Published: May 09, 2008 09:33 am            

READERS' FORUM 5/11 | Americans Work offers fair wages

In his May 7 letter suggesting “Onshoring is not a solution,” Brian J. Farester portrays technology companies moving work to Cambria County as almost parasitic.

He argues that our program, Americans Work, needs to provide a living wage and not a Third World income.

The Tribune-Democrat’s May 1 article suggested CEO Jack Holt was attracted to Cambria County by the low median wage, and Farester concludes that means Holt intends to take advantage of desperate workers.

In fact, even if Americans Work paid the quoted figure of $21,000, two of those jobs would lead to a household income of $42,000, which is $6,000 above the median household income in Cambria.

Like any business, however, we will compensate employees based upon our needs and their responsibilities, education and experience. This will equal or exceed the local standard of living and will include health-care benefits.

We did not select Johnstown because of cheap labor. The community has a loyal and educated work force, a number of colleges in the region, and a determination to reinvent itself to address the future and the global economy.

Pennsylvania’s governor and the local leadership in Johnstown have worked hard to make the community attractive to programs such as Americans Work and other businesses in search of a positive economic climate.

Cambria County is full of people and companies that aren’t waiting for their problems to be solved by outsiders. They are innovating to make a transition from a traditional economy to a knowledge- and technology-based economy. We were drawn to that attitude. This is fundamentally who we all are as Americans.

Americans Work hopes to become a part of this energetic and progressive community.

James C. Moore

Americans Work, Leander, Texas



School gives back to the community

St. Patrick’s School in Johnstown is not closing.

That being said, I would like to commend the students, staff, administration and parents of the Moxham school.

This invigorating faith-based school recently hosted its annual spring fling weekend, during which I had the opportunity to observe firsthand the revitalizing dynamics of the parents, students and faculty.

In the midst of its successful fundraising activities, St. Pat-rick’s chose to give back to the community by hosting a blood drive. Dedicating a full day to others in the midst of the planned activities is just one example of how St. Patrick’s School demonstrates the positive values of cooperation, social responsibility and charity – important lessons for all of us.

It is fortunate that this school will continue to impart those values to their current and future students, dispelling and despite the misinformation some choose to propagate.

Theresa Penna

Johnstown



Obama-Wright split questioned

I wonder if Jason Schiff-hauer felt a little uncomfortable about his objection to my April 7 letter about Barack Obama’s church affiliation, when on the very same day his letter appeared in the Readers’ Forum (April 13), the story broke about Obama’s San Francisco fundraiser speech.

I quote in part concerning small-town Americans: “It’s not surprising, then they get bitter, they cling to guns or religion.”

It seems to me Obama has some problems concerning the spiritual realm. To begin with, God-fearing religion doesn’t make one bitter, but better because one realizes God is still in control.

After hearing some partial sermons by Jeremiah Wright, I get the impression he exhibits bitterness to perfection.

Finally, after 20 years and the presidential prize looming, Obama decided he better distance himself from Wright. Does that mean he’s had a change of heart after endorsing that kind of philosophy for 20 years? I don’t think so.

Small-town Americans clinging to the God of the Bible, instead of politicians, have got it right. If there was just some way we could get politicians clinging to this same God, undoubtedly they would gain much of the respect back they have lost and we’d all incur God’s blessings. “Blessed is the nation whose God is the Lord.” Just a side note: I do not open but rather I destroy all letters addressed to me without a return address; so I haven’t any idea of their content.

Bernie Bolha

Upper Yoder Township

        

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