New Castle News Editorials

Congress acts to close information loophole, but is it enough?

2012-02-10T09:37:08-05:00

It’s generally recognized that knowledge is power. That’s why some knowledge deserves equal treatment. Perhaps that assessment is most appropriate when it comes to information held by government. Government data and the collection of information, after all, comes courtesy of tax dollars, so everyone should have equal access to its benefits.

High court forces lawmakers back to drawing board

2012-02-09T09:21:47-05:00

The Pennsylvania Supreme Court’s decision to throw out a legislative redistricting plan exposes a fundamental truth: The mapping of House and Senate districts in the commonwealth have nothing to do with representation or serving the people.

Our Opinion: City hurts businesses by ticketing during lunch hours

2012-02-08T10:28:14-05:00

Most of the candidates running (and now elected) for New Castle City Council and mayor last year said they believed downtown redevelopment was important. This was a common theme during editorial board meetings at the New Castle News prior to last spring’s primary and before the general election.

Citizens offer to take open seat on New Castle City Council

2012-02-03T08:18:17-05:00

It’s good to see there is so much interest in serving on New Castle City Council. On Tuesday, council interviewed nine citizens who have expressed a desire to fill an existing vacancy. The only unfortunate part is that most of these people weren’t interested in the post last year, when it was on the ballot.

Second thoughts

2012-02-02T10:23:10-05:00

County commissioner decides to take charge of prison board

Our Opinion, Part 2: Mayor’s hiring of his son raises more serious questions

2012-02-01T10:55:49-05:00

If you ask New Castle residents to identify the biggest problem in local government, one word will stand out:
Nepotism. The term, of course, refers to the hiring of one’s relatives for positions, regardless of the fact others are equally — or more — deserving of available positions.

Our Opinion: Why didn’t council keep Chief Tom Sansone?

2012-01-31T10:09:32-05:00

Last week, a majority on city council refused to confirm Mayor Anthony Mastrangelo’s appointment of Tom Sansone to continue as police chief. For the moment, the city has no police chief, and city residents are left to wonder why.

Writers reveal ignorance of school board politics

2012-01-27T09:51:07-05:00

Editor, The News: In a recent edition of The News there was a letter by James Smith that caught my attention.

Fairness is consideration in Jameson Hospital’s request to city

2012-01-27T09:48:21-05:00

Jameson Hospital wants New Castle to give it a break. And it’s something city council should consider — if doing so makes sense, and if it is fair to all.

Proposal to cut size of Legislature moves modestly ahead

2012-01-26T10:18:20-05:00

Efforts to streamline Pennsylvania’s Legislature took a step forward this week. But plenty of additional steps remain in what promises to be a daunting process.