Letters to the Editor category, Page 120
Letter to the editor: An Allegheny assessment answer
Property taxes are always a bone of contention in Allegheny County. Everyone remembers the last assessment, with its disastrous inequities and bureaucratic snarls. In this year’s race for county executive, one candidate pledges no reassessment, leaving finances with no help for improving government services. The other wants a new assessment,...
Letter to the editor: Westmoreland needs higher wages to grow population
Some recent articles spotlighting trending population declines in Westmoreland County and efforts by county commissioners to make the county more attractive to employers and job seekers, while discussing a number of issues contributing to this decline, did not address the elephant in the room. This is WAGES. Pennsylvania still has...
Letter to the editor: Polio is still a threat
Since 1988, Rotary and its partners in the Global Polio Eradication Initiative have reduced polio cases by 99.9% worldwide. That’s why we celebrate World Polio Day on Oct. 24. For us, it’s deeply personal because we’re polio survivors. We are asking everyone to help us finish the job and end...
Letter to the editor: Pa., municipalities must support EMS
Tawnya Panizzi’s well-written article “Unsustainable funding model, shrinking workforce leave ambulance services in critical condition” (Oct. 8, TribLIVE), detailing the emergency medical services funding crisis across Pennsylvania, brought much-needed attention to a grim reality: Vital, lifesaving mandated EMS will cease to exist without permanent, sustainable funding. Lower Kiski Ambulance Service...
Letter to the editor: Police, stop signs needed on Arona Road
Here we go again, another wreck on Arona Road. When is it going to end? I live on Arona Road. What is the answer to this situation? The people who travel on this road seem to think it’s a raceway. No one goes the speed limit — trucks, cars, school...
Sounding off: Israel, county leaders, Biden, bag ban among week’s topics
Comparing Hamas, Nazis As one whose parents were Jewish Holocaust survivors, I find the behaviors of the butchers of Hamas eerily reminiscent of the descriptions relayed to me by my parents who witnessed the murder of their families by the Nazis. This current Middle East war, in part, is based...
Letter to the editor: Sen. Kim Ward’s nonsense
“The alleged offender remained in his influential role until he tendered his resignation, leaving the victim in an unsafe space, to fend for herself, with limited options. This is unacceptable.” Those are the words of state Senate President Pro Tem Kim Ward regarding the resignation of Gov. Josh Shapiro’s former...
Letter to the editor: Comparing Hamas, Nazis
As one whose parents were Jewish Holocaust survivors, I find the behaviors of the butchers of Hamas eerily reminiscent of the descriptions relayed to me by my parents who witnessed the murder of their families by the Nazis. This current Middle East war, in part, is based on antisemitic propaganda....
Letter to the editor: Peck Yakopec best candidate for judge
I am writing to recommend Judge Cheryl Peck Yakopec for reelection in Magisterial District 10-1-04. I have known Peck Yakopec for more than 30 years, and she had been an effective magistrate. When I took students into her office for various incidents, she was fair and consistent. She always worked...
Letter to the editor: Why no outcry to remove Biden?
Where is the outcry to immediately relieve President Biden of his office? It was too easy to dump the guy who is two heartbeats from the presidency (speaker of the House). The current unbelievable happenings in Israel could come to our soil because of Biden’s weak enforcement of our immigration...
Letter to the editor: Fetterman not the laughingstock
The letter “Fetterman an embarassment” (Oct. 6, TribLIVE) seems to be nothing more than a way to disparage someone who was able to win an election. Some people can’t accept the fact that Sen. John Fetterman beat Dr. Oz. Most people I know admire Fetterman, for his battle and the...
Letter to the editor: Westmoreland needs new leadership, more transparency
With this election season, it is time for a change. I don’t believe County Commissioners Sean Kertes and Doug Chew have been working in Westmoreland County’s best interest. Rather than using the covid-19 American Rescue Plan funds to help residents most impacted during the pandemic, they spent the most of...
