A planned meeting on the fate of New Castle’s mail processing facility may add some clarity to a muddled issue.
The U.S. Postal Service will conduct the session starting at 7 p.m. July 15 at New Castle High School. Those attending are to hear specifics about a study that examined moving at least some postal operations from New Castle to Pittsburgh.
Ever since word of this study and its potential consequences came to light earlier this year, it has been controversial. Naturally, New Castle postal employees, who could be impacted by any change, are worried about their jobs. And this is an area that can ill afford a decline in employment.
Plus, there are objections that shifting operations to Pittsburgh will slow local mail delivery.
But there have been mixed messages from the postal service, union representatives and government officials over what is happening or not happening with this proposal. The July 15 meeting should give residents a better sense of what’s to come.
•
These may be tough economic times locally, but when it comes to fireworks, the show must go on.
Traditional community fireworks displays, held on and around the Fourth of July, are still on tap in Lawrence County. That’s good news for fans of these aerial shows.
And it’s good for the local economy as well. After all, fireworks employ people here, mainly because of two community businesses, Zambelli Internationale and Pyrotecnico. These firms shoot off local fireworks, as well as displays around the globe.
But another benefit of fireworks shows is their impact on the broader economy. People travel to see these bursts of colors and they presumably spend money on food and other items in the process.
So, in a sense, fireworks are not merely good fun, they are also good business.
•
There must be something about Lawrence County school administrators that impresses the folks in Hermitage.
Former Neshannock superintendent Karen Ionta went on to become superintendent in the Hermitage school district. And with her retirement this year, Shenango superintendent Dan Bell was selected as her replacement.
Of course, Bell is no stranger to Hermitage. He began his educational career there as a teacher, before Shenango snatched him up as an administrator. But this is more than just payback on Hermitage’s part. Board members in the larger district recognize talent.
Shenango must now look for a replacement for Bell. That’s going to be the hard part.
Editorials
EDITORIAL: Odds and ends
- Editorials
-
-
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.
-
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.
-
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.
-
Second thoughts
County commissioner decides to take charge of prison board
-
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.
-
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.
-
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.
-
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.
-
Violence flares in Mideast nation as American troops depart
It doesn’t always make headlines in America, but violence is a regular occurrence in Iraq. Yesterday, car bombings in Baghdad killed 14 people and wounded 75 others. In the United States, such bloodshed would be a major event. In Iraq, it’s just more of the same.
- More Editorials Headlines
-
High court forces lawmakers back to drawing board
