| Tax relief
a mere drop in the bucket
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It seems to be the time for a governmental financial windfall. While those across the country are anxiously awaiting their rebate checks from the federal government, last week Pennsylvanians learned how much their taxes could be lowered next year as a result of the slots revenue.
5/7/2008 |
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| We're getting a fighter for open government |
After complaining lo these many years about the state of Pennsylvania's open records law, we should acknowledge an official action that promises better things. It is Gov. Edward Rendell's appointment of Terry Mutchler as executive director of the newly-created Office of Open Records.
4/30/2008 |
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| Air travel luxuries
up in the air
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As Americans we have come to expect some luxuries in life, from the basics of running water and electricity to the more upscale like designer clothes and quality food in restaurants.
4/23/2008 |
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| PT taxpayers |
Another school superintendent is out of a job and, once again, the taxpayers will be footing the bill.
3/19/2008 |
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| Government must listen to concerns
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The long-standing battle between homeowners and the electric company has reared its head again with last week's go-ahead decision by the U.S. Department of Energy.
3/12/2008 |
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| County is in wrong class |
The plight of neighboring municipalities that are affected by The Meadows Casino in North Strabane Township but are not eligible to receive any of its revenue was a topic of public discussion recently. The problem seems to come down to a quirk in the state law that authorized slot machines.
2/27/2008 |
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| Our ballots matter |
Two years ago, commentators said the mid-term congressional elections were the most important in decades, possibly in our history. The hyperbole promises to be even worse this year.
2/27/2008 |
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| Now is the time to get heart smart
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We're celebrating Valentine's Day this week. Cupids, candy, flowers, romantic dinners, red hearts - this is the hoopla which surrounds the day.
2/13/2008 |
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| Liquor tax robs Paul
to pay Peter
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For years, people have been fleeing Allegheny County to avoid high property taxes. In doing so, they've found that life in the outlying suburbs offers the same - if not better - amenities, including schools, shopping, neighborhoods and recreation.
1/16/2008 |
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| Proficiency tests are a good idea |
The debate continues as to whether or not high school students are truly ready educationally when they graduate. Did they achieve mandated goals and are they prepared for the rigorous and unbending requisites of college?
1/9/2008 |
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| It's best not to say anything |
Saying you're mad enough to kill someone may be a common exaggeration, but people are already jumpy about nationally publicized shootings.
1/2/2008 |
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| The grass is greener, longer in PT |
Plenty of area municipalities could use stronger property maintenance regulations, but Peters Township wouldn't seem to be high on the list.
1/2/2008 |
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| Kennywood memories, hopes |
It was sad to learn of the transfer of Kennywood from a family-owned amusement park to one which will be owned by a Spanish-based company. We all have memories of the park, whether formed when we were a child and not tall enough for a ride, or as an adult conquering our fears on The Racer roller coaster.
12/26/2007 |
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| Keep goodwill
all year long
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For most of us, the presents are now unwrapped and the lights twinkling on the tree reflect back on what was exchanged among loved ones and friends.
12/26/2007 |
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| Decision on ML pool left to new board |
In this era of lame duck elected officials pushing through decisions before they leave office, our hats are off to the current Mt. Lebanon commissioners.
12/19/2007 |
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| Letters touch those serving our country |
We recently published a full page of addresses of some local military personnel. Readers were encouraged to send a holiday greeting to anyone on the list to help brighten their spirits while serving away from away.
12/12/2007 |
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| Goodwill and a close eye |
Goodwill toward others is supposed to be the slogan during this holiday season. It is also the time of the year when we must be the most aware of our surroundings and personal possessions. There already have been several incidents in local police reports of thefts and vehicle break-ins.
11/28/2007 |
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| Tasers more prevalent
in suburbs
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Scott Township will soon join the growing ranks of police departments across the country to include Tasers as part of their standard weapons to carry.
11/28/2007 |
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| Take a peek into your local library |
We live in an electronic time, where information is more easily gathered through the Internet than by looking in a book. Our children can recite television commercials more easily than they can remember their school spelling words. For the younger generation, reading a book has been set aside for the pleasures of Nintendo and PlayStation.
