June 2007 Archives
On the immigration issue, the real problem is the welfare state. Self-responsible immigrants who are not violent criminals, terrorists, or have communicable diseases poise no threat, economic or physical, to natural born Americans. The existing welfare system in America robs
from the self-responsible for those who will not or cannot be responsible. All welfare programs should be eliminated. No handouts for immigrants and no handouts for natural born Americans either. Immigrants add to the productive nature of society – If they are required to be self-responsible and self-supporting. Both supply and demand are increased by the presence
of immigrants -- If they are required to be self-responsible and self-supporting.
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RV owners are concerned about Congress imposing new fuel standards on manufacturers.
I appreciate their concern about downsizing engines, but I beg to suggest that that is not the only logical conclusion.
I call their attention to the rapid engineering feats of WW II. Auto manufacturers switched to building airplanes which were then quickly improved almost daily from slow planes to those that could fly twice and three times faster. They could carry much more armament, fly higher and with much greater range! Engines increased in horsepower an unbelievable short time! Newly designed planes were on the flight line seemingly days after blueprints were made!
When I was in school a government teacher once explained that "My rights end where your nose begins." They were talking about physically intruding on another person then (fist to face) but I think it is a good way look at this smoking 'choice/right.'
Smokers can't control where the smoke from their bad habit goes and it is foolish to think that mere distance between "sections" can be good enough. My nose (and lungs for that matter) are having its rights trampled on with every breath when I go anywhere that allows smoking in even a small part of the establishment.
After reading all reports, letters and blog entries about this subject I would like to weigh in on this issue. First I ride, I wear a helmet 99.9 percent of the time but I don't wear it because of the fear of injury or even death. I wear it for the fear of people in cages who are so inattentive while they drive that they scare me.
Everyone should ride a cycle and get a new perspective on drivers. Those who drive while talking on the cell phone, putting makeup on, doodling with their hair, texting useless messages, using the Blackberries, driving without headlights one-half hour before sunset or sunrise (against the law).
Today a Good Samaritan, John Strine, helped me on Interstate 83 when my car broke down from a leakage underneath the car. He works for the York Water Company.
It was very hot and humid weather. I stayed inside his vehicle until my husband could wait with me for a tow truck.
His only message for the public is to help someone in case your own family member, especially your wife, needs that help along the road.
Thanks John, for your kind help for me.
Bev Smith
York
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I just read the cops busted another x number of people for selling or using drugs. On and on it goes. Let's just face it, the "war on drugs" is lost. We should have known it was never going to work after the fiasco of prohibition. Nevertheless, we keep pouring billions of our money into trying to stop something that is unstoppable! (Not to mention the billions to incarcerate addicts, dealers, etc). Law enforcement gets so much money to fight this unending "war" they simply don't want to get rid of this cash cow.
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In the June 24 York Sunday News, in the Local "In Brief" column, page C1, the brief states, "The only Miss Pennsylvania to have won the national contest was Evelyn Ay . . . ." A simple, quick Google check is all that needed to be done to see that was not the case. Other Miss Pennsylvania's include: 1924 Ruth Malcomson; 1935 Henrietta Leaver; 1936 Rose Coyle; and in 1940 Frances Burke.
Granted, this topic is not important considering all that is happening in the world, but when such a blatant mistruth appears in your paper, one has to wonder just how many other mistruths we are being fed. I don't think it's too much to ask for "truthful" reporting, regardless of how minor the subject.
Beth Matthews
Spring Garden Township
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Rabbittransit is a great asset to a few in the area and a great waste to many. If any of us would operate a business the way this transit system operates, it would be bankrupt in one year. What upsets me is they say they will need more tax money from us. I have been watching these bus routes operate all day long with six people or less (mostly no one aboard) and they run too large of a size bus for the number of riders.
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The debate between John Terlazzo and me, both on the Sunday News op-ed page and Yorkblog.com, is important, yet few others become involved. More than Rush Limbaugh and Al Franken must get tackle this issue, and I can’t leave the last word to an America basher.
