By Francis Scarcella
The Daily Item
—
SUNBURY — A Green Party candidate for the 108th Legislative District seat is pushing for a 30-hour work week and a lower retirement age and says she will offer to hire one of her opponents if she wins.
Dodie Lovett says her platform is all about a better quality of life.
The 61-year-old Dalmatia resident threw her hat in the ring last week when she announced her write-in candidacy for the seat by declaring herself an independent.
“I believe in the Green Party, but I wanted to separate myself for this election so people could vote for an individual,” Lovett said. “I really feel that people deserve a better quality of life, and lowering their workload would do that.”
This isn’t Lovett’s first time vying for the 108th House seat. In 2006, she captured less than 3 percent of the vote when she ran as a Green Party candidate. She received 460 votes, while incumbent Republican Rep. Merle Phillips easily gained re-election with close to 13,500 votes. Democrat Antonio Michetti got 4,100 votes in that election.
This year, Phillips, who is retiring, is showing his support for staff member Lynda Schlegel-Culver, a Republican who is running against Michetti.
“If I win this election, I want Lynda to apply for a job as my administrative assistant,” Lovett said. “I have nothing against her, but I think this is a time where people should have more choices who to vote for.”
Schlegel-Culver said Wednesday she was intrigued by Lovett’s request.
“She must think I do a good job with the public,” Schlegel-Culver said. “I’m flattered she would consider me.”
Lovett also issued challenges of debating Schlegel-Culver and Michetti.
“I would welcome debating them anywhere they want,” Lovett said. “I want people to see they are not wasting a vote by voting for me.”
Schlegel-Culver had no qualms about debates.
“It is always good to get people out there and see what they are trying to do,” Schlegel-Culver said. “The unfortunate part is she entered the race after we did a lot of public forums already.”
Lovett, who works for Northumberland County Adult Services, said she wants a chance to inform the public about not only changing work hours, but lowering retirement ages.
“This is a way to create more jobs for young people,” she said. “People are having to come back to work after working all their lives, and they are taking jobs from young people who have families.”
Lovett believes this time she will gain more support. Michetti doesn’t think it will matter.
“These open-seat elections are always close,” he said. “But I’m not convinced she could get many votes that would make a difference.”
Michetti wanted to resume campaigning as normal.
“I’m going to continue to focus my campaign on my issues,” he said. “Every vote counts, but Lovett entering the race will not affect my strategy. I wish her luck.”
Schlegel-Culver said she takes nothing for granted.
“Anytime someone enters a race, it gives people another person to look at,” she said. “It’s important to get your message out. You can never discount anyone.”
