Letter to the editor: We need tax reform, not new housing

The main interview in the article “Senior housing project in Irwin draws large response from prospective tenants” (May 17, TribLIVE) was from a woman from Wilkinsburg (Allegheny County), not Westmoreland County. All of the hoopla over this housing project seems to come down to someone from out of the county who wants to move here.

Westmoreland County housing projects should be for Westmoreland County residents. This county needs cost- efficient, viable housing for senior citizens. Our citizens should be first and foremost.

I am a senior citizen, retired, on disability, and live in my own home. Some day, I may want to look at this proposition and see if it is a good sell.

It seems that there is a lot of politics involved to get this approved, especially cutting taxes paid by the county.

Here is a ridiculous thought: Why don’t the esteemed county commissioners cut real estate taxes for senior citizens so that they can live in their own homes comfortably? One thing is for sure, you won’t see any county commissioner applying for an apartment in Irwin — and you can take that to the bank.

As a side issue — too much politics is being played between county bosses and the Westmore­land County Housing Authority to get tax breaks and make everyone think they’re doing a good job. So vote them in again. Not me!

Tax reform is needed badly, not new housing to get more votes.

Robin R. Prady

North Huntingdon