Mr. Terlazzo, you say I missed the point demonstrating the improbability of the 655,000 Iraqi death toll, that 6 or 655,000, it’s all the same. But that is not what you said when you first raised the issue as a way to label our troops as child killers. The death toll became a mere statistical contrivance to you only after I laid out the facts and weakened its propaganda value.
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In less than two weeks, the Pennsylvania state legislature is expected to break for the summer, placing any unsolved issues on hold until the fall. Thus, it is imperative that the legislature acts now to approve a sustained, long-term funding solution for Rabbit Transit and the rest of the state's public transportation systems.
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Infertility: Today there is a 1 in 8 chance you have it or know someone who is affected by it. For those of you who struggle with infertility, there are a growing number of support outlets for you, from the Resolve website (www.resolve.org) to support groups to bookcases of literature. The one thing we don’t have is a general public who understands how to talk to us and treat us. So, for the “fertiles” of the world, I have complied this list of appropriate and inappropriate things to do and say. Pay attention; you never know where you will encounter an infertile person. (HINT: Everywhere!)
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Crash kills three, injures four on the Pa. Turnpike. This was the headline in the York Sunday News (June 24, Section C, page 5).
This accident happened at the Lebanon-Lancaster exit 266 on the westbound lanes at 12:30 p.m. Saturday, June 23. Numerous calls were made to 911 more than 20 minutes before this accident, because of the unsafe traffic conditions on both the east and west bound lanes.
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I know because I called 911 at 12:10 p.m. while sitting in the east bound traffic on the shoulder of the road behind over a mile of cars, also on the shoulder, trying to get off at exit 266 for the Celtic Fling and Highland Games, a well publicized and heavily attended annual event.
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I wanted to thank the Senators for helping to eliminate the $52 tax for people that make less then $12,000 a year. I hope they can do something about the taxes we pay on our utility bills. It may not seem like much but look at your utilty bills the tax on them adds up. Especially on our cell phone bill. I pay $8 tax on my cell phone. Unfortunately cell phones are becoming a necessity because pay phones are becoming extinct.
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Over the last few months I've read many complaints about the folks moving to York County from
Maryland. This is not the only local newspaper that has published rants about the Maryland migration. The other local paper published an interview with one woman who refered to them as Balti-morons because the new residents didn't change their car license tags immediaetly to PA tags.
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I think I know how we can lower taxes in York. We can follow what some counseling agencies do for people that are on probation. They make people on probation take polygraph tests and then treat them according to the results. Polygraph test are 100 percent accurate according to these agencies and they use these tests to help violate people on probation. We could get rid of judges, juries, probation officers, and we sure wouldn't need that big new court house with all its overhead. We just need more police, more polygraph machines, and bigger jails. Never mind what top scientists say about polygraph machines.
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This has to be one of the most irresponsible things I have seen this city do yet. From the Happy Meal tax to the baseball stadium this administration and the previous have squandered money and chased pipe dreams. Now you have a legitimate business and several homeowners who they are taking to task over something they have no control over.
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What a wonderful time at the opening of the York Revolution's first game! The staff were terrific, the entertainment amazing, the players (yes, even the Newark Bears) great to watch. Thank you to all who made this idea a reality.
Beth A. Davis
York Township
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Restoring good wages, health care, retirement security and good jobs – this is the way to rebuild middle class America, and this is what the Pennsylvania union movement does best.
Today, we have that opportunity to do just that. The Employee Free Choice Act – passed by the House of Representatives and up for a vote in the Senate – will help middle class families regain their place in the U.S. economy.
How? By providing working people with the opportunity for a real voice on the job, through union representation, along with the standing to negotiate with employers so that workers are no longer treated like the expendable property some employers would like them to be.
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A public thank you is in order to the Gettysburg National Park Service and the Department of Interior for their acts of kindness to me these last few weeks in response to my efforts to express an unrelenting desire to have our Electric Map saved and preserved. When our superintendent has had to face up to the choice of being “right or being kind,” he has chosen the latter. How can anyone not appreciate that?
My fondest hope is that the decision makers concerning the fate of our Electric Map Visitors Center will decide on a reversal of their previous plan and allow the building to remain.
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When I read your editorial "Good Compromise on Smoking Ban," I thought you were kidding. I am aware that Rep. Miller is trying to get some legislation passed but fear that this proposal if passed will become an excuse to defeat comprehensive legislation.
