Feb 28, 2003 3 min read

I would like to comment on your editorial that appeared in the paper on Sunday, Feb. 16, titled, “Save Mon-Fayette.” Looking back to a recent article concerning waste in the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation, such as $500 scissors and employees having credit cards for their personal use that are paid for by tax dollars, it is easy to understand why there is a shortage of money when it is not being used to operate the department as it should be. You make a plea to print up petitions and embark upon a letter-writing campaign to Murtha and Schuster to find more money for these projects.

The federal debt is nearing six trillion dollars and rising daily. That is a 6 with 12 zeros.

The state is not in a healthy financial position to continue spending as it has in the past either. Industry continues to cut back with more layoffs every day, and Pennsylvania holds the record for having the highest corporate taxes in the nation.

Economic growth is not assured by building a toll road that most people will avoid and will be paid for by generations to come, perhaps never be paid for.

I agree that money is the main hurdle. You fail to mention that the cost of the war we entered into on Sept. 11. Homeland Security has drained the funds that were once available for these projects. It is my opinion that the wants and needs of this country have a priority. At this time the highest priority is defending our nation and protecting those that could be in combat at any time now.

William Amos

New Salem

Workshops assist veterans

During the past five years, the Veteran’s Health Administration has transitioned from a hospital bed-based system of care to a more effective system rooted in VA Community Based Outpatient Clinics. Establishment of clinics is subject to the development of business plans and application of national criteria regarding the needs and priorities of local market circumstances and veteran preferences.

The VA is realigning its assets to help meet the changing needs of the veterans. Steel City Branch 253, Fleet Reserve Association (FRA) began hosting veterans benefits workshops to bring this matter to the veterans’ attention and to help them register for the various benefits that are available to them, their spouses and children. The local FRA is concerned that if area veterans don’t register in the VA Health Care System, the VA may not recognize the overwhelming need for its services and benefits in Fayette County.

As a veteran of Fayette County, the FRA knows you understand the tremendous political power our veterans have in forcing action on key issues.

Using our strength in numbers, we work toward positive solutions that will provide all veterans access to the quality health care, such as establishing a VA Community Based Outpatient Clinic in Fayette County. Fighting for solutions to problems that affect Fayette County veterans is what the Veterans Benefits Workshop is all about.

Find out what you need to know about local, state and federal benefits for you, your spouse and children. Attend the next workshop at the American Legion Post 301 in Connellsville on Thursday, April 3, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

James R. Smith

Past regional president, Northeast

Fleet Reserve Association

Hopwood