We are weeks away from primary elections in Pennsylvania; and it's time to shake up how things get done, or don't, in Harrisburg.

Prime among the changes necessary is the removal of Daryl Metcalfe as the representative for the 12th House district.

He is the antithesis of the politician who can work across the aisle to produce legislation that serves all Pennsylvanians and not just the special interests that line his pockets.

For so many years, Metcalfe has proven to be the fly in the ointment for thoughtful legislation, blocking any bills coming introduce by Democrats from reaching the floor of the House for debate and decision, and more recently has seen his role as a climate denier to block progress on moving the state towards a green energy economy.

We in District 12 have the power to do something about it. For the first time, Pennsylvanians will be able to vote by mail. This will give each of us time: to receive a ballot in the mail; to research the candidates; and to make informed votes for candidates at all levels of government while not having to venture out to a polling place during this time of the Covid-19 pandemic.

The process for voting by mail is simple. Go to www.votespa.com, make sure you're registered to vote, and request a mail-in ballot before May 26th. Once you receive it, follow the instructions and mail it in time for it to count.

In a time when the country needs to come together to rebuild our economy, it's imperative that candidates we vote for won't be dividers like Daryl Metcalfe. It will take the efforts of everyone to assure that our 'new normal' looks out for all citizens and not just those who fund our politicians.

Bruce Cooper, Cranberry Twp.