Published: July 18, 2008 01:09 pm            

READERS' FORUM 7/19 | ‘Bonusgate’ sparks call for redesigned flag

In light of the “bonusgate” scandal in Harrisburg, I think it’s time we updated our state flag to get in tune with the 21st century.

What I would propose is to put a solitary figure in the center of the flag to represent the Pennsylvania taxpayer. On the left of the figure would be a donkey (Democrat) and on the right, an elephant (Republican), each with an appendage (hand) deep in the pockets of the taxpayer.

I think this would give a true picture of what goes on today in the state Legislature as neither party has a monopoly on corruption.

Hank Hamryszak

Johnstown



Solutions to help West End residents

Regarding Anita Pesarchic’s letter on July 8, “All you smell is pot, day and night”:

I also live in the West End and so do my children. I’ve called city officials about problems with sewers, children, play signs, crosswalks, garages falling in, dilapidated houses and drug activity. It has all fallen on deaf ears.

It’s like the West End is cut off from the great city’s plans. It took a year to get a sewer cleaned and, because of Councilman Jack Williams’ quick attention, it was done in one day.

Solutions:

Go back to a strong-mayor government. A mayor is elected and answers to voters.

Hire more police officers.

Have officers on foot patrol. I knew and trusted them; they were visible.

Make judges give stiffer sentences to drug offenders. No deals to informers. Make the offenders perform community service and return some of the fines to the community.

Talk to other small communities – Bedford and Ligonier – for ideas of how to draw people into downtown Johnstown. Bedford and Ligonier are filled with people on Saturdays.

Empty our jails of out-of-towners. Some criminals are home before the police testify against them. Why bother to arrest them?

We need more citizens like Pesarchic calling and writing to our city leaders. We are frustrated, too.

West End Improvement Group meets at 6 p.m. Aug. 6 at the Grace Lutheran Church on Chandler Avenue.

Hold those we voted for accountable.

Lindy Yutzy

Johnstown



Baseball, hot dogs and things to ponder

Some questions to ponder during the lazy days of summer:

Wasn’t it enjoyable to see corrupt state politicians and their corrupt underlings being led away in handcuffs after their arrests last week?

Isn’t it nice to know that they are not above the law?

In small-town America, is there a nicer recreational area than Roxbury Park? Isn’t the park one of the best things about Johnstown?

Shouldn’t every politician and bureaucrat who sends our troops into danger have at least one family member serving in the military?

Would any young American die in foreign misadventures if Senator X or Undersecretary Y knew that their children or nieces or nephews could also be killed?

Who cares who owns the Steelers, as long as they stay in Pittsburgh? Would any of you pass up a $100 million profit?

Can you imagine people in 2058 talking about 2008 as part of the “good old days”? If they do, I’m real glad I won’t be around to hear them. How about you?

Gregory M. Gyauch

Johnstown



Who are we to question adoptions?

I am writing in response to James R. Shaffer Jr.’s letter (July 15, “Jolie’s hospitalization not worth mentioning”). I don’t understand why people have issues about where other people go to adopt. I think the decision to adopt and where to adopt from is a very personal choice for a family.

If Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt are able to provide for and love their three adopted children, who are we to question or judge?

I think it’s wonderful for anyone to open his or her heart and home to children. It shouldn’t matter if the child is American or from another country. We should all respect other cultures and love all children equally.

As for the old argument of adopting American children first, my wife and I made the decision to adopt from China based on many criteria.

China was the best choice for creating our family, just like the United States may be the best choice for other families. We gave our son, Jensen, one amazing gift: American citizenship.

Ron C. Korber

Davidsville



Gas is cheaper if paying by cash

During recent travels to other parts of Pennsylvania and West Virginia, I noticed gasoline prices were posted at $4 per gallon. However, some retailers also posted a cash price anywhere from 10 cents to 14 cents less per gallon.

Upon inquiring at a couple of the retailers as to why the price gap between credit card purchases and cash purchases, the retailers said they believed it was not fair for cash customers to pay credit card charges at the pump.

For example, at a store in Lancaster, our cash price was $3.87 per gallon versus $3.99 had we used a credit card.

Apparently, some consumers are being gouged at the pump by retailers selling gas without offering a cash option.

It was not necessary to purchase anything to entice us to shop there. Nothing is free, or as P.T. Barnum reputedly said, “There’s a sucker born every minute.”

Robert L. Moschgat

Johnstown

        

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