I grew up in not-so-safe neighborhoods in Brooklyn and Queens, where I quickly became street smart. I got a paper route and have worked ever since.
There is pride of ownership when you earn and buy your own home. I have also never received any government benefits or privilege.
When I retired, friends asked me where I would go; Florida, the Carolinas? I could’ve retired anywhere, but told them I like Westmoreland. It reminds me of how America used to be.
I’ve had many seniors tell me that growing up in the 1950s was the greatest time period in America. Westmoreland is like that in a good way. It is safe here and people can afford to buy a home. Big-city liberalism hasn’t arrived yet en masse, but its drugs and abortions unfortunately have.
There are numerous theaters, community events, parks, outdoor activities and Idlewild for kids, and we have our own airport to travel to warmer weather. I learned to snowmobile in Ligonier and jet ski at Loyalhanna Lake. I learned to shoot a gun and became a lifetime NRA and Firearms Owners Against Crime member. I go to church weekly and brag about it.
Some of our youth move away for better jobs, but 86% of residents never leave. Thousands of people are trying to escape high cost of living areas in New York and New Jersey. I hope they plan to live, work, vacation and retire in Westmoreland like I did. I like Westmoreland the way it is.
John Ventre
Hempfield