Letters to the editor
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Decreasing the sales tax would bring benefits
The proposals put forth by legislators to decrease property taxes, while consistent, have yet to gain enough momentum for an overhaul of Pennsylvania's current direction. While we are on the right road, if we just stand there, we are going to get run over.
One bill proposes to increase sales and income tax with the intention to reduce our property taxes ("House Panel Approves Tax Shift," Nov. 1). The public can accept the need for an increase in income tax; however, we need a decrease in sales tax and the elimination of property tax. Decreased sales tax encourages businesses to operate within Pennsylvania because their merchandise is then more competitive. Additional businesses bring additional jobs. Elimination of property taxes promotes an increase in homeowners; hence, we have higher employment and population growth.
We also can logically assume that these consequences lead to increased purchases, which lead to additional state revenue (which would offset the decrease in sales tax). Furthermore, if we reawaken the bill to reduce the size and spending of our state government, as well as look to bring to an end other wasteful spending, we may just pull off property tax elimination.
MICHAEL J. GRANT
South Fayette
Conservative loyalties
I think the question that needs to be asked of conservatives everywhere is, "Are you willing to allow the integrity of our electoral process to be forever impugned in order to create a situation whereby Republicans consistently win the presidency by however nefarious means?"
Does the end (a continuous Republican presence in the Oval Office) justify the means (a subversion of the electoral process, which calls into serious doubt the accuracy and integrity of our elections)? Any way you twist the pretzel, our current use of voting machines, particularly those machines that are manufactured by companies with strong Republican ties and heavily contribute to Republican coffers, does exactly that: raises serious doubts as to the fairness and honesty of our elections.
My sad conclusion is that, yes, there are plenty of conservatives out there who believe that winning is not the most important thing -- it's the only thing -- and that ensuring Republican victory is justified no matter how wrong the means by which it is attained. Which is why Republicans of that ilk who would subvert the cause of right or wrong in order to, for instance, approve of the current administration's use of torture, do not love our country or our Constitution. Their only loyalty is to the Republican Party and to conservative ideology, which frequently is in direct conflict with our Constitution, the bedrock of our democracy -- not to mention also the standard of basic human decency.
ALAN GLASSER
Oakland
Adds to exhaustion
The election is over and the winners are celebrating, but the poll workers are still recuperating. Most workers are senior citizens who get up at 5 a.m. to go to the firehalls or churches at 6 a.m. to prepare the machines to open the polls at 7 a.m. They work until 8 p.m., then close the machines and collect all the information and drive to the regional center, try to find a place to park and then line up on the sidewalk all around the police station to return their results.
After finally getting to the table where they turn in their box, they are told to walk back outside along the sidewalk, back into the building, through the long corridor, around the hallway, to the room where the rest of the information is to be returned. From that first drop-off table they could have taken a few steps through a doorway into that last room, eliminating the long, extra walk through the building.
By now, it is about 9 or 10 p.m. These people put in a 16-hour day. Many can barely stand, yet they dutifully follow instructions to get to that last room. Almost all of these workers are over 70 years old, not in the best of health, and they are treated like cattle at the end of a long and exhausting day. We need a more convenient way to return election results.
BERNICE ROTHRAUFF
East McKeesport
Lethal roundup
Reading the poignant column on James Barry Neiport, aka "Red" ("My Pal Red Loved Ducks and They Knew It," Oct. 31), one can only imagine how Red would have reacted to the news that the U.S. Department of Agriculture rounded up Canada geese from the South Side's Riverfront Park recently and transported those birds not killed during capture to a slaughterhouse.
Through our contacts with local residents, Voices for Animals knows that Red was not alone in loving the waterfowl who make their home on the banks of the Monongahela. Many people appreciate them, and many have noticed the drastic reduction in their numbers since the roundup (the USDA states 19 birds were killed, eyewitnesses claim many more).
Voices for Animals deplores the taking of these birds from a public park, on behalf of a private entity, in front of horrified eyewitnesses, and we are incensed that the identity of the client company is "protected" by law. If the client has a goose "problem," we would like to put it in touch with GeesePeace, an organization that handles human/goose conflicts peacefully, effectively and nonlethally, serving both the geese and the people, like Red, who care about them.
The USDA made no attempt whatsoever to deal with the issue nonlethally on the South Side. It is apparently working on similar "programs" elsewhere in the city. To avoid further pointless killing, we urge city residents to demand the use of nonlethal methods of Canada goose management within city limits.
REBECCA REID
Manchester
The writer is coordinator of Voices for Animals of Western Pennsylvania.
Not an issue for us
This note is in reference to the Nov. 2 letter by Jerry Janus ("Pity Party"), who says city police and firefighters want to move out of the city.
First things first. Mr. Janus, as a city firefighter, I find your comments upsetting simply because you don't have a clue as to what you are talking about. The firefighters of this city have never even entertained the notion of residency for its members. I and 99.9 percent of my fellow firefighters are lifetime residents of the city -- myself, 49 years here.
So before you start to throw stones, make sure you have the right target in your sights. A candidate applicant for the position of firefighter must be a city resident at the time of application, unlike other entities in the city's rank and file. That might be the reason they don't want to reside within the boundaries of this city.
As far as other comments I have read in the letters to the editor regarding the mayoral election, people should hold their thoughts if they reside outside the boundaries of this city. Move into the city, then you can voice your opinion on who should be mayor. Until then, hush, hush!
DAVE GRADY
Carrick
Crime prevention
Why can't the public respond to criminals in a forum to let them know what we think of them and what we feel about their actions? We are getting closer and closer to vigilante justice, as the crimes that corrode our cities drop to a level of animals -- like the animals who attack our elderly or the cowards who prey on our children. Enough is enough.
Our police can handle only so much. Our court systems can recycle these vermin only so much. Somebody is going to blow. We are wrist slapping. We need to get the attention of these people while they are still contemplating the crime.
Maybe a public forum that reaches these animals will give them a reason to rethink what they are planning. Some Charles Bronson justice may be right around the corner, and these animals need to know that!
BEV CHILDERS
Washington, Pa.
Public libraries are good value for taxpayers
The fiscally responsible use of taxpayers' dollars by public libraries is a noteworthy piece of positive news. Libraries are well known for their stewardship of the public's dollars and for the many ways they stretch those valuable funds to provide services to the public.
From early literacy activities and books for babies to lifelong learning opportunities for adults, public libraries serve everyone regardless of educational or socio-economic level. By providing free access to computers and online resources, libraries bridge society's digital divide.
The return on investment by public libraries in Pennsylvania has been documented this year in a study by the University of North Carolina's School of Information and Library Science. The economic impact of public libraries in Pennsylvania is significant: For every tax dollar of support, the return on that investment is $5.50. A return of $55 for every $10 of local, state and federal taxes invested in support of public libraries is a significant benefit to the region.
Taxpayers can be proud of what their tax dollars do for public libraries and the communities they serve and be pleased that those hard-earned dollars given to libraries generate so much more in return.
CYNTHIA K. RICHEY
Director
Mt. Lebanon Public Library
Mt. Lebanon
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First Published November 14, 2007 12:00 am
