Wows and Scowls
Wow: Uniontown Hospital successfully argued last week before the Fayette County Tax Assessment Appeals Board that much of its activity fulfills the criteria in state law to be considered a purely public charity. Those who grumble about high medical care bills often fail to see beyond their statements and appreciate the work the hospital carries out to better the health of the community. One such program was held this week.
This is the fourth year that the hospital has hosted the Diabetic Health Fair that provides information and donated medical care to those struggling to control diabetes. The more education and help diabetics receive in keeping the disease in check, the less likely they are to suffer from serious and chronic health problems.
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Wow: Encouraging signs are coming from the Brownsville Area School District where striking teachers and board members have returned to the bargaining table.
Both sides agreed to settle outstanding issues of salary, health care and early retirement incentives among themselves rather than used outside hired negotiators.
Both sides should be encouraged to continue in this spirit of cooperation so that the contract is settled and the school can return to the business of educating the children.
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Scowl: State Sen. Richard A. Kasunic might be misleading the public in a flyer mailed to encourage voters to approve a ballot question asking if the state should incur a $100 million bond to aid volunteer firefighters and emergency rescue personnel.
In bold text, Kasunic writes, “This is a way of helping our local volunteer fire companies and rescue squads without raising taxes.” Kasunic fails to mention that the bond issue will have to be repaid in some manner and that while “raising taxes” isn’t currently on the table, taxes of some type will be used to meet this debt.
It’s not free money, no matter how worthy the cause. If voters believe this debt is worthwhile, then they should vote “yes” as Kasunic urges.
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Scowl: An impetuous decision by Connellsville Mayor Judy Reed and council members Judy Keller and John Whalen could end up costing the city money. Reed & Co. were upset over a sign and building that planning board member Randy Strickler was erecting. They believe that permits slipped through without scrutiny and proper action.
This all might be so but rather than wait until the mess was sorted and for a planning commission review, the mayor not only ordered removal of the sign but ousted Strickler from the commission even though his term does not expire until 2006.
Now Strickler has filed a lawsuit. Reed, Keller and Whalen ought to recognize that they jumped the gun – especially as their solicitor told them this was ill advised. A hearing is scheduled for this morning.
Perhaps the mayor now realizes procedures in appointing and yanking people from boards have to be followed just as closely as procedures for obtaining building permits. There’s still time to recognize the error and attempt to settle this one.
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Wow: The Mountain Watershed Association has been a tenacious group dedicated to clean, abundant streams. Their hard work paid off this week with the dedication of the first abandoned mine drainage treatment site in the Indian Creek Watershed.
The $400,000 project was funded by the Environmental Protection Agency, Western Pennsylvania Watershed Protection Program, the Baltimore Life companies, the Eberly Foundation, Joseph and Anna Gartner Foundation, Allegheny Power, Alice Losey Meadow and the state Department of Environmental Protection.
The project never would have been accomplished without MWA’s persistence and that of the Nobel family who donated the treatment site.
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Wow: Joe Hardy’s latest commercial venture Woodlands Outdoor World store near his Nemacolin Woodlands Resort and Spa will also be home to Dr. William Sheperd’s eclectic collection of big cats.
Dr. Sheperd in recent years has gained national renown for providing a home to lions, tigers and other big cats that have been mistreated. His orphanage in Grindstone has grown considerably. Woodlands Outdoor plans to take 15 to 20 of the rescued cats which should alleviate some of the burden from Sheperd’s operation that needs about $100,000 in annual donations each year to remain open.
Last year, donations covered just half the costs of keeping these kitties in food.
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Scowl: Ernest Liggett, the businessman who bought up Brownsville years ago only to let the buildings fall upon themselves was back in a courtroom last week, explaining why nothing has been done to the Brownsville Avenue Plaza Theater despite citations from the borough’s code enforcement officer.
Liggett’s defense was the building was historic so the borough lacked jurisdiction to cite him.
District Justice Ronald Haggerty ruled, “I do not claim to be an expert on historical buildings, but when the roof and floors are missing, all you really have is a historic piece of junk.”
Pay the $24,000 fine, Mr. Liggett and make the repairs or tear it down.