Issue One: The state budget
Cut spending first
Our governor, Ed Rendell, is certainly one of the worst the commonwealth has ever had. "Fast Eddie" has never seen a tax he didn't like or one that did not need to be increased.
Now he wants a "temporary" increase in the state's income tax -- a la the Johnstown Flood tax ("Rendell: Raise Income Tax," June 17). He goes on to say the state is in economic trouble and we all have to do our part and share in the pain, and we should do so happily.
I suggest that the governor and all the elected politicians in the state take a "temporary" pay cut. Then do away with cost-of-living adjustments and "walking-around money." Then get rid of all the pork in the budget, quit hiring your buddies and make some real budget cuts. Do this, then get to work on cutting the number of Harrisburg elected officials by at least 50 percent.
Once this is done we will happily pitch in and do a little more.
D.D. CAMPAS
South Park
Their sacrifices?
When do our legislators make concessions? Gov. Ed Rendell wants to raise the personal income tax, close parks and merge school districts, but what are our lawmakers giving up?
Considering their salaries, they can surely afford a car payment, car insurance and food. Except for special business meetings, they should receive only a gas allotment to and from Harrisburg. Some have had car leases of as much as $650 a month and they can receive $158 per day for food and lodging when in Harrisburg.
They should think of us little guys making car payments and paying insurance and having to cover other expenses on our small salaries.
I live in Highland Park and there are three lawmakers within a mile or so. Why? Plus one in Penn Hills, Forest Hills and the Hill District.
LESLEY OWENS
Highland Park
What Pa. wants
So people are upset that Gov. Ed Rendell wants to raise taxes again? Election after election the people of Pennsylvania vote for Democrat after Democrat. Have any of these Democrats ever lowered your taxes? Have they ever made cuts to their budgets or salaries?
I don't understand why people are upset with this latest proposed increase to the income tax. Since you continue to vote for these Democrats, I can only assume that paying more taxes is exactly what everyone wants. I know, I know, George W. Bush is probably somehow to blame ...
S. ROBLE
Greensburg