As the Republican mayor of Seven Fields and a practicing psychotherapist, I believe local officials have a responsibility to speak when national political conduct undermines the values we ask our communities to uphold.
Ohio gubernatorial candidate Vivek Ramaswamy’s campaign advertisement featuring his opponent Amy Acton’s estranged mother attacking her account of childhood hardship warrants that response.
In our communities, we ask children to tell a trusted adult when someone hurts them. We encourage families to seek help. Those messages lose credibility when political leaders turn a person’s childhood suffering into an instrument of humiliation.
Public office requires scrutiny. Ask hard questions about a candidate’s competence, decisions and proposals. A childhood marked by abuse is no moral failing, and seeking therapy is no reason for shame.
Here in Western Pennsylvania, we should expect our leaders to practice the respect we teach at home, in schools and across our neighborhoods.
I urge fellow Republicans to reject this advertisement and ask that it be withdrawn. Party loyalty should strengthen our commitment to principle, including when speaking up is uncomfortable.
KEVIN CAR...