Your assertion that a ban "diminishes the rights of owners to run their establishments as they so choose" is ridiculous. This is not a "choice" issue ... it's a health issue. Bars and restaurants are regulated to protect public health. To eliminate rodents they cannot simply get a cat. A ban on serving liquor to minors is one of many regulations.
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What an excellent idea for editors of the York Daily Record to have reporter Brent Burkey do a test walk from each parking location to our York Revolution Stadium. He was testing the ease and safety of walking. How convenient to walk between the hours of 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. This is a realistic time from when the game would start.
However, let's not forget when the games will end; probably from 10 p.m. to 11p.m. Why not a test walk during those hours? We will see how safe you feel then, walking to your car. Your statement about large crowds is quite funny. There will always be people alone in the beginning or alone at the end after a game. Obviously, you are not reading the same police log I am in York. Maybe you could be our next great mayor, like Mr. Brenner, who did a test walk around York College and the city of York, and said it was "safe." Yeah right!
Greg Gobrecht
Hanover
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To the person that took my daughter's cell phone out of her purse at Eastern Middle School on June 7, the phone isn't going to do you any good because I had it turned off.
I really don't care who you are just put the phone in a envelope and mail it back to the school. Parents, if your child brings a cell phone home from school and says that a friend gave it to them, call one of the numbers that are programmed in the phone and ask the parents if it is okay that your child has that phone.
Melissa Stair
Windsor
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This letter is in response to one written recently by Charles F. Burnside, President of Maple Donuts.
Lets see if understand Mr. Burnside's facts? He parked his car down town and put a whole 50-cents in the meter, which would take him to 6:15 p.m. He returned to his car at 6:24 (apparently without returning prior to the meter's expiration to add more time to the meter) and low and behold he had a ticket! DUH! It doesn't take a rocket scientist to figure out why he had a ticket for, wow!, $15.
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True reform comes only when/ if we are willing to look at the root cause of a problem.
I believe (as many others do) that the root cause of the current immigration crisis is the passage of unjust trade agreements such as NAFTA. After we passed NAFTA and flooded Mexican markets with cheap, U.S. government subsidized products, Mexican farmers were thrown into bankruptcy. (That means U.S. taxpayers are paying for larger profits for multi-national corporations that do not pay their fair share of taxes.)
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I wanted to thank everyone in York City. You have officially made me lose my faith in the goodness of human beings. When my car stalled out on Route 30 at about 10:45 p.m., I couldn't count how many people stopped at the light and stared at me, an obviously distraught young woman sitting on the side of the road.
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Thank you to all the Red Lion Area students, teachers and local businesses for the amazing results achieved at the first annual Red Lion Area High School Mini-THON. The total of $21,272.55 is incredible. The support from the community was wonderful, it's nice to see Red Lion get behind such a great cause. The dedication and effort put forth by students and staff should be applauded. You should all be proud.
Thank you again.
Kristin Buckley, Dan Slatton and Jed Smith
Red Lion
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In York County, when a child suffered physical or sexual abuse, he/she was subjected to a myriad of interviews and examinations at four or five different locations, repeating the anguishing events and consequently reliving the trauma. To alleviate this suffering, a group of agency representatives, a Multidisciplinary Team (MDT), recommended creating a Children’s Advocacy Center (CAC) to assist victims and families. CAC’s are accredited and assisted by the National Children’s Alliance.
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I live near the East Market Street and Locust Grove Road intersection and have been observing the new intersection serving Turkey Hill and Cinema Drive. I have to wonder what misguided soul thought the intersection makes sense.
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York’s Greatest Yard Sale held June 9 and 10 was a stellar event made possible by wonderful volunteers who took time out of their busy schedules to raise money for less fortunate cancer patients in York/Adams Counties.
Before this event took place on Saturday and Sunday, scores of dedicated volunteers measured and marked spaces and spent countless hours making necessary preparations. Even on Friday, these folks spent from sun-up to sun-down in the blazing heat and relentless humidity taking registrations, answering questions, and taking care of vendor concerns.
