Glenn J. Angus – 11/20/09

This page was last updated on November 20, 2009.

One step forward and two steps back; Glenn J. Angus; Beaver County Times; November 20, 2009. An editor’s note asserts, “The writer is chairman of the Harmony Township Board of Commissioners.”

Below is a detailed critique of the subject letter.

“Gov. Ed Rendell needs to be commended again on an absolutely fantastic job of balancing our state budget.

“Oh, and let’s give a ‘that a boy’ to U.S. Rep. Jason Altmire on the federal level for his help.”

[RWC] Why should federal taxpayers be expected to pay for local projects? If we believe it’s important enough, we should pay for it ourselves.

“The Ambridge area finally gets a little growth and hope with the new 911 center, only to have the heart and history of Old Economy Village ripped from our community. Apparently the history of this area is not significant enough with 30,000 visitors a year to keep alive, even with the shot of youth injected in the Ambridge Area Chamber of Commerce, which, given time, would collaborate with Old Economy to enhance its beauty and promote its tourism.

“They move houses. Maybe the key is to get Old Economy moved to Philadelphia so Rendell can claim it as his own and then allocate funds for it.

“I wonder if Ohio would like to adopt Beaver County. I hear they promote history and tourism with open arms.

“I commend our government for its exceptional business smarts and traditional style of trimming a budget by hitting the most vulnerable areas, regardless of the consequences.”

[RWC] It would be “business smarts” to keep funding Old Economy Village? Assuming the figures cited in this letter and yesterday’s editorial “Museum Scrooged” ($15.7 million/year) are correct, at a visitor rate of 30,000/year, PA taxpayers paid/pay $523 for each visitor to Old Economy Village. I’m no expert, but $523/visitor seems like a steep subsidy.

“Good job to all.”