It is one month beyond the election. I have written and thrown away my gloat letter. Hopefully, we can now proceed without the acrimony and gridlock that were hallmarks of the last two years.

To this end, I appeal to my re-elected congressman, Mike Kelly, to reconsider his adherence to the Grover Norquist Pledge. Progress will not be made by absolute stands, and there must be dialogue in order to reach a consensus.

Not only do I ask Kelly to put himself on the courageous side of history, but I would like to see him take a leadership role, leading his colleagues to a less-rigid stance.

I ask Republicans and Democrats in the 3rd District to join me in this appeal. And, I ask the Butler Eagle to consider an editorial that postulates a positive transition from a divisive and exhausting campaign cycle to the orderly governance of our great nation.