The Westmont Hilltop school board is most appreciative to The Tribune-Democrat for covering the looming pension crisis facing school districts across the state.

Westmont taxpayers have been shouldering the burden of an inequitable funding system for years, and the district has been forced to raise taxes for more than two decades, despite spending less per student to educate our children than every other school district in the area.

The pension issue, however, is much more far-reaching, and will affect districts everywhere.

If the pension issue is not corrected, the projected cost increase to the Westmont Hilltop School District amounts to $4.7 million over the next five years. It would be impossible for the district or our taxpayers to meet this obligation.

On Feb. 8, the Westmont board unanimously adopted a resolution urging the Pennsylvania General Assembly to act immediately to consider pension reform that would reduce the projected cost outlays by school districts. It is imperative that something is done to avert this crisis.

Since this issue impacts taxpayers everywhere, we encourage you to contact your elected officials to urge support of legislation that would create a long-term solution to this most serious problem.

Mitchell G. Azar

President

Westmont Hilltop Board of Education



Nixing amendment keeps abortion in bill

President Obama’s health-care plan rewards friends with sweetheart deals, including $11 billion for “community health centers.” These may be run by abortion-provider Planned Parenthood.

Cecile Richards, president of Planned Parenthood, has visited the White House numerous times this past year. She also stayed on the day he was inaugurated, as the administration was crafting the health-care plan.

Obama’s decision not to include the Stupak-Pitts Amendment in his health-care plan means that abortion funding remains in the legislation.

Harry Knox, Obama’s choice for the Advisory Council on Faith Based and Neighborhood Partnerships, is anti-Catholic. He expressed his prejudice against Pope Benedict and, by extension, to all Catholics when he reaffirmed his view that the pope is hurting people in the name of Jesus.

For Catholics who do not view abortion for what it is, the catechism is unequivocal in the coverage of the text, easily located via the index address at nos. 2207-2274.

It’s too bad Catholics didn’t check this before they voted for this administration.

He knew us before he formed us in the womb (Jeremiah 1:5).

I have seen television coverage of other presidents attending the churches of their choice. I have yet to see Obama and his family attending church. Has he belonged to any church since ending his affiliation with the Rev. Jeremiah Wright?

Please pray for the babies who will die if Obama gets his way.

I’m sure our Lord is not happy with this plan.

Joseph T. Torchia Sr.

Lower Yoder Township



Factors in place to restart manufacturing

Now is a good time to re-establish our nation’s manufacturing capacity.

Millions of people are without work. Dozens of manufacturing sites are abandoned. Investors are seeking new opportunities. Credit markets are starting to thaw.

All of these factors lead to a possible renaissance of U.S. manufacturing.

The influence of organized labor can also be relaxed while still promoting the union key philosophy: A good day’s pay for a good day’s work.

New manufacturing workers could be hired at local minimum wage for the first 60 or so days of work. Once 60 days pass, the workers should have proven their worth to the company.

The pay then should be kept at $5 or more above the local minimum wage to promote a happy work force and a stronger local and national economy.

John Rodgers Jr.

Somerset



UCP serving those with special needs

The mission of United Cerebral Palsy is to assist children, youth and adults with disabilities in meeting basic needs, enhancing quality of life, and promoting independence while also allowing individuals to be active participants in decision-making and direction of service.

We at Alleghenies United Cerebral Palsy, per our quality-assurance policies and procedures, take the necessary actions to ensure the individuals we serve are treated with the utmost respect and compassion.

Our services are modeled after the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania’s Office of Developmental Program’s core philosophy of Everyday Lives.

(To learn more about Everyday Lives, visit www.dpw.state.pa.us.)

This philosophy is rooted within the concept of self-determination and positive approaches. As an organization, it is part of our mission to ensure that individuals with disabilities enjoy the same rights and opportunities as any other member of society.

In addition, I am confident that our staff makes every effort to encourage as much freedom, control and individualism as possible for every person we have the privilege of serving.

In many cases, the individuals we provide services to present a wide variety of challenging needs depending on their level of developmental and/or physical disabilities.

Community inclusion is one of the key components of Everyday Lives.

The next time you encounter an individual with special needs, please take a moment to appreciate his or her individualism and consider how you can also promote the philosophies of Everyday Lives.

If you have any questions, please contact our office at 262-9600.

Marie Polinsky

CEO, Choices People Supporting People

and Alleghenies United Cerebral Palsy

Richland Township