Feb 8, 2008 2 min read

Dr. Cyril Wecht’s attorney says that they will prove that Wecht is the best bargain that Allegheny County has ever gotten. Just because he allegedly stole a couple hundred thousand dollars and abused his position doesn’t mean he wasn’t a bargain. After all, look at the publicity he has given Pennsylvania and he’s such a devoted public servant. That’s the accepted philosophy in Pennsylvania. Our public servants work at such great bargain prices that we should be willing to forgive a little corruption. After all, they could be making so much more in the private sector.

But did you ever notice how many of them don’t run for reappointment or re-election? The reason for this is probably because they know how unforgiving and demanding the private sector is. Results are expected before rewards are given and you don’t just vote yourself a raise whenever you feel like it. And if you are ushered out the door, you don’t always get a fat pension and continued health care for life.

The employers don’t accept B.S. such as, “We’ve made so much progress this year and it’s getting better every day.” When you hide abuse of position, lie, and fail to perform, the boss doesn’t have to wait for an election to dismiss you; you’re given notice and cleared out in one day.

This letter isn’t necessarily about Dr. Wecht, but about every public servant from the governor to the school board. Election time is approaching; give your employees a review. If they don’t seem like servants, but act like masters, give them the opportunity to go out into the private sector and make that big paycheck that they dream about and threaten you with.

John Catlett

Smithfield