Letter to the editor: Reasons for Pittsburgh population loss

So the city of Pittsburgh has lost over 12,000 people and is 10th in the country for population drop (“Allegheny County had nation’s 10th biggest population loss, census estimates show,” March 31, TribLIVE). This is not rocket science, and here is why:

• The city has become very unsafe, and all you hear are excuses and rhetoric on how it will be fixed. Stop with all the talk and do something already. People are tired!

• People who live in the city pay a 3% wage tax. So, if you and your spouse work, you now lose 6% of your total income. This tax is lower everywhere outside the city.

• You get hit with very high taxes, and it is a triple whammy. You get hit from Allegheny County, the City of Pittsburgh and the state. We are more heavily taxed then 90% of the country, and what do you have to show for it?

• Education: Why do people move to communities? Because of good schools. Schools are to be safe and orderly, and parents want their children to achieve. If they don’t, they move to other communities. I spent 30 years in education, so yes, I can speak to this concern.

• We have thousands of students who attend local colleges and universities but leave as soon as they graduate. Why? See above, and lack of opportunity.

I think I have touched upon enough. If our government officials would stop talking and get the job done, maybe people would stop leaving.

Eric Rosenthall

Bethel Park