Opinion category, Page 276
Letter to the editor: Kertes, Chew should remain in office
In response to the letter “Don’t vote for incumbents” (April 23, TribLIVE) — don’t believe everything you read. The letter was full of incorrect information regarding ARPA and CARES act distributions. Not including the special earmark for Excela Hospital and the restaurant industry, the Westmoreland County commissioners spent a total...
Editorial: How to measure the gravity of a mass shooting
What is mass? It seems like a synonym for weight, but that isn’t quite right. Weight is how we measure the pressure that gravity exerts upon things. But mass? Mass is the actual presence of an item — its length and breadth and density. Mass has another meaning. It can...
Letter to the editor: Don’t vote for radical Franklin Regional board candidates
I appreciated the position statements of candidates for Franklin Regional School Board (“Candidates vie for 6 seats on Franklin Regional School Board,” May 3, TribLIVE). It is clear that residents should remove candidates Deb Bucciero and John Fallat from consideration. We do not need Buccerio’s moral arbitration, nor should we...
Letter to the editor: Zellers experienced, dedicated
Many know Leslie Uncapher Zellers as an attorney who was a prosecutor in Westmoreland County and who has worked for many of us in private practice. Those who know her dedication to families and children aren’t surprised by her dedication to serving the communities. She started the Officer Brian Shaw...
Tom Purcell: A good day to celebrate an extraordinary mother
She was only 18 when rheumatic fever damaged her heart. The doctors said she’d be lucky to live into her 40s — that she was no longer strong enough to bear children. Lucky for my five sisters and me, she ignored them! When we were babies in her womb, she...
Letter to the editor: Keep Bengel as district judge
I had the honor and pleasure of working with District Judge Carolyn Bengel during my tenure as ordinance enforcement officer for Harrison Township. I can unequivocally say she was solid, balanced and extremely knowledgeable. I see no valid reason to change direction after observing her serve so consistently with integrity...
Letter to the editor: Karaica would make outstanding district judge
I’ve known Mitchell Karaica professionally for 25 years. We both worked at Cheswick Power Station, where I watched his career progress from a laborer to a control room operator, from a union steward to senior business representative for IBEW 29. He was not only tasked with the operation of the...
Letter to the editor: Biden’s pride and destruction
Proverbs tells us that pride precedes the fall and a haughty spirit leads to destruction, but for Joe Biden, that seems to be plausibly deniable. Like the cartoon character Mr. Magoo, he leaves a path of destruction behind while he blindly fumbles through his daily duties as the most powerful...
Editorial: Pennsylvania has real role in regulating rail
A Pennsylvania legislative committee is in favor of expanding the state’s part in oversight of railroad safety. The House Consumer Protection, Technology and Utilities Committee gave 19-2 approval to House Bill 1028. It would authorize the state to maintain a tighter grip on the way trains operate. This isn’t surprising...
Letter to the editor: Enough of the radical LGBT agenda
I believe the stated goal of the LGBT community is to be accepted and respected. But it is my observation that the radicals among them manifest themselves by crude, lewd and nude parades and public “pride” demonstrations, and by the confusing and abusing of children with vulgar drag queen shows....
Letter to the editor: Route 30 needs attention now
I understand that priority of varied road projects is challenging to satisfy the need. But after the work that has been done on Route 30 near Walmart, the understanding of the need for full project completion, taxpayer expectation and minimizing damage is lacking. The main roadway from Route 136 to...
Editorial cartoons for the week of May 8
Editorial cartoons for the week of May 8....
Mallard Fillmore cartoons for the week of May 8
Mallard Fillmore cartoons for the week of May 8....
Letter to the editor: Girardi for district judge
May 16 is an important date in the Allegheny Valley and Frazer Township as we elect the next magisterial district judge. Times have changed in the past 25 years. We have tragically lost police officers to gun violence, the number of crimes has increased, and there is more traffic on...
Letter to the editor: Vote Smail for Pa. Superior Court
With nine years’ experience as a Westmoreland County judge and 17 years as a successful practicing attorney, Harry Smail is certainly well qualified for Pennsylvania Superior Court. Coming from middle-class roots, his values include a deep- seated faith, personal responsibility, fair-mindedness and achievement through hard work. As an attorney and as...
Letter to the editor: Bengel is only choice for district judge
I’ve had a long and unique perspective of even-handed justice at the local level. I served as a police officer for four years in Brackenridge and 22 years with the Tarentum Police Department. I may not have prevailed in every case before Judge Carolyn Bengel, but I certainly learned and...
Letter to the editor: Vote McDermott for county council
I take a deep breath as I cross the threshold of my apartment in Pittsburgh. Another day, another air quality warning. Changing this stark reality is why I’m supporting Dennis McDermott for Allegheny County Council, District 11, in the primary election. Our home is one of America’s least breathable cities....
Letter to the editor: Yakopec compassionate, fair
I am writing to help others understand what type of service our local district judge’s office provides. In Pennsylvania, the district judge’s office is the gateway to the criminal justice system. All criminal complaints, search warrants, protection from abuse orders, arrest warrants and, of course, preliminary hearings are conducted in...
Letter to the editor: Vote Leuba, Brusselars
If you, like me, are worried about corruption and financial mismanagement, electing people with technical competence to the county’s financial offices is critical. This is why I support Darwin Leuba for Allegheny County controller and Erica Brusselars for county treasurer. A good auditor has to be a details nerd; Leuba...
Letter to the editor: Shea for Armstrong commissioner
What are the qualifications required to run for county commissioner? Actually, none. It is up to the voter to decide. Here is what matters to me: life experience, work ethic and vision — a plan for Armstrong County going forward. One candidate checks all those boxes — Anthony Shea. Shea...
Letter to the editor: Klingensmith for district justice in Murrysville
As the retired Murrysville constable, I was happy to hear of the retirement plans of District Magistrate Charles Conway. Conway has done a terrific job for Murrysville for over two decades and he deserves a happy retirement. Having worked out of that office for years, I have a real interest...
Letter to the editor: Zellers best choice for judge
The voters in Magisterial District 10-01-04 have a decision to make in this year’s primary. I highly recommend Leslie Uncapher Zellers as our next district judge. Zellers has been working for our children for many years, fighting for those who have been neglected and abused and those whose parents don’t...
Letter to the editor: Take off the party blinders
Another primary election season is well upon us with all the signs, ads and salesmanship from the candidate hopefuls vying for our vote in a few weeks, but there is a far more important issue at hand. Unlike many other states, Pennsylvania still tightly clings to a closed primary system...
Letter to the editor: Making Pittsburgh triangle golden again
The letter “Let`s work together to better City of Pittsburgh” (April 12, TribLIVE) claims that downtown Pittsburgh is a pleasant and nice place to walk, with many residents going to shops and restaurants. I worked downtown for 33 years and in the last few years, I have seen the city...
Editorial: Cross-filing and Pennsylvania political identities
Should candidates in Pennsylvania school board races be permitted to cross-file? Cross-filing is allowed only in lower-level judicial races and for school board candidates in the Keystone State. It is what happens when someone decides to appear on the Democratic and Republican ballots in a primary election. For some, that...
