I believe all three Westmoreland County commissioners were well aware that they intended to slam property owners with a massive one-third tax hike before the November election, but they waited until two weeks after Election Day to announce it. Then to turn around and raise their own salaries to almost $100,000 for a what is essentially a part-time gig is both hypocritical and deceitful.
Here are a few direct quotes from their respective campaign websites:
Doug Chew: “In my first term, I worked with fiscal restraint to keep your taxes low.”
Ted Kopas: “I pledge to deliver budgets that respect taxpayers’ hard work, balance fiscal responsibility and critical services, and public input. I have never voted to raise taxes.”
Sean Kertes: “I am proud to say that I’ve kept my vow by keeping taxes low, without implementing a single tax increase since taking office.”
We don’t need these kinds of underhanded tactics from our elected officials. Since Pennsylvania law doesn’t allow us to recall them, I suggest every property owner in the county attach their tax bill receipt to their refrigerator until the next election. These three guys should meet the same fate that the Greater Latrobe School Board members did last November when they attempted to dupe the taxpayers. It’s time to restore integrity to the courthouse.
E. Joseph Biss
Greensburg