Dear Editor:

After reading Rep. Knowles' response to Carolyn Padora's letter to the editor, I was both amazed and disgusted.Rep. Knowles' use of computer technology to have his response published the same day as Carolyn Padora's letter is amazing. Rep. Knowles must have some really advanced computer technology at his disposal to be able to intercept a letter and have his response published on the same day. I have read accounts of the Aristotle Computer Program which was installed by the Republican House Caucus in Harrisburg and I wonder if Rep. Knowles used this program in his response. I applaud Rep. Knowles use of modern technology to have his response published almost instantaneously. Perhaps Rep. Knowles would consider sharing this program with his constituents.I was also disgusted with the fact that Rep. Knowles would attack a 74 year old woman helping her son to get on the ballot. Even more appalling is that this attack occurred during the Holy Season of Lent. It seems Rep. Knowles will go to any lengths to stay in office.Rep. Knowles wrote about following rules set forth by law but he failed to mention the fact that he has violated the State Constitution every single day he has been in office. After being elected, Rep. Knowles placed his hand on a Holy Bible and swore he would support, obey, and defend the Constitution of the United States and the Constitution of the Commonwealth of PA and that he will discharge the duties of that office with fidelity.After being sworn in, Rep. Knowles promptly signed up for a lucrative, budget-busting pension plan and a gold-plated health insurance plan, at the taxpayer's expense.Article2, Sect.8 of the PA Constitution states: "The members of the General Assembly shall receive such salary and mileage for regular and special sessions as shall be fixed by law, and NO OTHER COMPENSATION WHATEVER, whether for service upon committee or otherwise.May God have mercy on Rep. Knowles.Bill MackeyWest Penn Twp.(EDITOR'S NOTE: Rep. Knowles was shown a copy of Mrs. Padora's letter by The TIMES NEWS prior to its publication so he would have an opportunity to respond to it on the same day.)