Wows & Scowls
Wow: The Fayette County Courthouse steps were the site of the fifth Men Against Sexual Violence rally, which challenges men to sign a pledge that they will never commit or condone sexual violence. The event included presentation of a $2,400 check from students at Laurel Highlands High School to the county’s Crime Victim’s Center. Given the type of domestic violence stories that too frequently make the local news, both efforts are worth commending. Wow: Vacationing Hopwood residents Roseann and Perry Gaddis can thank neighbors Bruce and Dana Detweiler for responding quickly when an electrical fire broke out in the carport area of their home. Quick action by the Detweilers save the home from burning and permitted the rescue of the Gaddis’ three dogs. Time was when neighbors caring about each other was the societal norm. The Detweilers commendably prove that the breed still exists.
Wow: Finally, after 10 years of haggling, a Fayette County judge will decide the exact amount of rent that TOL Aviation Inc. of Ohio owes the Fayette County Airport Authority. The authority says it’s $100,000, including back rent and interest, while the firm pegs the number at around $42,000. This issue has dragged on for way too long. It’s also indicative of what can happen when contracts are ambiguous or aren’t strictly enforced in a timely fashion.
Scowl: School district tax reform efforts remain bogged down at the conference committee level in Harrisburg, with state Senate leaders from both parties pointing a finger of blame at House Republicans, and with one prominent Senate Democrat accusing lower chamber GOP members of wanting to hurt Gov. Ed Rendell’s re-election chances. If that’s true, we feel sorry for all involved, because they’re all standing on the deck of the same sinking vote. The House GOP shouldn’t be so confident in its own re-election chances that it would stymie tax reform.
Wow: The Fayette County Area Vocation-Technical School is working to add a pilot training program, which would give area residents a chance to learn to fly and would let students learn more about flying. Similar programs are offered in Morgantown and Pittsburgh. If there’s enough interest, it’s a good addition.
Scowl: Connellsville Mayor Judy Reed, who aspires to be a state representative, jumped on the open records bandwagon along with every other candidate when she met with the Herald-Standard editorial board concerning the 52nd Legislative District seat. Why, then, is Reed refusing to reveal the cost of a city contract to tear down a burned-out building? Actions speak louder than words, and when you do public business with public money, there are no secrets. A contract has been signed, but Reed says, “I’m not going to give that cost until it (the building) comes down.” Sorry, Judy, but that’s simply not your call to make.
Wow: Fayette County voters are getting plenty of opportunity to learn how to operate the county’s new voting machines, with demonstrations scheduled throughout the county from May 1 through May 12. The county has been diligent about publicizing that schedule, which appeared in Thursday’s paper. Citizens would be well-advised to take advantage of those opportunities, instead of waiting until Election Day and launching a complaint.