Letters to the Editor category, Page 45
Letter to the editor: Venditti for Franklin Regional School Board
I’m writing to express my strong support for my longtime friend, Shannon Venditti, in her candidacy for the Franklin Regional School Board. Having known Shannon for many years, I can confidently say she embodies the values, energy and commitment our district needs. As a devoted mother of four school-aged children,...
Letter to the editor: Message to Reschenthaler
Congressman Reschenthaler, Let’s address the substance, or lack thereof, in your canned replies. The constant finger-pointing at the previous administration is not only tired — it’s cowardly. The Trump administration was handed a stable economy, and in record time launched a reckless trade war that’s vaporized trillions in U.S. wealth....
Letter to the editor: All veterans should be honored
As the mother of an Operation Enduring Freedom combat vet, I am infuriated! Apparently President Donald Trump only honors veterans from wars we won. Last week, he declared on social media that he is “renaming May 8th as Victory Day for World War II and November 11th as Victory Day...
Letter to the editor: Trump selling out to highest bidders
Vietnam’s latest move is a masterclass in transactional politics. In what to me is clearly a bid to avoid the wrath of President Donald Trump’s tariffs, the country just greenlit a $1.5 billion Trump-branded resort, fast-tracked Starlink (owned by Trump ally Elon Musk) and made clear they’re willing to pay...
Letter to the editor: Jamie Lingg represents integrity
The practice of political committees endorsing candidates during primary elections is a dangerous distortion of democracy. But the most troubling element is the use of proxy voting, a backdoor tactic that strips transparency from the process and concentrates power in the hands of a few. In theory, endorsements should reflect...
Letter to the editor: Carson has accomplished much as coroner
It is with great pleasure that I send this letter as my endorsement to reelect Tim Carson in the upcoming election for Westmoreland County coroner. I’ve had the opportunity to work as a deputy coroner in the Westmoreland County Coroner’s Office for more than 40 years. It is great to...
Letter to the editor: Pa. needs an ‘excess wealth tax’
As the budget battle unfolds in Harrisburg, one thing is clear: Working people are being told, once again, there’s just not enough to go around for you. Not enough for schools. Not enough for housing. Not enough for health care. But somehow, there’s enough for a tax break for billionaires....
Letter to the editor: We must strengthen our power grid now
Last week, I went three days with no electricity. Watching Netflix on my big screen became a fading memory, beads of sweat formed on my brow without AC, and who knew you could cook without a microwave? Now I know what it’s like being an early American settler or living...
Letter to the editor: Lingg shows genuine leadership in Murrysville
Since being elected to Murrysville Council, Jamie Lingg has worked to protect citizens’ safety, homeowners’ rights and taxpayers’ dollars. Great generalizations, but facts speak loudest. Please, read on … . Originally, Murrysville Council planned unisex park bathrooms for simultaneous use by men, women and children. The risk with that, especially...
Letter to the editor: Trump’s first 100 days
Let us evaluate President Trump on the following four policy issues. Regarding immigration, under President Biden, a good bill agreed upon by Democrats and Republicans ended up rejected by Senate Republicans due to pressure from Trump, who I believe wanted to garner credit for solving the issue once elected. Instead,...
Letter to the editor: We need truth on air quality
As someone who has traveled extensively in the United States, and as someone who has asthma, of course I am sensitive to any efforts to have clean air. However, the EPA and the American Lung Association are politicized organizations that “bend” the truth to achieve their ends. Below is a...
Letter to the editor: Show us the proof, President Trump
President Trump claims gas and grocery prices are coming down. This is what I would like to see from Trump: name the states where gas prices are coming down. Name the states where grocery prices are coming down. Name the gas stations where he claims gas is $1.98. Name the...
Letter to the editor: Experience matters for coroner, and Ackerman has it
John Ackerman possesses the No. 1 item necessary to be the next Westmoreland County coroner: qualifications! Hands down, Ackerman’s training, education, certifications and experience raise him over his opponent. Ackerman worked side by side with me for 18 years and has shown a constant drive and dedication to determine cause...
