Published: May 16, 2008 11:40 am            

READERS' FORUM 5/17 | Overtaxation will kill energy alternatives

Residential and commercial electricity rates in Pennsylvania are projected to double within the next two years, due to the expiration of utility rate caps.

Cambria Township’s answer to our economic pain is to create bureaucracy and further tax homeowners as they attempt to seek green energy alternatives through the installation of private windmills. This is not only ludicrous, it’s asinine.

If a homeowner wishes to produce his own electricity, Cambria Township proposes the following fees and/or taxes: $1,500 permit fee, $500 application fee and $1,500 annual tax fee, if excess electricity is sold back to the utility company at wholesale rates. State law requires utility companies to purchase excess electricity, so every homeowner would be subject to this tax.

The homeowner, farm owner, or small-business owner must commit to an investment of $12,000 to $55,000 for his private wind-powered generator – hoping to save $100 to $300 per month on his electric bill. Estimates range from six to 10 years on how long it will take before the homeowner begins to realize a payback and true economic savings.

Cambria County may soon experience a genuine economic boom due to the development of natural gas and wind energy. If the Cambria Township Planning Commission truly wants to be “on the cutting edge and abreast of current activities” (as stated in a letter to township supervisors), it should allow residents to keep their money without oppressive taxation.

Don’t kill the goose before it lays its golden egg.

Mike Beaver

Sidman



Collusion begets

collision course

What is happening in Iraq? Are we aware or even concerned that military deaths continue to mount? We are so caught up in our problems at home that we lose sight of the sum and substance of real misery abroad.

The war goes on, but our Washington masters of madness and technicians of diversion are this time accomplishing their mission. They appear to have unconscionably concocted an economic disaster at home to divert attention from their demoralizing out-of-control quagmire in Iraq. To add insult to this insanity, those whom we elected in a check-and-balance capacity are sleeping in the some soiled bed and drinking from the same tainted trough as the administration and oil barons.

A calming tranquilizer will be given just prior to the general election. Prices at pump will take on a semblance of fallingto a little less than what could be their$5-plus high and the economy will take on a guise of leveling off. Considering the major surgery that our doctors of doom performed, this won’t even qualify as a good Band-Aid.

Perhaps there are those in our government with some fiber of conscience who can take the bull (Big Oil) by the horns instead of using OPEC as the whipping boy.

There has to be something better than the dog-and-pony charade as presented in the Senate/Big Oil hearings.

William Wantiez

Salix



Higher food costs

may help cure obesity

With the increased price of food, we might have an unintentional answer to the weight problems of so many Americans.

This may prompt a better look at what we eat, how much we eat and how often we eat, the exercise we don’t get and what lifestyles we accept.

Along with the higher costs of food, we also will look at the calories we consume in our daily diets. We can all go “green” by consuming fewer meat products – a tre-mendous way to conserve our environment.

(Don’t forget about the junk food.)

Dominick Sallese

Johnstown



Softball team

inspiring in loss

On the national and local news of April 30 was a heartwarming story about a young female softball player who hit a home run (her first) but was unable, because of an injury, to run the bases.

To the astonishment of everyone who was present, members of the opposing team jumped up and, after lifting the young lady into their arms, carried her to each base until they reached home plate and added her run to the official score.

The story went on to say there was not a dry eye in the entire location and that the young lady’s team went on to win the game.

In today’s world – one of irate fans running onto the fields of play, brutally hitting coaches, players and other fans; coaches, players, referees and umpires fighting among themselves and spitting on each other while kicking dust; and parents and fans throwing chairs or items at others without any regard to possible injuries – it was so refreshing to hear a story of this kind and to be reminded of days gone by, when sporting events were for enjoyment and were not shouting matches filled with resentment and hate.

Thank you to the unselfish young ladies, who at some point in their lives were told about good sportsmanship and things more important than winning a game at any cost, for such an inspiring moment in today’s much too selfish world.

Paul and Betty Amigh

Johnstown

        

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