The governor vetoed this bill for sound reasons

In response to yesterday's editorial concerning the $52 emergency municipal services tax ("Lump-Sum Veto: The Governor Declines to Shield the Working Poor"), we agree with the governor's veto of Senate Bill 157. The short timeline for implementation of these changes is simply not manageable. It is unfortunate that the General Assembly did not act sooner to avoid this dilemma.

While we commend the governor's steadfast effort so that citizens can pay this tax on a weekly basis to lessen the burden on taxpayers and exempt workers earning under $12,000 per year, SB 157 would have done more harm than good. Municipalities were not given sufficient time to comply with SB 157 by revising their budgets and tax forms and enacting new tax ordinances -- jeopardizing an important revenue source to offset the cost of services provided by local governments. Having to do this in a few weeks was burdensome if not impossible.

We support the governor and Legislature's attempt to minimize an unnecessary burden on low-income taxpayers and feel that with some more time, this new collection process can be smoothly implemented. This simple change can be made by the General Assembly before its legislative session wraps up Nov. 30. We urge it to do so, in order for Gov. Rendell to sign this bill.

TOM KLAUM
Executive Director, Pennsylvania State Association of Boroughs
KEITH HITE
Executive Director, Pennsylvania State Association of Township Supervisors
JOHN A. GARNER JR.
Executive Director, Pennsylvania League of Cities and Municipalities and of the State Association of Township Commissioners
Harrisburg

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Post-election taxation

I would like to compliment the Transportation Funding and Reform Commission for finding new ways to tax the hard-working homeowners and automobile owners of Pennsylvania ("Panel Wants 12.5-Cent Hike in Gas Tax for Road Repairs, Public Transit," Nov. 14). Hearing that there are recommendations to tax us even further than our current levels is exactly what we need, especially given the current cost of gasoline.

It sure does seem convenient that less than a week after the election Gov. Ed Rendell vetoed a bill that would lessen the impact of the $52 local services tax (supposedly because of the turnaround time, though there was no problem adjusting to collect it) and now one of his commissions suggests raising taxes and fees. I wonder why neither of these moves or suggestions came out the week before the election.

Instead of making the "average driver" pay $7 more per month, how about taking a look at finding the $7 in wasted funds that come from the huge amount of taxes that are already being taken from homeowners? If he had effectively launched these magical slots parlors, perhaps he would already have the cash, as I believe the slots are supposed to fix everything.

Here is another idea: How about looking at the funds that the majority of transit agencies waste? Instead of having stops at what seem like every corner, save a little gas by having one stop instead of five. You'll need it ... the taxes on gas are killing everyone.

MICHAEL MEADOWS
Hampton

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Thanks for nothing

Before all the voting machines had even been put away, Gov. Ed Rendell was already poised to, again, raise taxes ("Rendell Eyes Transportation, Infrastructure Funding," Nov. 9).

I understand why the retired seniors voted for him: Ed Rendell bought their votes (with the wages of working people) this election as he did the last -- this time through the proposed elimination of property taxes.

But wage earners? How could you? How could you, fellow wage earners, not see this coming? Or did you see it, yet earn so much and have so little else to do with your earnings, that you decided to touch the burner anyway?

In any case, you've burned the economically sighted of us along with you. Thanks a bunch.

WILLIAM M. STODDART
Brentwood

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Iraq's calling

Since Sen. Rick Santorum will soon be jobless, perhaps he'll seek employment with the U.S. military and serve the cause he so passionately supported while in the Senate. He appears healthy enough and certainly is as young or younger than many who are doing duty in Iraq.

I doubt, however, that his dedication to the defense of our nation extends that far. Besides, I'm sure his obvious ambition has already forced his focus on another white-collar, politically powerful position. In that endeavor, I can only wish him the worst of luck, for we don't need his kind of self-serving service.

KEN O'KEEFE
Swisshelm Park

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The goal: to work

To all of our newly elected officials: Please work for the common good and don't make re-election your primary goal.

JAMES P. DAUGHERTY
Forest Hills

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Caring and human

Rev. Brent Dugan brought my mother communion the day before she died at Montefiore Hospital. I can still picture the little oak case with the sacrament ... and how the 10-minute ritual comforted her.

Brent was a leader, managing the difficult process of consolidating two congregations into one. He did this with tremendous political sensitivity, great business acumen and unquestioned integrity.

Brent did all those things that a good pastor does. He went when and where called. He touched. He counseled. He prayed. He helped his congregants forgive themselves. He helped them live, when grief, guilt, failure overwhelmed them.

Sadly, Brent Dugan could not forgive himself for being, well, human. His congregants certainly did.

KDKA News possibly mistook Brent Dugan for a local version of Ted Haggard in its sadly sophomoric "investigation" that probed what reporter Marty Griffin described as "illicit, possibly illegal activities ... which ... violated the rules of his denomination" ("Pastor Takes His Life in Wake of TV Probe," Nov. 4). Although KDKA pulled the story, the promos ran and the damage was done.

Mr. Griffin's misguided, prurient "investigation" triggered, but did not cause, Brent Dugan's suicide.

In the end, I find it most profoundly and ironically sad that Brent did not, or could not, seek the kind of emotional and spiritual support he so willingly provided to others for so many years.

ROBERT C. BESWICK
Squirrel Hill

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Damage is done

In response to the Nov. 4 article "Pastor Takes His Life in Wake of TV Probe," I am absolutely outraged at Marty Griffin and KDKA. Because of his reporting, the pastor of the Community Presbyterian Church of Ben Avon, Brent Dugan, took his own life. The effect in the Ben Avon community is devastating.

This man was well liked, even loved by many in his congregation and community. He did his job well and worked for the good of everyone, church member or not. What gives Mr. Griffin the right to decide what we should know about Mr. Dugan? What if his private life wasn't news to the people of Ben Avon? What if we didn't care? If something was illegal, it should have been reported to the police, not on the "news."

Although the station chose not to run the report, the teasers had been damaging enough. Mr. Griffin can't begin to justify this as news. It is November sweeps, you know.

Mr. Griffin owes Mr. Dugan's family, his congregation and his community a public apology. It certainly won't do any good to apologize to Mr. Dugan now, will it? They destroyed a man's life and can take solace in knowing they have done a spectacular job in reporting the news.

What a pitiful state of affairs at KDKA.

RUSSELL A. KUEHNER
Ben Avon

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Let's be realistic about economics and this park plan

Let's start getting realistic if we are going to spend $100 million in Allegheny County ("Park Plan Clears Hurdle: $100 Million Proposal Gets Preliminary OK," Nov. 9). Is a new riverfront park the place and way to do it? Is this really going to spur $100 million worth of economic development? Can we afford to maintain a $100 million park in the future? How well do we maintain the existing Allegheny County facilities now and wouldn't it be better to improve and maintain these?

I thought the requests for funds from the Allegheny Regional Asset District already exceeded what is available. So what existing projects are going to lose their funding?

HERB HENNELL
West Deer

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