Letters to the Editor - 6/8/2009
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times-tribune file A letter writer objects to a proposal for the state to impose a tax on cigars and smokeless tobacco.
Meetings shuffle too compressed
Editor: I agree with the June 1 letter to the editor signed by the minority members of the North Pocono School Board. The board president and the majority seem to be "streamlining" the meetings for their convenience. They need to be reminded that they serve at the convenience of the public.
Long meetings can be burdensome, but that's what comes with the turf. If it is too much of a burden for some board members, then they should resign.
The preparation meeting or work session prior to the regular meeting should continue to be conducted two days before the regular meeting. The public and the board need the time between the meetings to adequately digest the issues. This "rush to judgment" with the preparation meeting one-half hour before the regular meeting is insulting to taxpayers. It hinders the decision-making process of all board members. The taxpayers and board members need that "sleep-on-it" time before decisions are made that affect everyone.
Reducing the time for public input is merely an attempt to limit public criticism. I vividly recall the times when Bill Burke made maximum use of public podium time before he was elected to the board. He often was critical of some board members. He rightfully wanted to be heard then. We want to adequately be heard now and we don't want our input time curtailed just to suit members of the board.
The key issue of the 2006 board election was a choice between building either a new elementary school or a new high school. The election was won by the majority that favored the new high school. That's the beauty of the election process. It settles many controversial issues.
The new majority professed it was time to heal the rift between majority and minority. The board would be brought together and the squabbling would stop. It didn't happen. There was no healing.
It appears that if one side is assured of five votes, that's the end of any further discussion. The French have a saying which translates to "the more things change, the more they remain the same." It is just the same old politics with different board members.
JIM PATTERSON
Roaring Brook Twp.
Back workers' bill
Editor: It's time to bring to an end the decades of policies favoring CEOs and corporate profits over everyday working Americans that fueled Wall Street to run our country's economy into the ground. Giving workers an opportunity to choose union representation will ensure that our economic system works for everyone.
First, the current recession has fallen hardest on workers who have lost their jobs with Depression-like speed. These are the same workers who have dramatically increased their productivity and generated more wealth only to be rewarded with loss of jobs, falling wages, and plummeting purchasing power, elimination of health care benefits and cancellation of pensions.
The Free Choice Act will give workers an opportunity to choose union representation. It will ensure that our economic system works for everyone. Meanwhile, corporate downsizing and off-shoring are rampant, part-time work is the new norm and job-safety rules are being sacrificed as the recession deepens.
The Free Choice Act allows workers to decide between secret ballots or signing cards, rather than letting bosses dictate the process. Collective bargaining has been so undermined that there is an ever-widening income gap between the very wealthy and most Americans. Urge Sen. Arlen Specter to support this bill.
FRANK E. HILL
Kingston
Helping hands
Editor: This is a letter of gratitude and appreciation for the kindness and help I received when my car became disabled on two occasions. The first was when a young man helped push my car off the O'Neill Highway in Dunmore a few months ago.
Then on May 29, a gracious lady named Connie and some young ladies helped me out tremendously by pushing my car out of the way on the Olyphant Bypass. She even used her cell phone to call my insurance company and called the police to keep the traffic diverted. I also want to thank Chief John Gilgallon of Olyphant, who stayed with me until the tow truck arrived.
Mere words in a letter cannot fully express my appreciation to all those thoughtful people.
JOHN G. LUCAS
Jessup
No tobacco tax
Editor: It has come to my attention that our elected officials in Harrisburg are now considering yet another increase on tobacco products. This proposed tax hike would follow shortly on the heels of a recent massive tax hike on the product by the federal government. Enough is enough.
Business is poor all across Pennsylvania, and the notion that increasing taxes on this product will help get our state out of the mess it's in is pure folly. As someone who runs a business on a day-to-day basis, I can assure our politicians in Harrisburg that it will just cost more jobs and hurt consumers.
It's time for our elected leaders to look elsewhere for answers. Breaking the backs of retailers and people who enjoy tobacco products is not only a bad answer, it is the wrong answer.
JOHN CIABOCCHI
Peckville
Close call
Editor: Regarding the devastating fire a few weeks ago on the 900 block of Monroe Avenue: Our home on Myrtle Street is adjacent to two of the buildings that were destroyed; thank you from the bottom of my heart to the firefighters, for keeping our home from burning.
The work done by all the fire departments, city and surrounding communities, was well organized; and all emergency personnel cooperated and worked together to stop what could have been an even more destructive tragedy.
The quick response to the call shows how important it is to have all our fire stations kept open. With the close proximity of so many of our older city homes, we do not need to close any stations, but keep them open. Minutes count! Stay safe!
ANN MARIE McDONALD
Scranton
7 posted comments
You are no more aware of the financial cituation[sic] of John than I am. Get off of your "bleeding heart" rear end and contribute something to the forum.Also, see Dan Wrather's post .
Fred;
Read the post from Jones.
Also, because I have a busy schedule, I only spend about an hour (total) per day on the internet.Dan and Jones, I owe you one ! Thanks
It is called "exercizing due care," and it is required by law.
Don't you think it's time to get a life? What kind of man argues, or opines on the internet all day?
I know you're thankful for the "Good Samaritans" but don't you think it's time to buy a new car ? Or a horse ?