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To the editor:
I am responding to Barry Bardone's letter criticizing Democratic candidate Michael Kripchak ("Rather be a deplorable," May 19.) It is important to clarify and correct several misleading and false statements that were made.
First and foremost, Kripchak is a dedicated and independent candidate who has consistently demonstrated his commitment to the people of Ohio. Unlike his opponent, Michael Rulli, Kripchak is not influenced by special interests or big-money donors. He is focused on representing the true interests of our community, not the agenda of lobbyists and corporate backers.
Unfortunately, in last week's letters to the editor, Bardone was very dismissive of Kripchak, a U.S. Air Force veteran and patriot. Usually, Bardone shows respect for his fellow military veterans, but this time, his appetite to attack Democrats was stronger than his desire to support his fellow veterans or to get his facts straight.
Kripchak attended the U.S. Air Force Academy, majoring in physics with minors in mathematics and Japanese. He graduated in 2004 with distinguished graduate honors (cum laude) and was commissioned as a second lieutenant in the Air Force. Stationed at the AF Research Laboratory at Hanscom Air Force Base, Mass., as a research science and acquisitions officer, he served as a member of the honor guard for the New England region.
In his role, Kripchak worked on classified programs and Air Force quantum computing initiatives, designing real-time visualizations for advanced weapon systems. Managing more than $1 million in federal funding, he oversaw the transition of several advanced capabilities to our men and women deployed overseas fighting the war on terror. He also understands how the federal government works based on his Air Force experience.
Kripchak has visited Steubenville numerous times these past few months and has been in every corner of the 6th District, talking to average voters and finding out what's important to them. On the other hand, the "free thinker" Rulli hasn't shown his face anywhere other than his home base in Youngstown. As recently reported in the news, Rulli used verbatim language from a natural gas lobbyist to introduce a Senate resolution where they called natural gas "green energy."
Kripchak supports the natural gas and oil industry in the 6th District but insists on transparency and genuine representation, not scripted speeches from lobbyists.
Moreover, Kripchak's commitment to the community is evident in his actions. Last month, he attended a river cleanup in Marietta without press because he genuinely cares about the environment and the people living in the district.
Additionally, it's important to Michael Kripchak's commitment to safeguarding Social Security and Medicare, ensuring these essential programs remain strong for current and future generations. His dedication to the working families of our district stands in stark contrast to his opponent's record.
In conclusion, I urge voters to look beyond the divisive and misleading claims and to recognize the true qualities of a candidate who will serve their best interests. Michael Kripchak is that candidate, ready to bring positive change to Ohio.
Eddie Abdalla
Chairman
Jefferson County
Democratic Party