Sounding off: Parties and politics

Carol Badgley, in her letter “Loss of Bacha as coroner a shame for Westmoreland residents” laments that a political newcomer, Tim Carson, defeated the incumbent, Ken Bacha, as Westmore­land County coroner because, as she explains, “elections have come down to party rather than who is more qualified for the position.”

She may very well be correct in her assessment of the relative skills and qualifications of the respective candidates. I’d question, however, her belief that Republicans, in some sense, have a vendetta against the Democrats.

I’d suggest that there is a more fundamental and disturbing phenomenon occurring; in particular, the voting population in this country is so upset with recent events, such as the mass immigration, the confusion over the covid-19 pandemic, the disaster in Afghanistan, the scarcity of goods, government payments to unemployed workers while many service and production positions remain unfilled, fuel prices and on and on, that any political incumbent is at considerable risk of being voted out of office regardless of their qualifications. Their risk is amplified by the lack of leadership at all levels from those currently in office and that the problems are not being addressed.

On a more positive note, we must be grateful that we have elections in our country. Elections do provide a “relief valve” for an upset population that without elections, as we have seen in many dictatorships, most likely evolve into chaos and revolution. Hopefully, there are some John Kennedys and Ronald Reagans in the wings.

Wayne Baughman, Salem

Shapiro will make a difference as governor

While serving communities in the South Hills and Monongahela Valley for over a year, I frequently hear about people’s lack of faith in the country’s ability to improve. There seem to be so many small problems to fix, while the big problems become too large to overcome. To address these challenges, Pennsylvanians need to elect a governor who has a track record of getting things done, the courage to take on big fights and the dedication to improve how government works at all levels.

I believe Josh Shapiro is that person.

Shapiro took on Pennsylvania’s two largest insurance companies to ensure that we in Southwestern Pennsylvania could access the world-renowned health care that has earned our region fame. He made the politically courageous decision to stand up to the Catholic Church and expose decades of abuse. He has earned a well-deserved reputation for turning budget deficits into surpluses and protecting the pocketbooks of seniors, students, small businesses and consumers.

Most importantly, Shapiro shows up, listens first and seeks to understand the various issues facing the different parts of our commonwealth. I look forward to introducing him to my constituents in Dravosburg, Baldwin, West Mifflin, Pleasant Hills and more, so that he can continue to meet people where they are and listen to their concerns.

I know that Shapiro has the work ethic to make a real difference for folks across the commonwealth as governor, building a future we can all believe in and restoring our national and statewide confidence.

Rep. Nick Pisciottano, West Mifflin

The writer, a Democrat, represents the 38th District.

Who could replace Mike Tomlin?

I don’t understand who Mark Madden thinks is out there who would do a better job coaching the Steelers than Mike Tomlin (“Steelers’ lack of identity, focus an indictment of Mike Tomlin”).

Tomlin is already 20th on the all-time wins list, with seven division titles, nine playoff appearances, two conference championships and one Super Bowl in 15 years. His career winning percentage is better than Chuck Noll’s. The only coaches out there with comparable or better records are Bill Belicheck, Andy Reid, Pete Carroll, Sean Payton and John Harbaugh, none of whom is going to come coach the Steelers.

If Madden wants to argue that Bruce Arians, Sean McVay, Sean McDermott, Frank Reich or Mike Vrabel is currently a better coach than Tomlin, that’s reasonable, but none of them are coming to the Steelers, either.

The alternatives are unproven assistants or college coaches. So who is it, Mark? Who’s the replacement for Tomlin?

Mike Sierk, Hempfield

Why gas prices are high

Regarding Sean Peters’ letter “Biden’s blunders”: As a citizen of this United States, I feel it is my duty to point out the misinformation you have asserted in your letter.

There’s a reason prices have gone up lately, and it has nothing to do with President Biden. It’s called supply and demand. When the country shut down due to the pandemic last year, demand decreased and prices dropped. As our country recovers from covid and demand increases, prices will increase … a matter of supply and demand. Including gas prices. Simple, really.

