Published: July 18, 2008 01:13 pm            

Laurels and barbs

Laurel: We commend Northern Cambria  councilmen Salvatore Taranto and Eugene Certo for doing the right thing. Although the two realized there would not be a quorum for an expected controversial meeting this week, they still showed up to meet with residents to explain why the meeting had been canceled and to informally field questions and complaints. Nobody gets rich serving on the boards of local governments. It takes real dedication to one’s community, the type displayed by Taranto and Certo.

Barb: We can understand volunteer firefighters’ frustration that the state Legislature once again put aside a package of tax credits and other benefits meant to stimulate memberships in manpower-strapped fire companies. Although a $100 state income-tax credit for volunteer firefighters and medical responders did get approval, a much-anticipated larger package went nowhere before summer adjournment. This issue needs to be put on the front burner and dealt with.

Laurel: They came last weekend from across the United States and Canada, even from as far away as France, to the national motocross championships at Pleasure Valley Raceway near Armagh. Hundreds of professionals and amateurs competed over two days. It’s a dusty and noisy sport, but it’s growing nationally and we’re glad our area is a part of the excitement. It’s obviously also good for our region’s economy.

Laurel: The Make-A-Wish Foundation is an amazing, caring organization. It’s efforts to make dreams come true for seriously ill children are beyond heartwarming. Our front page on Monday told the story of 10-year-old Josie Haman of Windber and her pony, Scooby. It told of Josie’s longtime dream for a pony and the efforts of Make-A-Wish and Curtitsy Acres Inc. near Hooversville to make sure she got one. Our prayers include Josie, who was diagnosed with leukemia a year ago.

Barb: They do it because they can. As long as Pitt and Penn State can fill classrooms while turning away large numbers of applicants, they can continue to tack on large increases each year. Last week, Pitt trustees approved increases up to 6 percent and Penn State trustees, 5 percent to 6 percent. Meanwhile, universities in the State System of Higher Education are boosting tuition an average of 3.5 percent. Seemingly, everyone is biting the bullet these days in a tough economic climate. We would hope that includes our colleges and universities.

Laurel: Thanks to teachers Lawra Stuart, Carl Keifer and Bill Stuart, pupils at the Conemaugh Township Intermediate School will have more opportunities to stay fit. The three worked together to obtain a Highmark Healthy High 5 School Challenge grant of $10,000. The money will be used to purchase additional fitness equipment for the school, improving its efforts at tackling the growing nationwide problem of childhood obesity. It’s hoped a new fitness center can eventually be built. Way to go.

        

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