NEW CASTLE —
We look forward to Harrisburg’s debate over liquor privatization with a combination of anticipation and dread.
The anticipation stems from our general support for Gov. Tom Corbett’s proposal to privatize Pennsylvania’s state store system. We long have believed the government’s role in alcohol is law enforcement, not marketing.
But we also know this is not the first time a governor has pushed for liquor privatization in the commonwealth. Past efforts have gone nowhere — for a variety of reasons. Not the least of these is that alcohol in Pennsylvania is a much more complicated subject than it first appears.
And Corbett is pushing a broad revamping of alcohol rules. That includes beer sales, where the governor is pushing for liberalization of antiquated rules.
You can be sure of opposition from liquor store employees to the governor’s plan to shut down state stores. But an article last week in the New Castle News highlighted the fact local business owners and operators who sell beer aren’t particularly enthused by the idea of reform.
Their concern is that a relaxation of licensing rules and privatization will entice larger corporate interests into Pennsylvania’s liquor trade. This may squeeze out mom-and-pop distributors, bottle shops and even some taverns.
All of this means there will be stiff resistance in the Legislature to liquor privatization. It will come from lawmakers who are interested in protecting the economics of the status quo, as well as those who worry about expanded liquor consumption with privatization — particularly among juveniles.
And any attempt to alter liquor laws will compete with a host of other front-burner issues facing Pennsylvania. In short, It’s quite possible liquor privatization again will go nowhere.
But if the issue does gain traction in Harrisburg, we have one suggestion that might minimize some opposition.
Rather than sell licenses outright, the state should look at limited licensing, say for four years with renewal possible if the holders conduct themselves properly.
The state would charge less for such licenses, making them affordable for smaller businesses. This could promote more competition as well.
Corbett has said he wants the sale of licenses to fund a new block grant program for education. It’s always a concern when a big chunk of money for a specific purposes is pumped into government. Eventually, that money goes away, but the demand for it does not.
An ongoing liquor store licensing system, similar to what happens with driver’s licenses, would produce a constant source of revenue for the commonwealth. We see that as a benefit worth pursuing.
Editorials
Our Opinion: Governor faces difficult road on path to privatization
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Our Opinion: State audit says city school district failed to collect from non-residents
Audit information about non-resident students who didn’t pay tuition at New Castle raises more questions than it answers. At least so far. We expect more details when the Pennsylvania auditor general’s office completes its report and the New Castle school district provides its response.
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Our Opinion: Make the most of your power to vote by casting ballot tomorrow
So what kind of turnout will there be for tomorrow’s primary? Recent history suggests somewhere between low and lousy. This year’s elections are devoted to local races, and there are few major ones being contested in the primary.
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Our Opinion: Privatization of county jail is worthy of examination
Generally speaking, we support government efforts to seek more efficient ways to provide essential services. So we have no problem with the decision by the Lawrence County commissioners to solicit proposals for the private operation of the county jail.
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Our Opinion: We endorse candidates for New Castle board
The New Castle school district is often a study in contrasts. There are complaints about the district on everything from taxes to nepotism, from test scores to ethical slights. Yet at the same time, plenty of students within the district excel. It’s a tribute to the hard work of those students, their families and the educators who support them.
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Our Opinion: You should be frightened, outraged by IRS abuse of power
When people talk about government posing a threat to citizens, a common topic these days is unmanned drones. But a more credible threat may be the Internal Revenue Service. This agency, responsible for collecting taxes and enforcing related rules, has the ability to make life miserable for the average individual.
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Our Opinion: Our endorsements for City Council race
The city of New Castle needs help. Financially distressed and operating under Pennsylvania’s Act 47, New Castle must find ways to reverse its population loss and fiscal challenges.
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Our Opinion: Court frowns on gerrymandering, but only slightly
Pennsylvania legislators have received the green light to put their own political interests ahead of yours. That’s a key point in the latest Pennsylvania Supreme Court ruling on legislative apportionment in the commonwealth.
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Our Opinion: Study says distracted driving deaths are under reported
Suppose you operated a piece of heavy machinery at your job. And suppose it’s machinery that moves quickly with little effort. What would happen if you decided to take one hand off that equipment — while it was still in motion — and instead focused your attention on a telephone call?
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Our Opinion: Senate seeks to give states more taxing power
Congress is taking a stab at tax fairness. At least, where states are concerned. If you’re looking for meaningful reform of the federal tax code, that’s going to have to wait.
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Our Opinion: Look at handling of bombing suspects is warranted
We welcome an investigation into the handling of intelligence related to suspects in the Boston Marathon bombing. That probe may reveal little of value.
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Our Opinion: State audit says city school district failed to collect from non-residents