11/14/2007 |
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| Safety first marks tradition
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It's nice to see that the South Hills communities observe Halloween trick or treat night on its "official" date of Oct. 31. It's difficult to understand why municipalities would set this evening of candy gathering for any other date but it occurs more frequently than not.
10/31/2007 |
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| Holidays are
time to give
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As we wrap up October and start November, we have a tendency to start thinking about the upcoming holidays. This time of year also brings with it thoughts of giving back to others in ways that are different for all.
10/31/2007 |
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| Let's protect resources while we can
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There are many advantages to living in western Pennsylvania, including autumn, with its bright and colorful leaves and cool evenings. Pumpkins and apples dominate the grocery stores and flowerpots full of mums and dried cornstalks decorate homes in every neighborhood.
10/24/2007 |
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| Pass on the
'gift to give'
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As a society, we like to focus on the negative things caused by teenagers and young adults. Many times we ask the proverbial question "what is this world coming to" when referring to what we may consider inappropriate behavior, drug or alcohol use, and even their mode of dress.
10/17/2007 |
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| USC citizens want voice |
Undertaking a major building project is never without controversy, especially where taxpayer money is concerned. This is certainly the case with Upper St. Clair's proposed recreation center.
10/3/2007 |
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| Will teachers lose the right to strike?
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Last fall, during the course of a four-week teacher strike in Bethlehem-Center School District, a group of parents sent out material from an organization that wants to ban such strikes altogether. While no such local emergency exists at the moment, the statewide effort continues.
9/26/2007 |
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| Poorly planned projects hurt |
The sight of fluorescent orange barrels and orange signs can mean long delays and many headaches for motorists anywhere. When spotted on the busiest roads in an area, it also means gridlock and inconveniences for businesses and homeowners.
9/5/2007 |
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| School must uphold policy on weapons |
The case of the Bethel Park student expelled for vio-lating the district's weapons policy has raised several eyebrows and voices in the area.
8/29/2007 |
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| Picking up pieces at Mayview |
The state's Department of Public Welfare (DPW) announcement last week that Mayview State Hospital will close by the end of next year should have come as no surprise to anyone who lives in this region.
8/22/2007 |
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| Fix old bridges |
We live in a region where bridges are a necessity, where crossing from one town to the other may take us over one or a multiple of bridges. We think nothing of these structures, unless it's admiring the scenery around or the rivers below us or the overcoming the bumper-to-bumper traffic in front of us.
8/15/2007 |
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| Keep the spirit of triathlon |
In this day of couch potatoes and video stares, it was encouraging to see so much participation at the seventh annual Kids Triathalon, held last Saturday in South Park.
7/25/2007 |
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| Grilling ban sparks uproar |
There are certain sights and sounds associated with the changing seasons. The silence of falling snow in the winter time; the chirping of birds as spring arrives; the swish of crisp fallen leaves in the fall; and the aroma of sizzling burgers on the grill in the summer time. Summer took a back seat for a short time last week in Canonsburg.
7/20/2007 |
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| What is price for “winning” Pirates? |
Western Pennsylvanians have long prided themselves as sports enthusiasts. From the youngest of athletes to our major league teams, we have a love-hate relationship based on a single principle - win or else.
7/5/2007 |
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| Think before driving drunk |
Summer is in full swing now. People are taking advantage of the daylight stretching into the late evening by staying outside and enjoying the nice weather.
6/27/2007 |
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| Push for a smoke-free PA |
There is a strong push these days for a greener and cleaner America. We've conditioned ourselves to recycle the usual: plastic bottles, metal cans, paper. Go to any grocery store and you'll see shoppers with reusable canvas bags for their purchases instead of the plastic handled bags. A few go further with their efforts to use products which are easier on the environment or to buy products made from recycled materials.
6/20/2007 |
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| Place bets on casino’s future |
The first clang of the more than 1,700 slot machines at The Meadows is still echoing throughout the region.
6/18/2007 |
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