New Castle News
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?