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I encourage all the vacationers out there to do two simple tasks before you get on the road.
Firstly, go to the basement and flip the switch on the circuit breaker that controls your water heater. You won’t need to have your home water hot while you’re gone. You’ll save money and help clean our environment.
Secondly, check your tires to make sure they are properly inflated. The manufacturer lists the recommended tire pressure on the inside of your driver’s side door. By properly inflating your tires before the road trip, you’ll save money and reduce our dependence on fossil fuels.
Have a great trip!
Brett Snyder
Adams County Environmental Task Force
The 2008 Presidential race has descended upon us…and its still only June 2007. A person waking up from a coma would think they had arisen in the year of a presidential election year with the deluge of televised debates, news bites, newspaper articles, and general buzz on the street. People who know me and know that I am a militant conservative Republican ask me all the time whom I am supporting. My favorite question to answer is “ what do you think of Hiliary’s chances?”
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It has come to my attention that the state is voting on eliminating smoking in all public places. For instance resturuants, bars, casinos, etc.
I don't feel that the government has a right to dictate to private business what they are or are not allowed in their own business. If a business owner choose not to allow smoking that is his right and i respect his choice but to dictate to all private owners is in actually violating their rights of freedom of choice.
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The Mason-Dixon Trail is a 193-mile long trail that goes through three states, Pennsylvania, Maryland and Delaware. It has been built and is maintained by volunteers.
I want to thank York County for enabling the movement of the Mason-Dixon Trail off of the roads and up onto Highpoint. Thanks to, Safe Harbor Water Power Corp, County Line Quarry, Water Street Rescue Mission and York County, the trail is now off the roads from opposite the Quarry (Lockwood Road) up to Knights View Road. The trail goes around the hill to Murphy’s Hollow and then up to the Grace Plateau land. From there, the trail crosses Hilt Road and goes to the top of Highpoint. This transforms that section from a dangerous road walk to a great hike. I had my grand children on this section and they really enjoyed it!
The Mason-Dixon Trail System has an ongoing effort to get other sections of the trail off the roads. Any assistance identifying other possible relocations off of the roads would be appreciated.
James E. Hooper
President of MDTS
In a June 11, 2007, editorial, you call Rep. Ron Miller's bill a "Good compromise on smoking ban."
The bill isn't any kind of compromise. It's a complete capitulation to smokers and to the tobacco lobby.
Contrary to what you say, it's not "all about informed decisions and freedom to choose." Businesses -- especially those that serve food and/or drink -- are closely regulated and periodically inspected. They are not now -- and should not be -- "free to choose how to run
their operations." Are you suggesting that restaurants, bars, pubs, taverns, clubs and bingo halls should be completely unregulated?
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Phyllis Glatfelter (Get your own parking space, June 11), I feel your pain. As a handicapped person myself, I too get frustrated with people (lazy, inconsiderate) driving vehicles (such as taxi cabs, armored, delivery, contractors) who violate the handicapped parking spaces throughout the county.
Sadly I was informed, that if one only purchased the handicapped symbol sign without the "fine" sign it may or may not be enforceable -- according to a few police departments throughout the county. Plus if you are living on a “public road” anybody who is handicapped can use your sign (there is no time limit either). Being that York County has 72 municipalities -- you can have 72 different interpretations of handicapped parking regulations.
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On behalf of R.O.A.R!, I would like to thank everyone who made our 3rd annual Walk/Run a tremendous success.
This year’s Walk/Run, “Clarabeth's 5K Walk/Run – Raising the Awareness of Ovarian Cancer,” was held on May 20, 2007 at Dallastown Area High School. More than 200 people participated in this year’s event and together we raised more than $16,000. All of the proceeds will be used to support ovarian cancer awareness education programs.
We wish to thank our sponsors, participants, volunteers, staff, and other individuals who supported “Clarabeth's 5K Walk/Run – Raising the Awareness of Ovarian Cancer.”
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Immigration reform is a misnomer. Eliminate the word reform and make no reference to “path to citizenship.” I doubt many of those interested in temporary work want to become U.S. citizens. That’s hubris on our part. There are six elements to this legislation that should sell. Since we already have legislation for border security and fence building, they shouldn’t be a part of this new legislation.
