Letters to the editor
Let’s not foot this bill
Pennsylvania taxpayers already provide Gov. Josh Shapiro with one of the most beautiful official residences in the nation. The Governor’s Residence in Harrisburg recently underwent more than $30 million in renovations and security improvements, and it is protected around the clock by the Pennsylvania State Police. Yet taxpayers are now being asked to absorb nearly $1 million in additional security upgrades for the governor’s private home in Abington Township.
This is difficult to justify.
If Shapiro chooses to live in his family home rather than the taxpayer-provided Governor’s Residence, that is certainly his right. However, taxpayers should not be expected to finance extensive improvements to private property that he personally owns and will continue to own after leaving office.
Reports indicate that nearly $290,000 of the security spending was devoted to landscaping and other grounds improvements. These upgrades not only enhance security but also improve the property’s appearance, curb appeal, and overall value. At a time when many Pennsylvanians are struggling to afford groceries, repair a leaking roof, or pay rising utility bills, it is unreasonable to expect them to subsidize improvements that may increase the value of the governor’s personal real estate.
Shapiro’s predecessor, Tom Wolf, also chose to spend much of his time at his private residence. The difference is that Wolf paid his own way. Taxpayers were not asked to fund nearly $1 million in improvements to his personal property.
Public service should come with accountability and fiscal responsibility. If Governor Shapiro believes he requires additional security beyond what is already available at the Governor’s Residence, he should personally cover the cost of improvements to his private home. Pennsylvanians have already provided a beautiful and now more secure residence. They should not be required to provide a second one.
Patrick Geho
Canonsburg
Rein in plutocrats
In a recent opinion page column, “America needs more, not fewer, billionaires,” Stephen Moore expressed the virtues of capitalism generally and billionaires specifically. The problems we face aren’t due to capitalism but capitalists. Extreme wealth and the power it gives them to purchase political, and more recently, legal influence are as addictive as anything; they can never get enough.
Moore’s evidence that billionaries “earn” their wealth is gathered through opinion by Jeff Bezos and Elon Musk. If Bezos received the orders, processed them and delivered the products he hawks on Amazon, that would be earning his wealth – Amazon wouldn’t exist without the employees that Bezos treats like chattel.
Moore cites Robert Reich, who “wrote recently … billionaires pay less than 2%” in taxes and claims this stat isn’t “based on fact.” But Moore doesn’t provide any facts to disprove Reich’s assertion. Instead, he states that the top 1% pay “40% of the entire income tax.” Even if the top 1% pay the 13% (and not a penny more!) that Mitt Romney admitted to and that is 40% of “the entire income tax” is Moore’s judgment so wacky that he thinks this puts the 1% in a favorable light? The difference between 1% and the bottom 90% isn’t a gap, it’s a canyon.
Make America Great Again by returning to the days when the robber barons were put in their place and labor had an actual voice in economic policies. Every person who signs the back of a paycheck should be grateful to any politician who tries to rein in these plutocrats. America needs more, not fewer, representatives to do this work.
Don DeAngelis
Canonsburg
We can do better
After reading the June 5 article, “Commissioners approve grants in next round of opioid settlement money,” I was so annoyed by the initial grant of $800,000 sitting since last year to the point of expiration while what exact process is happening? The whole block of money should have paid for drug rehab stays and mental health services. Period!
Everyone wants a piece of the pie. The money is to help addicted persons, which walks hand-in-hand with mental health. It is in the settlement name – “opioid” settlement should offer some direction on its use.
We can do better.
Christine M. Sperling
Canonsburg
A good idea
For once, Oren Spiegler has made a good suggestion in his June 1 letter to the editor about cage fighting on the White House law, even though it was brimming with sarcasm. A tractor pull at the Kennedy Center is a great idea. Count me in!
Jerry Day
West Finley