NEW CASTLE —
A state senator from Johnstown will fail in his attempt to kill a casino project planned for Lawrence County.
At least this year. What might happen beyond that, however, is far less certain.
Sen. John Wozniak argues that Centaur Gaming has been given more than enough time to raise the funds necessary to build a harness racing track and casino in Mahoning Township. But instead of operating a facility, the company is struggling with a federal bankruptcy filing and seeking court approval for a restructuring plan.
It’s easy to see where Wozniak is coming from. Those who supported casino gambling in Pennsylvania viewed it as a way to generate revenue and jobs. The Valley View Downs project in Lawrence County has done neither, and it’s reasoned that some interest in the related state licenses could be found elsewhere.
But if Wozniak is frustrated with the situation, that’s just a taste of how many Lawrence County residents feel. It’s difficult to believe this proposal has dragged on so long. And despite ongoing assurances from Centaur officials, nothing specific is in the works.
Fortunately for Centaur and Lawrence County, the state Legislature works slowly, and has bigger issues to address this year. However, Wozniak’s legislative effort is a reminder that the clock is ticking.
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New Castle’s sale of its sewer lines raises some intriguing possibilities.
The city netted more than $17.3 million with the move, which transferred the lines to the New Castle Sanitation Authority. Most of this money will be used to help reduce New Castle’s outstanding debt.
We hope that ultimately translates into lower taxes in future years if less money is needed to pay off bonds. High taxes remain a detriment to growth in New Castle, especially when compared to nearby communities.
Meanwhile, we are left to wonder how the transfer of line ownership will impact local sewer rates. If any cut in city taxes is more than offset by higher sewage fees, that’s hardly a plus. The move may aid city hall’s bottom line, but what it does for — or to — residents is the real test.
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Give Gov. Ed Rendell credit for caring enough about transportation that he testified this week before a Senate panel.
Considering he’s a lame duck — and fully recognizes that fact — Rendell could have avoided the issue. Instead, he showed up at the Senate Transportation Committee meeting armed with photos of deteriorated bridges, warning that people could be killed if the Legislature failed to act on his funding plans.
Those plans include raising gas taxes or fees to cover an expanded repair program. Various studies have found Pennsylvania falling farther and farther behind in efforts to maintain its highway infrastructure.
This being an election year — amid a recession — Rendell acknowledged the reluctance of lawmakers to act. But he made a powerful case.
On the other hand, any assessment of improved transportation in the commonwealth needs to consider efficiency. Can the state continue to afford a transportation department and a separate turnpike commission?
Editorials
EDITORIAL: Odds and ends
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Congress acts to close information loophole, but is it enough?
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.
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High court forces lawmakers back to drawing board
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.
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Our Opinion: City hurts businesses by ticketing during lunch hours
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.
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Citizens offer to take open seat on New Castle City Council
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.
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Second thoughts
County commissioner decides to take charge of prison board
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Our Opinion, Part 2: Mayor’s hiring of his son raises more serious questions
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?
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.
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Writers reveal ignorance of school board politics
Editor, The News: In a recent edition of The News there was a letter by James Smith that caught my attention.
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Fairness is consideration in Jameson Hospital’s request to city
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.
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Proposal to cut size of Legislature moves modestly ahead
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.
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Congress acts to close information loophole, but is it enough?