1. The State Divisions of Motor Vehicles should be required to issue bio-metric ID cards that identify the holder as a temporary worker and it would have an expiration date. The content would be determined by the Department of Homeland Security. The card would cost $500, which would more than offset the cost to the various DMVs. Renewals would cost $250.
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I'm writing about last week's article on Sameh Khouzam, the Egyptian man who is in danger of being deported and sent back to torture. I think it is appalling that our government would knowingly send an person back to a country that has been documented by our own State Department as propagating the use of torture as a means to convert Christians and other religious minorities to Islam. He was tortured on numerous occasions before he fled Egypt, and if sent back, he will undoubtedly be tortured again.
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I was reminded, by Mr. Chadow’s column on Yorkers' attitudes, of something my uncle used to tell; “those that contribute the least, always expect the most.” That’s basically what Mr. Chadow is complaining about. The Marylanders who are worried about Yorkers' attitudes have forgotten about the attitude they bring with them into York County.
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I am writing in response to your recently published article about Sameh Khouzam, the Egyptian man who may be deported on June 18th despite the probability of being tortured once he returns. I find it appalling what our government is doing to an innocent man. Although the Egyptian government allegedly sent (the Government refuses to allow Sameh or his attorneys to see this) Diplomatic Assurances stating that Sameh would not be tortured upon his return to Egypt, there have been more than a few cases in the past where Egypt broke such promises. The United States Government should not trust that this case is any different. Sameh is in immediate danger of torture or even murder should he be deported back to Egypt.
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Mr. Chadow, while I was reading your opinion piece in the Viewpoints section, I just had to laugh out loud. And I am sure that I was not the only one of us true “Yorkers” who did it either. I was laughing at the point that your letter was a good one and it did explain your views perfect but after that was published, do you really expect anyone that resides in York County will think of you any differently now? You just explained your own stereotype of the Maryland transplant “victims” and it matched ours perfectly.
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I feel that we are going to need a front page article on pedestrian safety in the city. Especially since we hope that we are going to have a lot of walkers for the baseball stadium.
I walk in the city almost everyday. I find that the drivers in the city are very bad about giving pedestrians the right a way. I'm not talking about all the jaywalkers who are a real problem in the city. I'm talking about having the right a way at the light and drivers almost running you over because they seem to think that they have the right of way.
There seems to be a need for re-education on the driver's part to realize they should always stop and give the right a way to pedestrians.
Pam Jarrett
York
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My grandfathers were both legal immigrants who came to America in the late 1800s. They came "the right way, "legally." "Legal" and "right" in those days simply meant finding enough money to buy passage on a ship from Germany to Ellis Island, and passing a medical screening. There were no quotas, no limitations, no literacy tests, no visas, no green cards, no application forms. They merely had to arrive and they could get in. My grandparents were not alone; the grandfathers of many "proud to be American" citizens of today were with them -- Irish, Germans, Poles, Italians. They worked in the coal mines, steel mills, sweat shops. They were the nannies and maids and servants for the wealthy class of that day -- until too many of them came, and the established wealthy class became alarmed.
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As a native York countian writing in response to the "whining piece" written by H.E. Chadow published in the June 10 Sunday News, York County doesn't need a fence built along the Mexican border, we need one built along the Maryland line.
Mexican immigrants are into agriculture and things that are green. These Marylanders are into "cereal box" developments, townhouses, and lots of concrete.
Lori Mitrick should have taken the whole county by eminent domain not just Lauxmont Farms. Something or someone must save us from the encroachment on our farms and woodlands.
Jeff Hildebrand
York
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I'm just wondering if anyone else in the East Prospect, Craley area is as disgusted with the electric service we receive from PPL as I am. Since June 1, our power has been off three different times for several hours each time. It is impossible for me to tell how many times the power goes on and off for a few seconds. Not only are those outages hard on all the equipment in your home, refrigerator, freezer, a/c unit, etc., but going home several times a week to reset clocks and answering machines is not what I care to do.
I think maybe we should all start paying our electric bill erractically, like the service we get from them.
