Robert M. Nicol, Sr. – 2/18/07

This page was last updated on February 25, 2007.

Politicans [sic] show true colors; Robert M. Nicol, Sr.; Beaver County Times; February 18, 2007.

When I encounter grammar or spelling errors in editorials and letters I critique, I normally mark them with “[sic]” so you know they aren’t transcription errors on my part. This letter has so many errors I determined it was less effort just to give you this notice. I thought the Times edited letters for this stuff.

Below is a detailed critique of the subject letter.

“Former state Rep. Stephen Maitland collected per diem payments totaling $11,368 his last year in office. House rules permits this practice.

“He collected only $165 of payments in 2005 - until he got ousted from his legislative job. Then, he took per diems back to 2004 and 2005.

“Apparently, he didn’t need the money for these years but chose to grab every penny he could while on his way out the door.

“Then, former state Rep. Mike Veon handed out all the outrageous bonuses totaling $252,164 to his staff. House Democratic Leader Bill DeWeese’s staff received $123,696 in bonuses last year.

“How sad. This money could have been used in better ways, like schools, education and health insurance for those in need of it but can’t afford it. There are too many things to list that could help less fortunate people in the representatives’ districts.”

[RWC] What item did Mr. Nicol omit? Yep, putting the tax dollars back in the pockets of the people who paid them. This letter jumps on politicians for being generous with our tax dollars, yet Mr. Nicol did the same thing.

“One staff’s salary was $74,772 and received a $25,065 bonus. Another salary was $77,436 and received $20,380 bonus. Most workers in Veon’s district don’t receive a bonus from their employers. Most are just glad to have a job.

“It’s not just Veon. There are a lot of politicians who the voting public is getting tired of because of their greedy ways and is voting out of office.

“With their true colors really showing, this is like a slap in the face to taxpayers who in the past have supported these men.

“Don’t sit back. Speak out and express your feelings.”