Government change needed

The special section presented a large collection of facts and figures with many carefully chosen thoughts on growth expressed by a group of talented people. The idea of restructuring government was almost ignored.

When it comes to economic development, this region, for all of its charms, has a 19th-century government. If we do not consider restructuring state and local government, we will be letting our hearts and not our heads lead us.

Whether we like it or not, we must look at Dallas, the paradigm of a high-growth city with a rapid influx of young, educated people and a steady increase in Fortune 500 companies. Simply put, in Texas and other states with a farm/ranch background, the playing field of government is rigged to eliminate "strong" city political machines, mayors, governors and legislative bodies. As a result, Texas has a high growth rate, no state income tax and many opportunities for young educated people. Texas has produced three presidents since World War II.

It is easy to say, "Pittsburgh and Pennsylvania can't go downhill forever, something has to change -- state and local government must be restructured." A realistic political scientist would say this area's "inbred thought" cannot be changed. Dan Onorato's victory over Jim Roddey shows that even college-educated, wealthy voters do not want change. Modern Western Pennsylvania is not recognized as the home of great leaders, unless you count high school quarterbacks, and they leave the state.

Let's not let the past govern the present. This area is an absolutely wonderful place to live. I do not want to live anywhere else in the whole world. Let's prove that our friends and neighbors can welcome a structural change in government and reap the benefits.

WALTER E. HOPKINS JR.
Pleasant Hills