The region must recognize what the city provides

June 15 was a glorious day for Pittsburgh. The city hosted its second world championship parade in less than six months. The streets were lined with men, women and particularly children, forming a community celebration.

I advisedly use the word "community" because our city is the center of a much larger comunity, and we proudly hosted this championship parade for that community. As a city resident and taxpayer, I hope the occasion will allow our good brothers and sisters from the outlying municipalities to reflect on the positive value that the city of Pittsburgh has for our "community" and to recognize and share the economic responsibility for that vibrant community. The city and its public safety department provide security for the premises of the sports teams, universities, hospitals, concert halls, museums and most other cultural and civic events.

Soon we will be hosting the G-20 summit, recognition of the impact that our small city has on the rest of the world. So, as we enjoy this championship celebration, I hope that all residents of Western Pennsylvania will recognize the need to keep the core of the community fiscally healthy, so that it can continue to provide the support and services it does to all the citizens of our "community."

I urge them to embrace, rather than reject, and support, rather than dismiss, local efforts to provide economic and tax support to the city of Pittsburgh. It is impossible for an elected official to send out a message such as this because of political realities. However, if our community were operated by business, rather than politics, successful leadership would direct resources to the core, thereby benefiting the entirety.

P.S. to the Pirates -- Stop trading our stars and you, too, can have a parade.

WILLIAM PIETRAGALLO II
Shadyside