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Our Opinion

Our opinion: Why is recall needed in first place?

House Rep. Joe D’Orsie is proposing a constitutional amendment that would allow the state House of Representatives to initiate a recall election for a public official holding county or local office. Local voters would still have the final vote on the recall even though the process would start in Harrisburg. The legislation hasn’t yet been drafted, but constitutional amendments and recall should be a break glass in case of emergency solution to a problem. In Pennsylvania, constitutional amendments are proposed all the time to solve political problems. We have a feeling recall, if ...

Our opinion: Smart steps to energy independence

President-elect Donald Trump’s decisions to nominate Chris Wright for secretary of energy and North Dakota Gov. Doug Burgum to serve a dual role as secretary of the interior and chairman of a National Energy Council are reassuring. Wright is the CEO of a company with considerable experience in natural gas drilling. We believe Burgum, as governor of a largely pro-development state, is an ideal choice to spearhead a comprehensive effort to improve the production and affordability of domestic energy — an effort that includes renewable sources such as solar, wind and hydroelectric ...

Our opinion: Take a cue from Philadelphia

It’s not often we would say Warren County should pay much attention to Philadelphia. But when it comes to capitalizing on one’s strengths, creative Philadelphians have done just that with Rockyfest after a phase during which city tourism officials wanted little to do with Rocky. Philadelphia residents had gotten sick of the movie, and the city went so far as to remove the Rocky statue that was synonymous with the film’s titular character. Why the change? Rocky sells, and Rocky brings people with money to spend. And the lesson, as Warren Worx consultants work on branding ...

Our opinion: Easier to review of budget needed

The public has until Dec. 18 to review Warren County’s proposed 2024 budget before the budget is approved. The spending plan, according to a news release from the county last week, comes with a 1.25 mill increase that takes the county to its taxation limit until a countywide property reassessment takes effect. It’s available for review at the county courthouse - but nowhere else. In 2024, that is simply unacceptable. The budget should be available on the county’s website so the public who wants to review it can do so when it’s convenient for them rather than being ...

Our opinion: Celebrating foundation milestone

Where would Warren County be without the Community Foundation of Warren County? It’s not something we want to think about. The foundation was created in 1949 and, in the 75 years since, has become a nearly indispensable part of the fabric of Warren County with a multi-million dollar endowment that helps support the county’s artists, students in college or trade schools and community needs as they arise. Those who don’t have a feel for just how wide-spread the Community Foundation of Warren County’s reach is should try to attend an open house on Dec. 12 at its offices, 310 ...

Our opinion: Addressing blight and crime

The impact of “blight” — or deteriorated residences and properties on neighborhoods and communities is an issue with which we have long suggested both voters and elected officials should concern themselves. Blight infringes on the property values of neighbors, undermining their incentive to fully invest in their homes and businesses. We’ve expressed worries that this facet of blight in turn makes it much more challenging for communities to attract more investment — employers to bring the jobs and developers to build the housing that our families need for our region to thrive. ...