Wows & Scowls
Scowl: The state has a projected $16 billion shortfall in the $31 billion to keep roads and bridges up to date in 10 southwestern Pennsylvania counties, including Fayette, Greene and Washington. With less than half of the needed cash on hand, significant revenue needs raised to meet needs through the year 2035. You’re talking 25,000 miles of highway and 6,800 bridges, many of which have fallen prey to years of neglect. Where do you think that money will come from? Can anyone say, “Gas tax increase”? Wow: State Rep. Joe Markosek, who chairs the House Transportation Committee, has proposed doing away with the five-member Turnpike Commission, four of whom are appointed by the governor and approved by the Senate, and replacing it with a seven-member authority consisting of legislative and gubernatorial appointees. We’re not saying that change alone would make the agency work any better. But it does open the door for a thorough debate on finding a better way to operate the system. Electing those members at the ballot box might be something to consider as well.
Scowl: A proposal by state Rep. Babette Josephs, a Democrat from Philadelphia, would let people vote by mail in Pennsylvania, ostensibly as a way to get a higher voter turnout. But if you think tracking the validity of voters is problematic now, imagine what abuses could occur if you simply let people mail in their vote. Pennsylvania already has a workable absentee ballot system for those who can’t show up at the polls due to military service, poor health or being out of town on Election Day. Far better for the Legislature to streamline that process. And if they really want to help voter turnout, two other ideas used in other states – letting people register on Election Day, and using “voting centers” that permit you to vote anywhere in the county -sound much more helpful.
Wow: State Rep. H. William DeWeese, D-Waynesburg, plans to introduce a bill to expand gaming in the state. Although gambling opponents are sure to line up against the effort, DeWeese wants to permit table games such as blackjack, poker and roulette at the state’s 14 licensed slot machine facilities.Neighboring states either have, or are probably planning, to up the ante in the gambling sweepstakes by offering these same games. DeWeese’s bill would do nothing more than put Pennsylvania on the same competitive footing. Whether you like gambling or not, this is the way the game is played. (We just hope DeWeese doesn’t forget about his commitment to new open records legislation, when it comes to using his political clout.)
Wow: Fayette County Commissioner Joseph A. Hardy III has hatched a new tourism effort, putting county promotional graphics on 10 tractor trailers from Blaney Farms.