Philadelphia Inquirer - Sept 27, 2024

"In the late 1960s, before Roe v. Wade was the law of the land, Brown had an extremely difficult pregnancy. Ultimately, Brown said, the child died and she had a procedure similar to that of a surgical abortion to remove the fetus.

“Luckily, in those days I could have the abortion I needed; now that’s changing. Not in Pennsylvania, but it’s only a matter of time,” the 89-year-old told Vera Cole, a Pennsylvania House candidate who stopped by her home this month in one of the more conservative parts of battleground Bucks County. Abortion was illegal in Pennsylvania before Roe v. Wade, but there were loopholes. The abortion ban wouldn’t have affected Brown because the fetus had already died.

Cole, a Democrat, had identified her top issues as free and fair elections and protection of reproductive rights.

I don’t like the way we’re being treated,” Brown told Cole. “I object to someone telling me what I can do with my body.” ... Full story 

Pennsylvania AFL-CIO Endorses Vera Cole

Vera Cole is honored to be endorsed by Pennsylvania AFL-CIO Executive Council, in support of her commitment to improve the lives of Pennsylvania families. "I will work hard for what matters to workers and their families, including good pay and benefits, secure retirement, gender equality, workplace health and safety, and high quality public education," says Vera. "I am grateful to the Bucks County AFL-CIO Central Labor Council for their recommendation for endorsement. This support of Labor means a lot to me personally, and as a candidate."

Endorsed by Conservation Voters of PA

Vera is honored to receive the endorsement of Conservation Voters of Pennsylvania, the "people-powered statewide political voice for the environment." As past president of the Mid-Atlantic Renewable Energy Association and former lead faculty for Energy and Sustainability Policy at Penn State, the principles of living within our ecological boundaries are deeply ingrained in Vera. "Living close to nature, embracing our place in the natural world, eases us into our own personal happiness and well-being, even as it is good for the earth." Walking the talk, these are leading values in her personal, professional, and hopefully soon-to-be life as a legislator.

Endorsed by Speaker Joanna McClinton

Vera Cole, candidate for the Pennsylvania State House of Representatives, District 145, is honored to receive the endorsement of Rep. Joanna E. McClinton, Speaker of the Pennsylvania House of Representatives. “Thank you, Speaker McClinton, for your confidence in me and the values we share. I hope to be working with you soon!”

Special Guest Malcom Kenyatta at Aug 11 Fundraiser!

Sometimes the stars align! On Sunday, August 11 you are cordially invited to join a fundraiser for Vera Cole, Candidate for PA State House District 145, at the beautiful and recently preserved Historic Kirkland Farm, with very special guest Pennsylvania Auditor General Candidate Malcolm Kenyatta!

Representative Malcolm Kenyatta is Pennsylvania’s extraordinary Democratic Candidate for Auditor General. A North Philadelphia native, in 2018 Malcolm was one of the youngest members of the PA General Assembly. He has been a leader in protecting voting rights, expanding worker protections, enacting common sense gun safety policies, and rooting out government corruption and waste. Malcom was the first openly LBGTQ+ person of color in our State House and, in 2022, the first to seek a US Senate seat.

Tickets and RSVP. Thank you for your support!

Represent PA Endorsement

I’m honored to receive an endorsement from Represent PA, an organization focused on electing progressive women to the PA State House and Senate.

Upper Bucks Rally for Our Rights

On the second anniversary of the Supreme Court Dobbs decision, reversing Roe vs Wade and the constitutional right to abortion, I was honored to be an invited speaker at the Upper Bucks Rally for Our Rights organized by the PennRidge Democrats. Here, I share with you the heartfelt words I spoke about my view of this somber occasion.

I appreciate the opportunity to be with you today. I thank the PennRidge Democrats for organizing this event, and for all you do for our community year round.

My name is Vera Cole and I am running for the PA State House in District 145. That is the district just north of here, hugging the Bucks County border over to the river. I am an engineer. My last professional position was teaching Energy and Sustainability Policy at Penn State. Several years ago I needed to leave early to care for a family member. It is time to go back to work and I thought I am so aggravated with politics, let me see if I can be a drop of the change I want to see.

I want us to bring it down a notch. To start our days by being grateful. To prioritize important things we can agree on rather than small things we can fight about. One of the things we can agree upon, for sure, is our right to privacy, especially when it comes to our right to access reproductive healthcare.

As I stand here, I am so aware of the irony that we have to take to public stages with microphones and crowds and media, to demand privacy. Few things are more innately private than a person's reproductive healthcare. Yet, nearly everyday I find myself on someone's porch talking about other people's reproductive healthcare, like it's our business. I don't like having these conversations. I often sense that the other person doesn't like having them either. But we do what we must do. Those who would seek to control the personal lives of others have made it so.

