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Our opinion: We need more than theatrics to get budget passed

State Rep. Malcolm Kenyatta deserves an Oscar for his convincing acting last week. The Philadelphia Democrat walked 105 miles from Philadelphia to Harrisburg, stopping along the way to rally support for Democrats’ plans to fund mass transit needs - in particular the Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority (SEPTA) that operates public transportation for the Greater Philadelphia area - and to slam Republicans for not doing enough to find a solution to mass transit funding issues statewide. If you think you’ve seen such stunts before, it’s because you have. ...

Our opinion: One final, sweet note from Barbershoppers

For more than 75 years the voices of the Conewango Clippers came together to make beautiful music. In recent years the music was still beautiful - though the number of voices blending together in the barbershop style was decreasing. The group’s collective voice has gone silent with the recent decision to disband after years of unsuccessfully trying to attract new members. Over the years membership in barbershop groups has dwindled, with Warren’s unfortunately no exception. Musical tastes have changed and, for many, free time isn’t as ample as it used to be. Technology has made ...

Our opinion: Legislature should change assessment rules

For months there have been complaints and concerns - largely from the region’s senior citizens - over steep assessment increases as Warren County’s first property revaluation since 1989 comes to a close. Of course, part of the problem is the fact that the county is trying to make up for 36 years’ worth of property assessment changes in one year. The “base year” assessing that is allowed under state law allows local governments to go years - or in our case, decades - in between formal property reassessments until lack of taxing capacity eventually forces their hands. ...

Our opinion: Take time for Kinzua Beach survey

Changes are coming to Kinzua Beach and the Kinzua Point Information Center. We don’t know when those changes are coming, especially in our current federal funding climate. But the U.S. Forest Service is taking initial steps toward improvements at sites located on the Allegheny Reservoir along Route 50 in Warren County. USDA officials said both locations typically have few visitors and there are no current partnerships to support long-term maintenance and upkeep. So, what suggestions do Warren County residents have to increase use of the areas for both visitors and locals? Those ...

Our opinion: No more kicking Clark Street garage can down the road

A 100-day renovation of the Clark Street Parking Garage will begin this fall. On the plus side, there are enough vacant spaces in the garage that no one who uses the ramp now will have to make new parking arrangements. And, city officials made what we think is the right decision in adding a contingency fund to the project so that, ideally, if something unforeseen comes up contractors can simply deal with it rather than wait for the council’s approval. Everyone wants this rehabilitation project to finish by next spring both to make sure grant funding for the project doesn’t expire ...

Editor’s corner: Viability of senior care sites a growing crisis

WESTFIELD, N.Y. — Shortly after celebrating the birth of her fourth child, Becky Shioleno learned her life would be undergoing another major change. As a licensed practical nurse, she has worked at the Westfield Absolut location at 26 Cass St. for 13 years. Come Oct. 20, Shioleno will be ...