Lynette Mackley
Wrightsville
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I would like to thank the person who hit my car on Monday evening, June 4 and left the scene without saying anything. It was parked in the side parking area outside the new Pa. Wine and Spirits store which is beside the new LA Fitness. As I work in the store and you apparently shop there, I guess we'll be "running" into each other more often. But since you didn't have the guts (or the insurance) to own up to it, I guess I won't know it when we do, now will I.
Tom Casner
York
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Response to ‘We grow tired’ (June 9, York Daily Record ‘Letters’)
I am tired too. I am tired of parents that do not supervise their children’s study habits, but then complain about the school administrators and teachers. I am tired of schoolteachers that will strike for high pay and benefits, but won’t fight for rules that will regain control of the classroom!
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Bill O'Reilly said, in his column printed June 10, after asking Richard Dawkins how the universe came about:
"Jesus is a real guy," I said. "I know what he did. I'm not positive that Jesus is God, but I'm throwing in with him rather than throwing in with you guys, because you guys can't tell me how it all got here."
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Thank you to reporter Teresa Boeckel and the York Sunday News for their in depth coverage on the challenges encountered in collecting costs, fines and restitution. It is an up hill or – more appropriately – up mountain struggle in getting thousands of criminal defendants to comply with Court orders to pay.
Together in partnership with the Court, Adult Probation, the Sheriff, the District Attorney and others we are taking the challenge seriously. To date my office has mailed out approximately 20,000 non-payment letters to delinquent defendants and begun suspending driver licenses on overdue cases with driver related offenses. We are making progress!
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Congress is still not getting it. I'm reading news reports that try to pigeon-hole the opposition to the immigration amnesty bill as Republican racists. It is very dangerous for both parties to think that they have the demographic down, although it's pretty obvious why the Democrats want so many illegal aliens on the voter rolls to replace their alienated supporters. Let me tell you something about myself, to help clear this up for you:
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State Representative Todd Rock recently unveiled the “Strike Free Education Act” in Harrisburg which provides all of the necessary tools for a strike free education that fairly serves our kids, parents and taxpayers. The origins of this Bill were born from the remarkable efforts of a parent in the Pennsbury School District whose children were among the 11,500 who endured a month long strike just last year.
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Richard Bowers' column is noted to focus on "issues and problems facing older citizens," but I believe his submission of June 7 is one which would be beneficial to people of all ages.
Adversity challenges young and old, and comes in forms too varied to list; however, there is not a load we will be required to carry in our life times that wouldn't be lightened by adopting Mr. Bowers' pespective that we are all blessed with the choice to flounder in the darkness of despair, or create and share joy.
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Of Yorkers interviewed in Tuesday’s York Daily Record 49 percent said they “do not go downtown.” I wonder why? On June 5, I drove downtown to check on the progress of the Sovereign Bank Stadium. I parked on George Street and deposited 50¢ (the only change I had in my pocket) into the meter for 48 minutes of parking. This would take me to 6:15 p.m., knowing that after 6:30 p.m., metered parking is not enforced. I was delayed by talking to a contractor and returned to my car at 6:24 p.m. only to find a ticket for $15 on my car.
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I always look forward to the Best of York County supplement that your newspaper prints annually. This year, however, I saw something that I felt was a bit disturbing. More franchises and chains were included and many independent, "mom and pop"-type businesses were excluded. I am not completely sure what led to this, but I think it makes a sad statement for the people of York County. We have so many wonderful businesses here in York County that are far superior to the chains that exist and yet we have fallen into the hype and the glitz of the dominating franchises. York County ranks in the top 20 areas in the U.S. for successful high end franchises and this is just another indication.
I simply ask that residents check out some of the little shops, restaurants, etc, here in York. Don't completely avoid the franchises, but try something new. Try something locally owned and maybe next year, we will see more support for these businesses in the Best of York County.
Chad Baker
York
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How is it possible that 4-½ years in, the Republicans in Washington still back George Bush? Bush would like to sustain a presence in Iraq the way the U.S.A. has a continued presence in S. Korea.
John McCain thinks this is a good idea. Do we really want our future to look like the last 4-½ years, declaring war on a country that had not attacked us and until recently had no ties whatsoever to al-Qaida?
