Letter to the editor: Local politicians have too much taxing power

After the tax increase scam the former Greater Latrobe School Board members tried to pull last year and the one the current Westmoreland County commissioners did pull as a Christmas present to all of us, it’s obvious that the taxation powers of all local Pennsylvania politicians need to be severely curbed by the state Legislature.

Generally speaking, a lot of local politicians have no background in business, finance or any other applicable skill set, but yet are allowed to cause so much damage to thousands of people, especially senior citizens. Many have never had a real job, live in a fanciful world and lack common sense. Some are simply overwhelmed by the job and/or overly influenced by their political ideology and special interest groups. Therefore, they are not qualified for such an influential position.

It seems that after a while in office, they become power drunk and need to be curtailed. No local tax increases should be permitted unless voters approve by means of a special ballot referendum.

Such a small group of people cannot be permitted to negatively influence the lives of so many. In a nutshell, we place too much power in the hands of too few.

E. Joseph Biss

Greensburg