We must take to these stages and to front doors and to political offices and to the streets, to make it clear that reproductive healthcare decisions are personal and private, no place for politics. The country is with us: We want access to reproductive healthcare and the right to manage our own care in private. This argument is not about the decisions, but about who makes the decisions. Everyone here today knows, what is self evident, we--not others--make decisions about our healthcare.

My dream is for a day when rallies like this are no longer necessary. When we do not have to march and storm over reproductive healthcare, but instead, return these deeply personal conversations to the quiet privy of our own homes and doctors offices. I invite you to join me in a moment of quiet dignity and silence, in collective solidarity, as testimony to the very privacy we seek.

May our silence be heard, loud and clear.

I am working hard to get to Harrisburg, with Eleanor Breslin, to help establish sure and affordable access for all to reproductive healthcare, with dignity and privacy. Thank you for your support.

Planned Parenthood Endorses Vera Cole for Pennsylvania State House

Vera Cole, candidate for the Pennsylvania State House of Representatives, District 145, is honored to announce that she has received the endorsement of Planned Parenthood Pennsylvania PAC. "We have sustained unprecedented attacks on reproductive rights, health, and safety in Pennsylvania and nationwide over the last several years, making the election of supportive candidates more important
than ever," states PP PA PAC. In accepting this endorsement, Vera says, "I have long supported a woman's right to access reproductive healthcare and the freedom to make her own decisions, in private and without politics."

Summer Rollout Party and Fundraiser!

Let us know by Friday, June 23, you're coming! Thank you and can't wait to see you!

RSVP

314 Action Endorses Vera Cole for Pennsylvania State House of Representatives

Vera Cole, candidate for the Pennsylvania State House of Representatives, District 145, is honored to announce the endorsement of 314 Action, an organization that supports electing scientists who will use evidence and facts to fight climate change and fix our broken healthcare system.

Vera Cole has an extensive background in science as an engineer and an educator. She has degrees in Mechanical and Industrial Engineering and a PhD in Information Science. She was lead faculty for Energy and Sustainability Policy degrees at Penn State and president of the non-profit grassroots Mid-Atlantic Renewable Energy Association.

In appreciation of this recognition Cole says, "Engineering teaches us to use the scientific method: question, say what we think to be true, test it, respect and share the results, rinse and repeat! In other words, we are taught to seek truth, keep open minds, share what we learn, learn from others, and do it over and over again. It's how we advance together with goodwill, in science and in democracy."

Visit 314 Action.

(Photo from 2016 solar installation workshop, taught by Vera Cole and Bill Hennessy.)

Primary Day 2024

Wow, what a beautiful day for democracy in rural Pennsylvania! Thanks to everyone for all you did to make our Primary Election day welcoming, safe, and successful. As I visited each poll, I was struck by how our polling places themselves are an extraordinary slice of Americana—churches, VFW, rod and gun club, elementary and high schools, college, community centers, township buildings, borough halls, fire departments. I took a picture of each and the kind folks I found there. Truly, a celebration of rural Pennsylvania and the blessings of democracy! See full Photo Gallery

Local 8 of IATSE Endorses Vera Cole for Pennsylvania State House

Vera Cole, candidate for the Pennsylvania State House of Representatives, District 145, is honored to announce the endorsement of Local 8 of the International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees (IATSE) and its more than 700 members in the Philadelphia area.

“The proud members of Local 8 are privileged and proud to support Vera Cole for District 145 of the Pennsylvania State House of Representatives,” said Matt McIntyre, Vice President of Local 8, IATSE. “Vera is a true candidate of labor, and somebody who knows what it is to stand for and behind working people.”

Local 8 members work in all forms of the entertainment industry, including live theater, motion picture and television production, broadcasting, concerts and more. Cole says, “I appreciate Local 8’s contributions to the entertainment industry and to the quality-of-life for workers and their families. I am proud to have Local 8’s support in my race for a seat in the Pennsylvania State House and our shared commitment to livable wages and safe working conditions for all workers.”

Bucks County Beacon - April 2, 2024 - Elections, News, Top 5

Great crowd at campaign kickoff party!

Wow, what a great crowd at our kickoff party last night! Overflowed into second event area! So many people, so much enthusiasm, and energy! Thanks to everyone who came to support Vera Cole’s campaign to represent the 145th district in Pennsylvania’s State House. It was a rip roaring good time and a powerful send off for our race to win this seat and help hold our majority in the State House. Your support and contributions are important and appreciated. And a shout out to Elvis! Great performance! 

Staats votes against Kayden's Law, named after Bucks County girl killed by her father

Yesterday, our representative, my opponent Craig Staats was the only representative from Bucks County to vote against Kayden’s Law, a bill to protect children in child custody situations. Mind boggling. The bill is named for a seven-year old girl in Bucks County who was killed by her father during an unsupervised visitation. In spite of known risks, the court ordered the unsupervised visits. After brutally killing the child, the father left a note on her body, "You all get what you deserve." Kayden's Law establishes common sense measures to put the well being of the child first in custody decisions. The measure passed the Senate unanimously and by a large majority in the House. Staats voted against.

