Letters to the editor
Common ground
I am a conservative voter who is registered as a Republican. I read Gary Stout’s op-eds expecting a rather liberal viewpoint on virtually every subject, many times without due consideration to conservative ideas. However, I find much common ground with no “sermonizing” and little paradox or contradiction.
Mr. Stout ended his latest column on the American Dream stating that “with some compromise, the American Dream can become more than a slogan and unite all of us.”
All I can say is “Amen, brother.”
Jim Wiley
McMurray
Hollow words
Oren Spiegler’s most recent virtue-signaling letter to the editor in support of illegal immigrants was filled with liberal Democrat talking points: how immigrants have improved this country, committing very few crimes and adding to the tax coffers with no ability to collect on their contributions.
The simple truth is they have broken the law just by being in the country illegally. The few crimes they commit would not be possible if they were not in the country illegally. Those crimes include murder, rape, assault, vehicular homicide and fraud. As for the billions of dollars that Mr. Spiegler claimed that they pay in taxes, this claim is not based on factual data but on model projections. However, what is based upon factual information is the actual cost of illegal immigrants to the American taxpayers for 2025 being $85 billion to $150 billion.
Mr. Spiegler has bitter resentment of Donald Trump and the Republican Party, and he continues to use every opportunity available to badger them and their supporters. Yet he is somehow able to overlook the obvious shortcomings of the Democrats and their self-proclaimed theatrical righteousness.
In his feigned sympathy he attempted to invoke a “what would Jesus do” moment. The Good Christian test long weaponizing guilt by the Catholic Church has been used successfully since it’s inception.
Interestingly, the Catholic Church and Mr. Spiegler share a common trait: Both are hypocrites. Both preach to take in the stranger yet the walls around Vatican City do not allow illegal immigrants to reside within.
Mr. Spiegler, have you opened up your home to illegal immigrants? Your compassionate pleas are hollow as your actions far outweigh your words.
Dick Fornear
Peters Township
Funding our future
Pennsylvania’s natural gas impact fee is working well and truly benefiting the people that live here. The natural gas industry in Pennsylvania sustains tens of thousands of good jobs and contributes hundreds of millions of impact fee dollars to communities every year that have direct, positive results for the state’s residents.
It’s a simple concept, really – growth promotes growth. As the natural gas industry continues to thrive in Pennsylvania, residents benefit. Not only has the industry helped to solidify the commonwealth’s role as a global energy leader, but it has also helped to pay for local infrastructure and environmental projects throughout the state.
Impact fee revenues help fund critical local projects that strengthen our communities and enhance quality of life, making them vibrant places where people want to live, work, and put down roots. Equally important is the positive relationship between operators, contractors, and their neighbors. The men and women working in these industries are often members of the very communities they serve, and ongoing efforts to be good neighbors reflect a shared commitment to community well-being, mutual respect, and long-term success.
Luckily, the fee is structured in such a way to continue its long-term benefit. As new gas wells come online, they will generate impact fee revenues. This mutually beneficial relationship between the industry and the commonwealth prioritizes funding for our local communities.
As someone who previously worked in this industry and who continues to call this region home, I have a deep appreciation for the relationships that are at the heart of its success. I have seen firsthand the value of the connections, partnerships, and sense of community that the industry works so hard to foster and strengthen. Those relationships not only support economic growth but also help make our region a vibrant and thriving place to live, work, and build a future.
Kristy Budavich
Bridgeville