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Letter: Wendel for House District 39

(Francisco Kjolseth  |  The Salt Lake Tribune) Lynette Wendel offers up numerous food options to Michael Driggs and Levi Adams as they visit the Taylorsville Food Pantry on Saturday, May 30, 2020. Census reports a third of Utahns say they are not getting enough to eat during pandemic

(Francisco Kjolseth | The Salt Lake Tribune) Lynette Wendel offers up numerous food options to Michael Driggs and Levi Adams as they visit the Taylorsville Food Pantry on Saturday, May 30, 2020. Census reports a third of Utahns say they are not getting enough to eat during pandemic

We’ve heard it time and time again: With respect to politicians, words are cheap, so follow their actions. Voters in House District 39 would benefit from this wisdom.

The majority of voters in Rep. Jim Dunnigan’s district voted in favor of Medicaid expansion (Proposition 3), yet he moved to help draft the replacement bill (SB96), thereby nullifying the votes of his own constituents. Disregarding the GOP’s former platform of fiscal responsibility, Dunnigan’s plan covered fewer people at a much higher cost.

According to the Utah Department of Health, Dunnigan’s district includes some of the poorest health outcomes and highest rates of diabetes and suicide in the state. Where accessible and affordable health care is crucial, Dunnigan worked to continue denying critical medical coverage, not only to the people in his district, but to all Utahns.

Fortunately, there is a candidate in House District 39 who understands the value of listening to voters. Lynette Wendel is active in the community. She shows up to schools, events, public meetings, anywhere she can to lend a hand and connect with others. Wendel is most comfortable supporting people on all sides of an issue and working to navigate a solution. Voters in this district have the opportunity to elect a trustworthy representative in both words and actions, and her name is Lynette Wendel.

Charlotte Maloney, Millcreek

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