For more info,
see, Bucks County Courier Times, Kayden's Law in honor of slain Bucks County girl heads to governor's desk

see, PA State Legistature, Senate Bill 55

"Haycock Camp witnesses fail to allay concern over expansion plan"

Like many of you, I attended the last two Springfield Township conditional use hearings to consider the Haycock Camping Ministries expansion plans. To accommodate crowds, the meetings were held in the Springtown Fire Company. The meetings were on Tuesdays, a workday for many of us. The public part of the first meeting I attended lasted 3 hours, ending at 10:00 pm. The second one lasted 3 1/2 hours, ending at 10:30 pm. Of all the important questions and information shared at these meetings, one of my biggest takeaways was the remarkable dedication of the supervisors and residents. Over and over, neighbors spoke up asking questions and sharing concern for the environment, wildlife, road safety, peace and quiet, and preservation for the heritage and character of the community they know and love, often for generations. To me, this  kind of civic involvement is love of country (literally!) at its humble and honest best. The Bucks County Herald provided this sound coverage of the last meeting, "Haycock Camp witnesses fail to allay concern over expansion plan." Thanks for the reporting Barrie-John Murphy. 

Staats votes against students getting fair shot for AP credit they have earned

On Tuesday, Democrats and Republicans* in the PA State House joined together to pass a bill giving all students fair access to credit for Advanced Placement (AP) courses. Succeeding in one of these challenging courses is worth college credit, but only if a student takes and passes an AP test at the end of the course. Students, or their families, must pay out of pocket for these tests. For those without financial means, students often miss out on the opportunity for college credit just because they can't pay for the test. And it's a frustrating double whammy for these students, because AP credits can increase scholarship money they receive from colleges. The house bill that passed this week, with large bipartisan support, covers 80% of the costs of AP tests. For the first time, all students who have earned the opportunity will get the opportunity to take AP tests. Our current representative, Craig Staats*, voted against this bill. He represents students and families in Quakertown, Palisades and Pennridge school districts, but does not support all students getting a fair shot at the AP credit they have worked for and certainly deserve. I worked for many years at Penn State as a faculty member and student adviser. I know first hand the difference AP test results can make in a student's life and future prospects. I would have certainly voted for this bill, HB1875, supporting our students and their families.     *Staats did not.

A man is known by the company he keeps

This week my opponent emailed us, “THANK YOU CPAC. Recently, CPAC recognized me with its Award for Conservative Achievement. I am proud to have been recognized in this way…” This, CPAC, is who he’s proud about:  “Nazis mingle openly at CPAC, spreading antisemitic conspiracy theories and finding allies” and “January 6 insurrection glorified at pro-Trump CPAC gathering” and “Far-right speaker tells CPAC attendees that his goal is to 'overthrow' democracy”. Craig Staats himself attempted to overthrow the 2020 election. This is not a personal attack. I won’t do that. It’s about the facts. And the fact is, a vote for Staats is a vote with CPAC and extreme right-wing plans to overthrow government. Staats doesn’t deny it. He is proud of it. Think about that for a sec: overthrowing the government. Imagine that, for real. Is that what we want for our families, communities, businesses? A vote for me, Vera Cole, is a vote for democracy, social order, and economic stability. 

Vera Cole for PA Campaign Kickoff Party!

Who knew politics could be so fun?
We'll be taking care of business and getting this race all shook up with special guest, ELVIS!

Click here for Tickets! Thank you, thank you very much.

Light fare, cash bar -- first round on Vera

Monday, Mar 25
5:30 - 7:30

McCoole's Arts and Events Place
4 South Main Street
Quakertown, PA 18951

Vera Cole: On Her Qualifications

I'm an engineer and teacher. I have lived in the district for 33 years, in Kintnersville and West Rockhill. I have family in the area and my granddaughter is a proud graduate of the Quakertown School District.

Vera Cole: Why I Am Running

I am asked, why are you running? (My grandfather would’ve surely said, “Someone chasing you?”!) 

Who Does That?

Maybe you saw the excellent article in this morning’s Intelligencer (2/25/24), “Proposal could save Bucks Schools $16 Million.” It didn’t mention that our representative Craig Staats voted against it. Hello? Against saving county schools $16 million? The savings come from fixing the way school districts are charged for students going to cyber charter schools. Legislation passed the house easily, with bipartisan support. It’s a good common sense bill, check it out, HB1422. I would’ve certainly voted for it. Yet our current representative did not, snubbing financial benefits to Quakertown, Pennridge, Palisades, and Souderton school districts and residents. What the heck? Craig Staats has been in office for ten years. It is time for change. I will not take your votes for granted and I will not cater to special interests. I will vote for what is good for us, all of us. - Vera