Letters to the editor
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Keep electioneering out of weights and measures
I felt I had an obligation to "weigh in" on the ongoing discussion about the Weights and Measures Bureau in Allegheny County ("Two in a Measured Dispute: County Executive, Controller Each Want to Monitor Meters," Feb. 1). I had the privilege of supervising this group during my five years in county government under the three commissioners and then Jim Roddey. During that time I found the four individuals to be very low-key and incredibly professional in their jobs. I never received a single complaint from anyone inside or outside of government about the individuals or their performance during this five-year period.
There were numerous occasions during this period when either I or my deputy would accompany them on their schedule for a part of the day and they were always efficient, effective and well-received in every place they visited -- even if they had recently tagged a device as not meeting standard and needing a re-inspection. Somehow they were able to meet this very high measure of performance with only the chief inspector's name on the certification seal displayed on devices all over the county. I always felt he was the experienced expert and should have his name on the seal.
When I left the county government and started to see another name on the seals, my beloved bride would have to sit in the car and put up with a large measure of vituperative language from me about the change and it being a campaign stunt while I filled the tank with gas.
I also had the pleasure of supervising elections, another superb group able to do a difficult job, so I understand the value of name recognition on the ballot.
Maybe the elected official who wins the opportunity to put his name on the new seals should pay for them from campaign funds rather than taxpayer money.
NORMAN MEKKELSEN
Bloomfield
A freeing distinction
This letter is to thank the Post-Gazette editorial board for its Feb. 1 editorial opposing state Rep. Rick Saccone's bill declaring 2012 the Year of the Bible ("Test of Faith"). Too often bills like this one go unchallenged. So it was with surprise and delight that I read your editorial. I thank the editorial board for standing up for the Constitution and separation of church and state, an idea that all too often finds itself without a champion.
First Published February 7, 2012 12:00 am
