to say that the US Constitution is a "living document" What's it going to do, grow legs and walk out of the Capitol building?
is that as time goes on, our Constitution needs to reflect our reality. As an example, when the Constitution was drafted, there was no such thing as the internet. We had no concerns for cyber security, we had no worries about terrorists, and there were no such things as cell phones. Old laws that are obsolete need changing, and new laws need to be created for assorted reasons. Therefore, we work on policymaking today.
In this light, can we see why it is important, necessary, and desirable to have discussions from both sides, comments, addendums, changes, or compromises to move our country forward and prosper on all levels?
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Campaign finance summary
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See also
2024 Elections
External links
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Candidate U.S. House Pennsylvania District 14 |
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Footnotes
