Kudos to Stephen Cummings ("Reasons to Visit," May 16 letters) for recognizing how large-scale, recurring events attract the attention of potential visitors to the Pittsburgh region. Sometimes local residents just don't realize the impact and spending power that visitors bring here. Yes, big events like marathons and bike races do provide opportunities to reach out to visitors, just as our world-class attractions, performances, sports teams, historical sites, restaurants, hotels and tax-free clothes-shopping do every day of the year.

But Mr. Cummings also writes that "Pittsburgh is not somewhere people go on vacation." Actually, that's not really true.

In 2007, VisitPittsburgh tracked nearly 498,000 leisure visitors (not business people or conventioneers) to the region coming from markets in which VisitPittsburgh advertised. That's nearly a half-million people who vacationed here. More than 105,000 of these visitors stopped in one of VisitPittsburgh's welcome centers. And the Web site, www.visitpittsburgh.com (which includes a comprehensive listing of 250 things to see and do here every day), realized a record-breaking 2.5 million inquiries last year.

Indeed. Pittsburgh is most certainly a place where big events help make our community more vibrant. It is also a place where people vacation -- and we are delighted that they do! Thanks to Mr. Cummings for helping us point that out!

JEFFREY W. LETWIN
Chairman
VisitPittsburgh
Downtown

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I am a proud native of Western Pennsylvania. Unfortunately, due to Gov. Ed Rendell's mismanagement of the commonwealth, I had to relocate to Northern Virginia to seek gainful employment. I remain dedicated to supporting my regional roots and I frequently travel back to Pennsylvania to share my success through supporting local shops, restaurants and hotels. Basically, I try to do my part to support the local economy and the people I love through tourism and travel.

On these trips, I make it a specific point to travel the Pennsylvania Turnpike. I do so to show my support for the local union laborers who are a critical part of their own local economies. If Pennsylvania gives the turnpike over to anyone other than the hard-working people of the commonwealth, be sure that I will never travel a Pennsylvania toll road again. I will make sure that every native Pennsylvanian in Northern Virginia discovers an alternate route as well.

Maybe during the next governors conference, Mr. Rendell can talk to my new governor, Tim Kain. As a real Democrat, Mr. Kain has found it in the best interests of his fellow citizens to allocate billions, yes billions, to public works projects to bolster the common good. Mr. Rendell, on the other hand, seeks to give away public infrastructure to find short-term solutions. I hope Gov. Rendell can correct his ill-fated course and make Pennsylvania a place that can attract young talent, like me, back to the place they called home.

JOHN PAUL SCHERFEL JR.
Alexandria, Va.
The writer is a native of Freedom.

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Why do high-ranking employees of PHEAA receive huge bonuses when they use state money to do their jobs, but when things don't go as well, the students are the ones who suffer ("Pa. Student-Loan Agency to Cut Aid, Offer Employee Buyouts," April 25)?

Where is the logic? It has become harder and harder for average people to send their children to college, yet it is acceptable for these executives to take money off the top. You wonder why people are leaving Pennsylvania? They are tired of being ripped off by elected and appointed officials.

JACK SANKER
Turtle Creek

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I am in total agreement with the two ladies whose letters were published May 21 (Katie Casella and Linda Natcher). They put into words exactly how I felt after seeing Tuesday's editorial page.

Editorial cartoonist Rob Rogers more often than not angers me. But this time, he infuriated me. By publishing this piece of trash, the PG not only disrespects our president, but also our brave military men and women.

ELLIE WOODS
West View

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I have read the letters about Rob Rogers' May 20 editorial cartoon. It is a fact, unfortunately, that American soldiers are having amputations due to this war for oil. It is also a fact that Mr. Bush stated that he sacrificed golf for his war. I say don't shoot the messenger; he's only doing his job.

DEBRA BONGIOVANNI
Beechview

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What is so wrong about reporting good news in Manchester for a change? Year after year, I have personally requested that media come to Pittsburgh Manchester K-8 (formerly known as Manchester Elementary School) to cover and/or participate in positive events.

The week of May 12-16 was Students Against Violence Via Education (S.A.V.V.E.) Week. Once again, after invitations and requests for media coverage, the event was overlooked. With the exception of WTAE's Marilyn Brooks, who came to read to our students during a Dr. Seuss celebration, there doesn't seem to be much interest in illuminating good things that come out of the Manchester community.

In contrast, there is generally a barrage of reporters on hand when a tragedy strikes. A few months ago when there was a shooting in the area, a reporter (whose name I choose not to disclose) asked to come inside to use the restroom and seemed perplexed when I asked if she would come back to cover the basketball game during S.A.V.V.E Week. Does reporting negative events in neighborhoods with schools add to the sensationalism? Does it boost ratings? Is the media assuming that folks don't want to hear about the positive things that young people are doing in the Manchester Community? Is it a conspiracy to give all youth in Manchester a bad reputation?

I see children every day with an enormous amount of potential, engaged in positive activities. These children have hopes, dreams and aspirations. I wish the media would give more people the opportunity to see what I see.

ANGELA TAYLOR
Teacher
Pittsburgh-Manchester K-8
Manchester

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