Letter to the editor: Fairness & civility in local politics

When retired executive John Ventre announced his decision to run for Westmoreland County Commissioner on Jan. 11, he was stunned to see that his extensive resume of work and board and charitable service, and his creative plan to help the county, was reduced to negativism regarding his former hobby and an old Facebook argument.

Ventre was expecting to read the same cordialness afforded other candidates upon their announcements. Isn’t Facebook really a place to vent and not a policy platform? Ventre was also made aware of a cowardly anonymous letter sent to Republican committee chairs asking them not to support him four days prior to his announcement to run. Obviously, some people or groups fear his creativity, executive experience and honesty to take on the “Westmoreland swamp,” including the Municipal Authority of Westmoreland County.

Ventre has pledged to donate 25 percent of his salary back to local causes and to not accept county benefits or primary donations. Has anyone else pledged that locally? His plan focuses on creative ideas like a reward program to catch heroin dealers, HUD housing for veterans called “Soldier City,” taxing abortion clinics, a property tax rebate for volunteer firemen and advertising in high cost-of-living areas to recruit employers and retirees.

Ventre has always been above reproach, doesn’t need this position and truly wants to give back since he retired here and could’ve retired anywhere. Let’s debate and dial down the hate and do what is best to “Make Westmoreland Great Again,” since the commissioners said at last week’s Chamber of Commerce luncheon that “the county is in a death spiral.”

John Ventre

Hempfield