Letter to the editor: Russia’s war demands should be rejected
I am writing this after reading about the demands Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov made for the Ukraine war to end. He has demanded about 20% of what is actually Ukrainian territory be relinquished to Russia. This is much more than what was initially offered at the earlier proposal. As...
Letter to the editor: Wian best to lead register of wills office
In February, the Pennsylvania Senate approved and Gov. Josh Shapiro appointed Jon Wian to lead the vacated register of wills office following a period of mismanagement and resultant court-appointed conservatorship. As register of wills, Jon Wian is responsible for the county’s estates, probation of wills, marriage licenses, adoptions and guardianships....
Letter to the editor: Unrecognizable America
As an old flag-waving military veteran, it isn’t easy to say that I’m ashamed of my country. But I no longer identify with the America I once knew. A failed system of justice has seemingly blinded many who witnessed the Jan. 6 insurrection, followed by presidential pardons, and they have...
Letter to the editor: Game commission’s taxes
Do you feel your property taxes are too high? When gambling was approved in Pennsylvania, legislators voted to use it to help the residents with property taxes. However, the payment in lieu of taxes paid for property owned by the Pennsylvania Game Commission is $9.20 per acre, of which only...
Letter to the editor: The benefits of Sunday hunting
Pennsylvania hunters may soon be allowed to pursue deer, turkeys, upland birds and waterfowl on Sundays for the first time in more than two centuries. Senate Bill 67, currently being considered in the state Legislature, would amend state statutes to remove existing bans on Sunday hunting and give authority to...
Letter to the editor: Middle is disappearing
“The middle is disappearing,” according to Michigan Sen. Gary Peters. For this reason, he and other moderates in Congress have decided not to run for reelection. This sentiment reminds me of W.B. Yeats’ poem “The Second Coming”: Things fall apart; the centre cannot hold; Mere anarchy is loosed upon the...
Letter to the editor: Musk is no Edison
The letter “Demonizing Musk” (March 28, TribLive) stated that Elon Musk “is the Thomas Edison of our time.” That would be the same as comparing road kill with salt and pepper to a 5-star gourmet meal. Edison did invent many things, with a supporting staff, from the ground up. Despite...
Sounding off: Musk, Trump, Democrats, Pirates among week’s topics
Musk is no Edison The letter “Demonizing Musk” (March 28, TribLive) stated that Elon Musk “is the Thomas Edison of our time.” That would be the same as comparing road kill with salt and pepper to a 5-star gourmet meal. Edison did invent many things, with a supporting staff, from...
Letter to the editor: Kudos to Deer Lakes performers
Bravo to the Deer Lakes High School Drama Club for an outstanding display of acting, singing, tap-dancing and especially comedy in “The Drowsy Chaperone.” Kudos to directors Matty Derby and Natalie Erals for the long hours it took to bring the production to the stage, and superb talent of all...
Letter to the editor: Natural gas key to Pa.’s energy success
Pittsburgh City Councilwoman Erika Strassburger’s op-ed “Pa. must lead on renewable energy” (April 24, TribLive) wrongfully sidelines Pennsylvania’s natural gas industry and ignores the reality that affordable, reliable energy and environmental progress go hand in hand. Despite billions in subsidies and years of government support, intermittent energy sources like wind...
Letter to the editor: Ackerman best pick for coroner
I offer my full endorsement of John Ackerman for Westmoreland County coroner. I have known John for 50-plus year and worked with him serving our community as a volunteer firefighter. The role of a coroner requires someone who can bring professionalism and a human touch to moments that are often...
Letter to the editor: We need Carson as county coroner
I am writing in recognition of all Tim Carson has done as our county coroner. I oversee the Ray of Hope Westmoreland County Suicide Awareness and Prevention Task Force. I am also the Westmoreland County emergency behavioral health coordinator, so I see the impact of loss. In 2022, I approached...
