Westmoreland County will receive more than $31 million in federal covid-19 relief funds from the state (“Westmoreland to get millions through the CARES Act, but it won’t be enough,” June 1, TribLIVE). Residents from all over the county have a right to know what the commissioners’ spending plan is and deserve a chance to provide input before any money is distributed.
Although there is a public meeting scheduled for July 16, there are limits on how many people can be in the room. How will concerned citizens truly have a voice given the legitimate need to adhere to CDC guidelines? Why haven’t the commissioners used Zoom for a virtual public participation session? How will residents from underserved and largely neglected communities provide input?
I am asking that our commissioners explain how they will address several key issues that affect so many county residents. For example, will county funds be used for rental assistance for those facing eviction? Will money be allocated for testing and contact tracing? Will funds be provided to economic development agencies in underserved communities?
I expect Commissioners Sean Kertes, Doug Chew and Gina Cerilli to be fully transparent in providing this information and to provide ongoing status updates to the public through regularly scheduled video town halls.
Susan Witt
Greensburg