Letter to the editor: Volunteers seem to care more than commissioners

Westmoreland County residents should thank Diana Steck, Bob Mason and Michael Pardus for their leadership and advocacy around the American Rescue Plan funds ("Westmoreland County needs a people’s American Rescue Plan," Jan. 9, TribLIVE).

For almost a year, these three concerned citizens, alongside the many volunteers at Voice of Westmoreland, have built partnerships with community stakeholders, assessed the needs of a large swath of the population and provided real solutions to our county officials. Their commentary was nonpartisan, thorough and hopeful to our neighbors economically devastated by the pandemic.

In contrast, county commissioners Doug Chew, Gina Cerilli Thrasher and Sean Kertes have used the last few months to upload a flimsy survey and hold two public sessions in Youngwood. $105 million is a once-in-a-lifetime funding opportunity. According to U.S. Treasury rules, the commissioners are supposed to vote by the end of the month on the first $52 million.

The commissioners can no longer avoid doing their jobs. The needs as outlined in the commentary around mental health, housing and health care must be considered and addressed now. The commissioners have a moral obligation to serve the needs of all of their constituents. When unpaid volunteers care more than they do, it's time to demand more.

Sarah Skidmore

Greensburg

The writer is a member of Voice of Westmoreland.