Dec 2, 2003 3 min read

In a recent letter, the writer said “FACT buses” are near empty and to put out the word that it’s available. That’s a good assumption. The truth of the matter is there are never more than two to four people in these buses. They would do better with regular runs that also accommodate wheel chairs. Also, instead of those buses riding around town probably averaging seven to eight miles to a gallon versus why not a van at 12 to 13 that would cut the cost of vehicle from about $80,000 to $35,000. Make sense? Does to me. It’s a way right now to just soak up allotted grants and monies.

S. Terry Catalano

Uniontown

Suggestions for Lutes

I would like to thank Mr. Brian Lutes, whom I don’t expect to have ever served in the armed forces, for his insightful and entertaining blurb last week about Gen. George C. Marshall and President Roosevelt. It was obvious that Mr. Lutes spent many hours doing research and getting his facts straight about these two men.

Here is a fact that I believe to be true – Mr. Lutes needs to find a hobby, get a pet, join a church, or do something positive with his time rather than discredit war heroes. All that time spent dishonoring well-respected, honored veterans may be better spent feeding the poor, cleaning up the environment, or volunteering to doing some other type of charity work. In my opinion, any man or woman whom has been to war is a hero and they have my respect and gratitude.

I work in Allegheny County and my colleagues enjoy snickering about the dog-and-pony show between the Fayette County commissioners (mainly Cavanaugh) and Mr. Brian Lutes. What an embarrassment. Is he angry that the commissioners wouldn’t let him be the official poll checker? I wouldn’t agree to that either given that a verdict was upheld by the Superior Court of Pennsylvania that Mr. Lutes was found guilty of disorderly conduct and harassment of a Fayette County commissioner.

Telling the story at a commissioners’ meeting about a Chinese butcher, hacking up meat inspectors, and then adding, “Sounds like a plan to me” surely didn’t encourage them either. Maybe Mr. Lutes is angry about the commissioners’ race where he got 23 percent less votes than a guy who was sitting in jail. Whatever the case, Mr. Lutes has lots of energy and it is obvious that he takes great interest in keeping Fayette County officials honest.

Now being that Fayette County is 3:1 Democrat/Republican and has voted in 2 Republicans as county commissioners, residents have spoken that they want a fresh start. I have confidence, especially in Mr. Hardy and Mr. Vicites that this new crew of commissioners will work together well and without all the drama. Therefore, I challenge Mr. Lutes to also take on this brighter outlook and to turn that frown upside down. Keep and open mind and focus on personal contributions and positive outcomes.

With Mr. Lutes’ prior conviction, I walk with caution. Now I am expecting a horrific rebuttal and I encourage it. I say, “Get all your anger out.” I would rather your wrath be directed toward me and not toward our elected officials. Get the last say and then let’s get positive.

Susan Robertson

Lemont Furnace