Laurels & lances: Checks and balances

Laurel: To small gestures. Six weeks might not seem like a big deal with some things. It’s less than the timeline from Halloween to Christmas, which seems to pass in a blink. But when you’re waiting for money, it can feel like a lifetime, especially when belts are tight and getting tighter.

That is why the state’s move to push out property tax and rent rebate checks six weeks early is more than a smart decision. It’s a thoughtful one, and we need more thoughtfulness in government.

This isn’t a handout. This is money that about 500,000 Pennsylvanians are already due to receive. It’s not something new. It has been happening since 1971, funded by Pennsylvania Lottery revenues, and it goes into the pockets of senior citizens, widowed Pennsylvanians over 50 and low-income disabled individuals.

In other words, it’s money that could help a lot of people who could fall into the most at-risk groups amid the coronavirus pandemic. It’s a cushion of $650 to $975 that might make it easier for those people to make ends meet or pay bills during a lockdown.

Huh. A smart, considerate solution to a problem that doesn’t cost extra money? That’s a big deal after all.

Lance: To allegations of abuse. A Westmoreland County prison guard was fired Monday amid an assault investigation.

District Attorney John Peck confirmed that charges will be filed in the assault of inmate James Mapp, 32, of Roswell, N.M., who was arrested April 30 for a break-in of a Manor home. Sheriff James Albert says video from the jail shows at least two guards violently subduing an inmate but gave no additional details.

There is a difference between restraint and control and assault. That’s a difference that needs to be maintained, not just for the health and rights of the inmates, but the safety and well-being of the corrections staff.

Albert was right in his call for expanding pre-hire investigations of new prison personnel, including psychological exams and other screenings like those done for county detectives.

“It may help avoid legal problems in the long run,” he said.

It also could help head off ethical and financial ones.

Lance: To not enough information. Highlands School District is once again keeping its cards close to its vest. The board has a history of not disclosing information that should be public, and this time, it’s with the solicitor.

Andrew & Price replaced former solicitor Ira Weiss as the district’s counsel in April. On Monday, it also replaced Weiss’ firm, Weiss Burkardt Kramer, as the district’s delinquent property tax collector.

The board can change its contracted services whenever it wants. The issue is that it isn’t disclosing the costs.

District officials have not yet answered a Tribune-Review Right-to-Know request with information about how much Andrews & Price is being paid for serving as solicitor. Monday’s vote on the tax collecting services included no terms and no discussion, meaning there is no information on what that will cost either.

Come on, Highlands. Let people know what they’re paying.