Letter to the editor: Bengel deserves reelection in Harrison
I wholeheartedly endorse the reelection of Harrison Township Commissioner Eric Bengel. I worked at the township and have followed local politics very closely over the past 30 years. Bengel exemplifies honesty, fairness and thoughtfulness. His willingness to examine the issues and listen closely to the public’s concerns differs significantly from...
Letter to the editor: Karaica best candidate for district judge
While I hope never to find myself or a loved one in a scenario where they must appear in district court, I have some thoughts about whom I’d want to hear the case. As a citizen’s first exposure to the judicial system, I’d prefer a magisterial district judge who is...
Letter to the editor: Pittsburgh diocese could have saved St. Lad’s
What a difference in two dioceses. The Diocese of Greensburg rebuilds churches; we wreck them (“120-year-old St. Ladislaus church is coming down in Natrona,” Sept. 1, TribLIVE). The Diocese of Pittsburgh could learn a lesson. They have grown woke to St. Ladislaus Catholic Church’s beauty, its history, its popularity. It...
Letter to the editor: Parents should get kids in school
If kids won’t go to school here in Pennsylvania, aren’t the parents responsible, under the law, for getting them there? I sort of remember, when I was little, my mom telling me that if I didn’t go to school and played hooky instead that the police would come and arrest...
Letter to the editor: Petrush qualified to be judge
When electing a judge, experience and qualifications matter. Judith Petrush has both. I have been a practicing attorney in Westmoreland County for more than 50 years. During that time, I have sat across the courtroom from many prosecutors in both federal and state courts. Some of them stand out as...
Letter to the editor: Blame our bad news on the ‘swamp’
Recent news headlines: “Surges of violent crime cripple American cities.” “Gangs of young people destroy retail stores.” “Food and gas prices hit record levels.” “Over 60% of Americans now live paycheck to paycheck.” “Bidenomics takes 2.1 trillion from American 401(k)s.” “NewYork hospitals overflow with illegal immigrants.” “Fentanyl smuggled from Mexican...
Letter to the editor: Don’t need TV to know which president was better
The news media sure can twist stories around to fit their politics. I wish they would just report the news. If you watch one channel, they try to make you hate President Trump. If you watch another channel, they try to make you hate President Biden. I watch all the...
Letter to the editor: Support Yakopec, our full-time judge
As we approach this November’s election, I write in support of District Judge Cheryl Peck Yakopec. She has been working full time her entire career. She does not get sidetracked or distracted with a private law practice, side hustle jobs or planning special interest events, either. Not only can she...
Letter to the editor: Fracking needs to stop
University of Pittsburgh researchers recently found that children living within a mile of a fracked well had 5 to 7 times the chance of developing lymphoma; within 10 miles were 4 to 5 times more likely to experience severe asthma attacks; and babies had lower birth weights. Other studies indicate...
Letter to the editor: Orenstein’s knowledge
Regarding the letter “Orenstein’s priorities” (Oct. 1, TribLIVE) about District Judge Xander Orenstein’s handling of Yan Carlos Pichardo Cepeda, an accused fentanyl dealer: On the contrary, clearly Orenstein does not know what they are doing. Based upon reporting, Pichardo Cepeda was to be released with an electronic monitor. Again, based...
Letter to the editor: Karaica excellent choice for district judge
In a few short weeks, you will get to choose the next district judge for Magisterial District 05-3-03, which includes Cheswick Borough, Frazer Township, Harmar Township, Springdale Borough and Springdale Township. I believe your best choice for District Judge is Mitchell Karaica. Since the primary, Karaica has completed the certifying...
Letter to the editor: A look at views, stances of Hamas
They believe God gave them the right to own and bear weapons like assault rifles. They don’t recognize any rights for the LGBTQ community. They banned drag queen shows and believe transgenderism is a mental disease that needs to be eradicated. They believe the government should be built on a...
Letter to the editor: Plastic bag ban another ‘show’ by Pittsburgh leaders
Regarding the article “Pittsburgh businesses, shoppers prepare for plastic bag ban” (Oct. 9, TribLIVE): Sales of plastic garbage bags have skyrocketed after bans on plastic shopping bags in every case. Paper bags have a higher carbon footprint than plastic. This information is available everywhere. All you have to do is...