Also, canceling of the Keystone XL pipeline has absolutely nothing to do with the current gas prices of today. Keystone XL pipeline phases 1, 2 and 3 are complete; it’s phase 4 that was canceled. President Trump took action to permit completion of phase 4 on Jan. 25, 2017, close to five years ago; the hurdles to clear to complete the fourth phase — courts, environmental issues, eminent domain, etc., plus a 1,179-mile-long construction project — the pipeline would be nowhere near done to have any effect on gas prices now. Even if TC Energy hadn’t abandoned the project, it still would not be complete and on line for several years to come.

I know it’s temping to blame Biden for every little mishap that happens now, but you should do a little research beforehand, like I did. Peace and happy holidays.

Jeffrey T. Hice, Penn Township, Westmoreland County

Dumbing down Pittsburgh police response

What if the owners of newspapers told their editors to write without regard to the rules of grammar and punctuation? And what if they were told to dumb it down some; they are writing at too high of a level for their readership? Do you think the editors would feel like all of their education and professionalism is in question? Do you think the readership would suffer some impact as well? “weL oF coaRse ’ thEy wood,”

This is akin to what Pittsburgh councilman Ricky Burgess is proposing (“Proposal would prevent Pittsburgh police from pulling over drivers for minor, secondary violations”). Introducing legislaton to dumb down the response of Pittsburgh police to ignore secondary traffic offenses hinders their education and professionalism. They were hired to do a job and were educated and trained to their job to the best of their ability.

This proposal is assinine. If driving without taillights or a broken windshield are no longer considered a secondary offense, the right way to correct the problem would be to legislate the offenses off of the books. Missing a muffler, turn signals not working or not using a seat belt no longer offensive? Get the offenses off the books.

Don’t tell the police not to do their job. What kind of counterintuitive thought process is Burgess using?

Robert Smith, Monroeville

Standing by Biden is a bad choice

In his letter “Another Trump presidency not the answer,” Ed Svitek does have a point. Donald Trump’s presidency at the time was needed, but the rhetoric has lost its luster. Meanwhile, his policies still have a lot of merit.

We can kick the can forever about a rigged election, but one thing is certain: Government lies. In my opinion, Trump’s presidency didn’t tear this country apart; eight years of Democratic lies, deceit and rekindling of racism did — which I might add Joe Biden was privy to.

As for standing by Biden, I suggest Svitek think about this: Natural gas is up 30%, heating oil is up 43%, propane is up 54%, gasoline is up $1.70 over last year, Medicare cost is taking a large jump, and food prices are climbing faster than the space shuttle. Then there are the government handouts/slush money, and let’s not forget the shame of the Afghanistan withdrawal.

We can’t economically afford three more years of flip-flop Biden without a possible default on our national debt. I really don’t know the logic of “it is Trump’s fault Biden is president.”

In short: If you stand by Biden and think he is the answer, you chose poorly.

Jack Juris, Buffalo Township

Pittsburgh airport should be lean and mean

Since that “can of worms” called the Pittsburgh International Airport has been opened, let’s continue with a little reason.

First, get rid of the name Pittsburgh International and just call it the Pittsburgh Airport. Flights to Toronto hardly qualify it to have the name.

The Pirates have accepted our status as a “small market.” Pittsburgh was never meant to, and can’t, compete with New York, Philly, D.C. and Boston. We are a bit of a “backwater.” In reality, that is part of its charm. I grew up near Philly (Lancaster), and take it from me, Pittsburghers are a lot friendlier than “easterners.” (And seem a lot happier!)

If we believed in ourselves more, the Pittsburgh Airport would ring truer and sweeter.

A suggestion: a lean and mean airport that is good to the hubs. We could work with the hubs to ensure premium service (volume based) for Pittsburgh tickets, which could feature discounts to simulate a one-flight situation, a sort of cheaper uni-ticket. We would expect the best in handling of baggage as well.

If you have the money to go to Paree or London or Barcelona, then try this: Go to New York first. Do a day tour, see a show or two. Try one of the famous restaurants you’ve heard about and maybe do a little “clubbing.” After a day or two, fly direct to wherever. Don’t worry about spending money set aside for the brats. You earned it by your judicious efforts. Let’s face it, the brats are going to fritter it away anyhow.

Tom Kerek, Oakmont