— I was shocked when I read Peter Vizza’s July 25 Readers’ Forum letter on the NAACP banquet, “NAACP banquet an inspirational event.”

All that he observed and said about the banquet was true, but I don’t think he got the message. These were people who have been honest, good citizens and tried to live as God would want them to. However, this coming from the councilman is nothing but a joke.

He uses black occasions in the community only to hide his true self. I have followed his career as a councilman, and the job he holds at Greater Johnstown High School only as long as he plays ball with a political faction in the city.

Since he has been councilman, there has been no evidence that he really cares about the flight of the blacks in Johnstown. Each time a vote is needed for a black person to get on a commission in Johnstown, he votes against the person, always giving a dumb reason.

Recently, I saw where a black person had applied for a position on the human relations commission; he voted against it.

A black senior citizen who has lived in Johnstown most of her life applied for reappointment to the Johnstown Housing Authority board; he voted against it.

Stop being a puppet on a string and afraid to think and speak for yourself and for the good of all people of Johnstown, regardless of their color.

Jane Smith

Johnstown

Editor’s note: We asked Councilman Vizza for response, which follows:



Official: Votes based solely on qualifications

I welcome Jane Smith’s opinion and criticism, as this helps me know what is on the minds of the people of Johnstown.

She also should know that if she follows my term as a city councilman and my work, which is an outside agency inside the school building, I am always available.

I would welcome her call after work to address any concerns. I find it interesting that she chose this forum to express her points. It is not the way I would have gone, but that’s her prerogative.

As for the points she makes, I see people as “people,” not white, black, Hispanic or any other. Just people.

I see those “people” as qualified, not-as-qualified or unqualified. Those who know me know this.

My votes on council are my votes. Please take the time to look at my record.

In closing, I want her to know that, to the best of my knowledge, I was the only city representative at the NAACP Heritage Leaders Awards banquet. I believe that speaks to yet another example of my commitment to the good people of Johnstown.

Please feel free to contact me directly at 525-4091 with any questions.

Peter Vizza

Johnstown Councilman



Beer: Educating pupils while promoting sales

Booze, booze and more booze. What a wonder drug to promote and imbibe.

Its misuse can drive you crazy, wreck your car, destroy your home, lose your job, make you sick, wipe out a carload of teenagers, run down your children, promote violence and domestic abuse, and cost taxpayers millions and millions of dollars in treatment and rehab programs.

Yes, consuming alcohol can do all this and more. It is the most widely abused and misused drug of all times, and can prepare the way for harder drugs to take over.

Ask any police officer about his or her experience in dealing with vehicular fatalities, domestic abuse and violent crimes committed “under the influence.”

It’s alarming how millions of dollars are spent in promoting the wonders of alcoholic beverages, while at the same time government, law enforcement and the private sector are spending huge sums in prevention and rehabilitation programs.

For example, recently The Learning Lamp received a grant of $122,886 from the Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency to launch a new drug and alcohol prevention program for elementary school pupils in Cambria and Somerset counties.

While schools are working diligently to educate students on the negative effects of alcohol, along comes Richland Days with its “beer tent” nestled in safely on township grounds, discretely placed between an elementary school and a middle/high school.

Signs promoting the event list three beers across the top.

What’s wrong with this picture?

Noah Martin

Richland Township

 

Click here to subscribe to The Tribune-Democrat print edition.

Click here to subscribe to The Tribune-Democrat e-edition.