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Having never put a newspaper together I just want to pose a question. Is it extremely difficult to put all of the obituaries in one section of the paper? It is challenging enough to find them on the two or three places they can be found sometimes in one section. Is it actually necessary to put them in different sections and pages apart from each other? And if so, does the sports section have to be one of the sections? Does the passing of someone's parent have to be next to an article talking about the victorious wins or daunting losses of a sports team? Never did that task myself, but it just seems that it could be possible to keep them in one area.
Susan Danyo
York
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On behalf of the York County Industrial Development Authority (YCIDA) Board of Directors, we would like to share congratulations to the many parties involved in the planning and construction of Sovereign Bank Stadium. In less than a week we will hear the first crack of the bat on June 15, 2007, only eight short months after start of construction.
After 10 long years, we are celebrating that the project will be complete in August of 2007, only 10 months after groundbreaking. Despite challenges with site control, weather and excessive rock removal, the York Revolution will play ball in Sovereign Bank Stadium this season.
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The genocide in Sudan is undeniably wrong and our sluggish response as Americans has been inexcusably callous. As a patriot, I love this country and the ideals of our pledge of allegiance - "one nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all." And as a sincere patriot, I am not afraid to accept responsibility when it falls to me. When we fail as a nation, we each fail as members of this community.
On behalf of the family of Billy Stevens
Tuesday, May 15, our family mourned the loss of a very special man, and we would like to publicly thank those who honored his passing.
It was amazing to see the number of people who came to pay their respects and to comfort us. Above all, however, our family would like to thank the men (and women) of the Wrightsville Fire Company. We wish you could have seen the look on Billy’s face when they drove up to the house, sirens blaring and lights flashing, to visit him on his death bed. Perhaps, if you are local, you witnessed the spectacle of our family being led through the streets of Wrightsville by a helicopter and fire engines. But, if you could have felt the goosebumps we felt as we walked through two lines of fully-suited, saluting public servants to his burial site, you would understand why we could not wait another day to thank the men and women who befriended our Billy so loyally and honored our family so extravagantly.
Billy was not a statesman, a movie star or a king. He was a firefighter. Nothing was spared by his brothers in arms to make sure our family was taken care of during this tragic time. We just want them to know how much they meant to Billy and to us, and how grateful we are to each and every one of them for making sure that Billy knew how much he meant to them.
Naomia F. Joe
Wrightsville
York City Police Commissioner Mark Whitman’s testimony before the House Education Committee supported what York County business and community leaders have known for years, when children enter school ready to learn we all win.
The proposed $75 million Pre-K Counts program will serve children in high quality pre-kindergarten programs. Pre-K Counts programs can be administered by school districts, community based programs, or they can partner together to operate a Pre-K Counts program. Families will be able to enroll their children in programs that meet their needs.
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I was amazed at the grace and sincerity of Lori Mitrick’s letter in the York Daily Record today, “Mitrick grateful for campaign support.” This shows her character under the adversity of loss in the primary election.
Mitrick and Kilgore showed real leadership as County Commissioners. They cleared up the INS dispute, established a 911 center to serve our long range needs, held tax increases to a minimum and they looked after our heritage and future by establishing parkland. They are outstanding commissioners! We the York County residents, deserve to have them continue serving us as commissioners.
The election was close with a low voter turnout. The election results are not final until after the General Election. The new voting machines make it easy to write-in candidates. Please write-in Lori Mitrick and Doug Kilgore in November. It’s for our future.
Lou Tateosian
York Township
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Is it just me, or does anyone else think that putting obituaries in the sports section is a bit disrespectful to the deceased and their families?
If space is an issue, perhaps moving the hearing aid and botox ads would be a better option.
Liz Leaman
York
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My daughter from Maryland was having dinner with friends at the Harp & Fiddle Restaurant in downtown York. While enjoying her dinner her car was burglarized in the city garage on Philadelphia Street. Her car window was smashed and over $1,500 worth of items, including some papers that had her personal information, were stolen.
She contacted the police. They did not want to be bothered to come to the crime scene, so they took a phone report. To get a copy of the crime report she had to pay the city $15 (another
crime).
