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Our opinion: Lawmakers turning lobbyist a valid concern

As Pennsylvanians, we believe our state government owes the public certain assurances -- that their interests are carefully contemplated, that the state's government is responsive to their needs and that officials and authorities treat them as equal constituents in determining what changes in approach or direction the state should undertake. A Spotlight PA article recently noted that dozens of former lawmakers have registered as lobbyists in Harrisburg. Critics of the practice, the article notes, say it incentivizes lawmakers to ingratiate themselves with the industries and interests ...

Editor’s corner: On devastating day, news was center stage

Headlines and heartache filled this week exactly 25 years ago. Across the nation, stunned residents gathered in front of televisions or turned on radios for minute-by-minute updates on the horrors happening in our homeland. Another large segment of the population turned to newspapers — ...

Our opinion: 25 years later, nation has not forgotten

But if we ask where you were 25 years ago at 8:47 a.m., chances are you will remember the moment as if it were yesterday. Sept. 11, 2001, was, without question, one of the most horrific in the history of the United States of America. At 8:47 a.m., the lives of all Americans changed when American Flight 11 crashed into the World Trade Center. Fifteen minutes later, United Flight 175 hit the second tower. An hour later, American Flight 77 hit the Pentagon in Washington. And, in a heroic twist, passengers derailed an effort by hijackers to again strike the District of Columbia. United ...

Our opinion: Cheering on the nearby NFL teams

Are you ready for some football? For the first time in history, the season opener took place on a Wednesday evening between the New England Patriots and Super Bowl champion Seattle Seahawks. Another game, from Australia, takes place tonight between the Los Angeles Rams and San Francisco 49ers. Make no mistake, the National Football League has become an international brand. Closer to home, many are glued to teams within a 90-minute to two-hour drive. According to last week’s online poll, the Pittsburgh Steelers rule the roost with readers. In answering the question: “What is ...

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 ...