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Our Opinion

Our opinion: FAA needs to take control

Until the midair collision that claimed 67 lives on Jan. 29 near the Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport, followed soon thereafter by a number of other incidents involving planes, some of those incidents also resulting in fatalities, members of the flying public generally had exuded great confidence regarding their safety while using that mode of travel. Now, however, many of those same travelers do not feel quite as secure, due to what has been happening during recent weeks on the air travel front. It is clear that the level of confidence that had existed in the past will not ...

Our opinion: Gun store theft bill needs backing

Gun store thefts don’t happen very often - but we still think additional penalties for such thefts are a good idea. Three state senators are drafting legislation to increase penalties for those convicted of stealing firearms from a gun shop. It’s a bill that should, in our opinion, receive broad bipartisan support in the state Legislature. The lawmakers mentioned the use of juveniles to steal from gun stores on behalf of adults because juveniles face lesser penalties in court, which they say happened recently in Bucks and Montgomery counties. The lawmakers think juveniles ...

Our opinion: Volunteer firefighter tweak not enough

The state Senate has approved legislation (Senate Bill 90) that aims to boost the number of volunteer firefighters by changing the way volunteer firefighters are certified. Current firefighter applicants must complete four training modules totaling 188 hours. They then must pass a cumulative test covering all four modules. The legislation would reform the certification process by enabling applicants to be tested following each of the four modules. “If we want the same highly trained and qualified volunteer firefighters and we want more of them in our communities, our bill is a way ...

Our opinion: Bring transparency to Kibbey case

People have questions about the circumstances surrounding the resignation of Thomas Kibbey, former county chief detective. They’re not the only ones. Unfortunately it’s going to be some time before anyone gets any real answers. And, while Kibbey has been highly decorated during his time in law enforcement, we hope the Attorney General’s office doesn’t simply play the long game and slow play the investigation into Kibbey’s alleged misconduct. Trust in police has been on a downward trend for years across the country. Cases like Kibbey’s, if allowed to fester, will only ...

Our opinion: Encouraging children’s museum

The Kinzua Area Discovery Center has taken a major first step with the signing of papers to purchase land for the children’s museum at 4115 Market St., the site of the former Red Maple Inn. Eventually, the site will be transformed into an immersive indoor adventure where nature and imagination meet, with plans including an enchanted forest, winding river and animals. The center is being planned as an area to promote imagination, creativity, self-expression and family togetherness with playful learning, exploration, and engagement at every turn. It sounds great, and it’s ...

Editor’s corner: Runaway spending keeps impacting education

Education comes at a high cost to taxpayers. And some are starting to speak up about it. According to the Commonwealth Foundation, Pennsylvania school districts increased overall revenue collected in 2023–24 to $23,000 per student, while expanding general fund reserves to $7.4 billion, ...