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Mr. Lee Smallwood has served our community for close to 25 years with dedication, passion and a love for our city. His remarks upon not winning reelection did not consist of whining, accusations or excuses. Instead his words were that of a gentleman who was looking forward to what the future holds next for him and wife Janis.
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The annual celebration of our dairy industry during June spotlights its significant role in Pennsylvania’s agriculture and overall economy. The determination of our dairy farmers also is to be recognized as they work to overcome severe economic challenges.
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A big thank you to Shurfine Markets on Queen Street in Spry! They are a true example of caring for their community. Due to a water main break on Sunday morning, parts of Dallastown and the surrounding area were without water. Shurfine stepped up and offered a free case of water to those families that were affected by this outage.
I’d like to personally thank them for helping those in need. If you were one of the families helped by this company, please stop by and give them your appreciation. They truly care about their community and demonstrated that on Sunday. Hats off to them!
Tally Young
York Township
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Mike Argento weighs in on immigration/illegal immigration (no distinction to Mike) and true to form he's wrong. Mike thinks that compassionate folks like himself oppose the immigration bill because it places undue hardship on illegals trying for a better life.
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Doctor Death is back after eight years. As soon as he left prison 60 Minutes was waiting (Mike Wallace) to get an interview. Who wants to hear from an ex-doctor who kills people.You hear how cruel it is that the state botches executions, but how many did Dr. Death botch?
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In the June 3 York Sunday News, John Burke Jovich is billed as a presidential historian. However, in his article "Kennedy at 90," he states that if Kennedy had not been assassinated, he would have defeated Barry Goldwater in 1964. I agree. However, he goes on to state, "It would have been Kennedy, not Richard Nixon, who made history by visiting China...."
Since Richard Nixon did not visit China until 1972, I am wondering how Mr. Jovich can justify that Kennedy would have been the one credited with expanding our detente with China. Richard Nixon may have been very bad in some instances, in others he was very good and he should be given credit where credit is due.
I would certainly think that a "presidential historian" should present the facts as they are, not as one wishes they had been.
Beth Matthews
Spring Garden Township
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Thank you for your support and vote of confidence for the re-election to the office of Township Supervisor. Special thank you to my wife Sue and family; as well as all those who made phone calls on my behalf, distributed and cleared yard signs and worked at the various polling locations.
It is my honor, and I thank you for the opportunity to serve as your Supervisor.
Paul M. Smith
Windsor Township
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It seems every year at this time the price of oil surges as do oil profits. It begins to seem like an orchestrated event with refinery capacity being cited as the reason. Whatever the reason, there should be an investigation of the oil industry.
Alex Burger
Spring Garden Township
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As a member of the Board of Directors of the York County Children’s Advocacy Center I would like to thank Todd Kurl, Melanie Ferree, Dennis Christopher, Barbara Eubanks and Wanda Kaltreider for the great success of the “Chipping for Kids” Golf Tournament at Cool Creek Country Club which raised more than $3000. for the CAC. They planned and orchestrated
a wonderful day of golf to benefit children in York County who are victims of sexual or physical abuse. At the YCCAC, a young victim is welcomed into a safe, comfortable environment. The Forensic Interviewer helps the victim chronicle the traumatic events they have experienced only one time while the professional team observes through a two-way mirror. York County is fortunate to have this resource to help children in crisis.
Therese McConville
YCCAC board member
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This is to all those considering moving to central Pennsylvania — or, as I have come to call it, Pennsyl-tucky.
Four years ago when looking to move from Maryland to a place with better schools, better neighborhoods and an overall better quality of life, we came across York, Pa. We found the exact home we had priced in Maryland, here in York for a whopping $80,000 less, and that buys a lot of gas to visit family back home.
We packed, enrolled the kids in school and forwarded the mail. We were here, proud new residents of York County, members of the local township. We were in a nice, quiet community, the schools were awesome, and the people in general were nice. The 50,000-foot view was that we had made the right move, and we would spend our years here raising a family in the warmth and safety of our new home.
Our problems with the area started after about a year when we realized exactly what we had gotten into. Our frustration has never really ended, and thus I feel I should warn potential new residents about the things that are left off the welcome guide.
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