Butler needs to court homeowners, not baseball
I am writing in response to "Butler Bets on Ballfield to Spark Revival" (Aug. 21): The "spark" in our town is fading, and I think the mayor of Butler needs a reality check -- fast! As a 26-year resident homeowner of the city of Butler, I have watched in horror as my darling little "working-class-homeowner" neighborhood is quickly being transformed into a rental housing project with abandoned, unkempt properties, absentee landlords, rundown houses and drug traffic. Our city is fast becoming a blighted area, and all they can come up with is a ballfield?
The streets are an embarrassment. Driving city streets is like trying to maneuver around a minefield. The public works department is seldom seen doing patch jobs anymore, and it shows -- Butler city streets look like a war zone.
Litter is everywhere -- bottles, paper wrappers, empty cigarette packs on streets, sidewalks and parking lots, regardless of a plan to use prisoners to beautify the city by picking up litter.
Population-wise, our voting/tax base is quickly eroding. In a recent conversation with a city council member, I was told that 60 percent of all houses in the city are now rental properties. This is a direct result of the exodus of city residents to the suburbs. In addition, city demographics show a steady decline in the population over the last several years. What's to keep anyone here? A ballfield? I think not.
It is my hope that the ballpark idea is traded in for a more winning concept of "courting" the remaining residential homeowners, instead of schmoozing minor league teams. Our mayor needs a reality check, so she can begin revitalizing the neighborhoods instead of playing ball with grandiosity!
SUE REINHART
Butler
A medical jewel
I live in Erie and was surprised to read an article in which some questioned UPMC's nonprofit status ("Nonprofits: How Much Is Too Much?" Aug. 27 Business). The University of Pittsburgh Medical Center is a crown jewel for the city. Not only does UPMC provide excellent medical care and treatment, but it is also a world-renowned research institution; residents of the Pittsburgh region, including the media, should take pride in UPMC's sterling reputation.
I'm delighted to learn of UPMC's strong investment returns and prudent fiscal management. It means the region can expect UPMC to remain at the forefront of medical research, development and treatment.
CLINT VISLAY
Erie
Display of ignorance
OK, that's it! I am a cradle Catholic, a woman with a Ph.D. in theology, obtained because I love my church and wished to give back, so to speak (with an emphasis on health-care ethics and moral theology and as a former certified hospice registered nurse). I have no desire to be ordained, but I have encountered major clericalism in my attempts to contribute to my church's efforts (e.g., a pastor who said that unless "he" said something it was not valid -- the "Father Knows Best" syndrome!).
The Aug. 26 letter about "male nuns" ("Equal Rites?") got me in a big way! Has the priest who wrote this letter forgotten that there are already religious "brothers" in the church? That was a major oversight on his part when he wrote his letter. Honestly, the light bulb really does not reach the socket for some of these men!
PATRICIA K. THOMPSON
Jeannette
A study in contrasts
This is in reference to the two Aug. 26 letters from the clergy:
There could not have been a greater contrast between the letter of love and respect for all life written by the Rev. Drew Ludwig ("Let's Stand for All of God's Family") and the letter on women priests by Father Edward L. Hoffman ("Equal Rites?"). Whereas one expressed the basic moral tenets of Christianity, the other was a sophomoric attempt to disparage women who have a storied history in the kind of devotion and service espoused by the Rev. Ludwig.
The elevation of qualified women to the priesthood deserves scholarly research and consideration. As for Father Hoffman and his ilk becoming nuns -- heaven forbid!
ROBERT F. MUTH
McCandless
Out of the question
Christ the Almighty, in his infinite wisdom, did not choose a woman to be an apostle and so a woman will never become a Catholic priest, unless the Holy Spirit decides otherwise, period.
Isn't it funny anytime someone has something bad to say about the Catholic Church, they always say something about the pedophiles? I, too, am hurt about what they did, but let us leave it to our Dear Lord. Let him deal with it.
When the people wanted to stone an adulterous woman to death, Christ said, "You who are without sin may cast the first stone." They all turned away.
You who can't forget about the sin the pedophiles committed, look at yourself in the mirror and see if you are worthy to cast the first stone.
MICHAEL R. GAYDOS
Bethel Park
Corrupt system
It's understandable why supporters of Bob Casey Jr. for U.S. Senate would welcome the denial of Green Party candidate Carl Romanelli a place on the ballot this fall (see the letters "Cease, Romanelli," Aug. 22, and "The Gap Will Grow," Aug. 27). But even people who would never vote for a third-party candidate should lament the way the two old parties in Pennsylvania make it so tough for third parties to qualify for a place on the ballot -- and then challenge them when they attempt to do it.
I am not a supporter of Mr. Romanelli; he does not reflect my values and I will not vote for him even if he does appear on the ballot. But I won't waste my vote -- my voice -- by suggesting that I approve of Mr. Casey, either (even if he is "the lesser of two evils"). Yet it has become, by design, nearly impossible for citizens to rebel against the corrupt politics-as-usual of Pennsylvania Republicans and Democrats both.
How ironic that we send soldiers to other parts of the world to promote democracy. Perhaps they should be here in Pennsylvania.
JERRY GLOEKLER
Bellevue
Inconsiderate cyclists
I read with interest the article about a new bike lane on Liberty Avenue in Bloomfield ("Bicycle Lanes Gain Support on Long Stretch of Liberty Ave.," Aug. 28).
I work for a delivery service and cover the city very regularly; therefore the idea of sharing the road is laughable. Bike riders are consistently reckless and uncaring about traffic lights or signs or any driving protocol. They pass when and how they wish.
When they get licenses of some sort, or show some kind of road courtesy, then they will be entitled to road sharing.
JERRY MORRIS
Lawrenceville
President Bush has not delivered on relief promises
While Democrats have fought for the resources the Gulf Coast needs to rebuild, President Bush has broken his promise to the people affected by Hurricane Katrina. Most Americans believe that the people affected by Katrina still have not gotten the help they need.
We cannot forget our fellow Americans in the Gulf Coast, thousands of whom are still suffering and trying to move ahead with their lives.
President Bush has had no plan for the Gulf Coast. Rebuilding efforts have been plagued with delays, cost overruns and breakdowns.
America is still vulnerable. The Bush administration has not taken the steps necessary to ensure that we are prepared to address the next great disaster -- natural or manmade.
ANTHONY CAPOBIANCO
South Park
Appalling response
The Bush administration and Congress claim they are dedicated to resolving many of the problems facing Americans, from educating our children to protecting our citizens. I find it appalling that one year after Hurricane Katrina there are still classrooms in Louisiana filled with mud and debris rendering them useless ("In New Orleans, Is It Rebuilding or Rebirth?" Aug. 28).
How can anyone possibly claim to leave no child behind while proving incapable of recovering from this disaster? What is the worth of being the most powerful and wealthiest nation if we cannot take care of our own?
ANTHONY E. ROSCOE
Stowe
First Published: September 1, 2006, 4:00 a.m.
