May 5, 2014 2 min read

A recent letter to the editor criticized candidate for state Senate Harry Fike for using the term “citizen soldier,” as if to imply a military background.

In doing so, the writer displayed his apparent lack of familiarity with American history. In using the term, “citizen solider,” Fike quotes Thomas Jefferson, who called for our nation to be like the ancient Greeks and Romans, where every citizen was called upon to serve and then return to private life. Soldiering was part of it, but so was serving in their governing body.

In many places, Greek and Roman legislators were chosen from among all the eligible men by lottery. Once chosen, they were expected to serve for a year and then leave the political stage. If anyone was found to be gathering too much influence, a petition of 6,000 signers could ban the subject from the city for 10 years, long enough to deflate both his influence and ego.

Fike served as Fayette County controller for two terms (eight years) in the 1980s and returned to private life. He has since effectively served on a voluntary basis on various committees and authorities. Contrast that to his opponent, Mrs. Kula, who has been on the public payroll for 40 years and trying for another four.

I have to think that if we brought Jefferson back to view the political landscape, he would call for Roman-like bans on politicians who have served too long and who perhaps deserve an ego adjustment. Fike would be fresh face and a vibrant voice for our region’s concerns in Harrisburg. Kula has served long enough.

Art Boyle

Uniontown