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Our opinion: Regular reassessment cycle makes sense

Property reassessments will never be a popular idea in Pennsylvania, which is why we won’t be surprised if legislation in the state House and Senate don’t move forward quickly. But Democrats’ idea to require regular property reassessments is one that should, in our opinion, move forward even though it won’t be popular. State Reps. Emily Kinkead, D-Bellevue, and Jen Mazzocco, D-Mt. Lebanon, said recently they will introduce legislation in the state House of Representatives to require regular reassessments. Sen. Wayne Fontana, D-Allegheny, has already introduced legislation ...

Our opinion: Teacher shortage is no joke

There were times during talks to close Sheffield and Youngsville high schools that it felt the community didn’t believe Warren County School District administrators when they said there was a teacher shortage. Here we are, one year after the merger, struggling to find Spanish teachers. The Warren County School District is turning to online instruction and long-term substitutes to address a shortage of Spanish teachers at Eisenhower High School. Gary Weber, district superintendent, said the administration would have preferred to move a teacher between the schools if the schedules ...

Our opinion: Acknowledging U.S. worker contributions

As this year's Labor Day observance approaches, America's workers, traditionally part of the "cement" that holds this country together, are concerned increasingly about what effects robots and Artificial Intelligence will have on their work lives - and lives in general — going forward. And, that worry is destined to continue, although "people in the know" remain certain that humans' important places in businesses and industries will continue - albeit, in many cases, in different capacities. For now, though, Jorgen Pedersen, CEO of the Advanced Robotics for Manufacturing Institute, ...

Other Voices: Americans, Canadians are losers in escalating trade wars

The 50 percent tariffs announced Monday by President Donald Trump on all cars, trucks, automotive parts and steel from Canada would crush manufacturers in the United States and raise prices in both countries. The silver lining is that Trump said these import taxes would not take effect until Jan. 1, leaving time for negotiators to disarm an economic land mine. A bilateral deal appeared close last week before talks broke down at the 11th hour. Neither Trump nor Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney wants to look as if he’s succumbing to bullying from the other, so the escalation has ...

Our opinion

Numbers matter more than rhetoric. That's especially the case when it comes to the rising cases of measles. As of early this week, there were three known cases of the virus in Warren County with state totals topping 500. Most of the cases are found in Lancaster, Mifflin and Chester counties. Nevertheless, the situation is becoming more urgent. After two measles-associated deaths in Lancaster County, it was almost a replay of COVID. Republicans say there needs to be more information while Democrats voice worries. “I don't think it serves the interest of public health or slows the ...

Our opinion

Last week’s Warren Redevelopment Authority meeting makes clear something we’ve long suspected - that it is time for a clean slate for the property at 231-237 Pennsylvania Ave. W. We aren’t sure that will happen yet. We wouldn’t be surprised if there is a lawsuit that prolongs this tortured process for another few months, but the end result should be the same, whether it happens now or in a year. The building needs to come down. The fact that one of the sticking points is a $200,000 demolition bond merely confirms that outcome, in our opinion. Projects that are on solid ...