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Our opinion: A proper state marijuana process

Reporters for Spotlight PA describe the push to legalize pot for recreational use as a “loser” in the 2024 budget process. We must suggest, in that case, that Pennsylvanians as a whole are winners. Tying legalization to the budget process constricts it to a narrow timetable. Our state budgets, for good reason, are expected to be passed by certain deadlines. There is no good reason why such a monumental change in policy in Pennsylvania should be subject to those deadlines. Instead, it should be an open-ended process, allowing legislators on both sides of the issue every chance ...

Our opinion: Record of service necessary

Gov. Josh Shapiro has less than two years of experience as governor as the Democrats considered whether he should be a heartbeat away from the presidency. Unfortunately, he is only the latest name in a concerning trend. Vice presidential nominees Sarah Palin, Kamala Harris and JD Vance and presidential nominees Barack Obama and Donald Trump: When these candidates first joined a national ticket, they had 12 years of experience as either a governor or in the U.S. Congress between the five of them. We understand that in some instances, other attributes may compensate for an ...

Our opinion: Fun returns to the fairgrounds

If you’re ready for an extravaganza of food and family fun as well as 4-H spirit, the Warren County Fair is the place for you. The fair officially opened Monday and runs through Saturday. 4-H members not only actively engage in a variety of activities that showcase their skills and projects, but it provides them with an opportunity to present what they worked on for the past year. Typically, members exhibit their projects, ranging from livestock to arts and crafts. Again, this is a year in the making so it’s a culmination of their hard work and dedication. It’s not ...

Our opinion: Virtual Academy brings hope

For all of the consternation and discussion we have heard over the years, there are really only two ways for the Warren County School District to solve its budget problems - cut expenses to live within its means or grow its revenue to pay for its expenses. We’ve heard a lot about cuts, and we know how many county residents feel about the idea of closing school buildings. Growth is harder to imagine as our county population continues shrinking. Could the Virtual Academy be an area where the district can grow its revenues and perhaps bring the school district’s revenues closer to ...

Our opinion: Explanation needed on Medicare

At the time when Congress launched the Medicare Advantage program concept several decades ago, the theory in place was insurers would make Medicare more efficient, have an incentive to keep patients healthier and probably save money for the government in the process. Those at the forefront of promoting the concept at that time probably never in their wildest dreams anticipated that one day a major, well-respected national newspaper would have on its front page the headline “Medicare paid $50 billion to insurers for untreated ills.” Yet that was the headline in the July 9 edition ...

Our opinion: Finding energy at the market

Warren’s downtown farmer’s market is off to a flying start. Market organizers say it’s about to get even better. Twenty-eight vendors signed up for the farmer’s market a couple of weeks ago, with board members expecting more to sign up in coming weeks as the planting season turns to the harvest. That means more fresh fruits and vegetables to go along with the market’s selection of craft vendors, potted plants, baked goods, flowers, honey, maple syrup and Gary Lester’s “trashidermy” and live music. The Midtown lot is becoming a popular place from 8 a.m. to noon on ...