Lance: To Westmoreland County Recorder of Deeds Tom Murphy. As an elected official, the Arnold resident should be setting an example. But he owes about $5,000 in back property taxes to the county, city and school district for 2006 and 2007. And his property is listed for sheriff's sale. The state also has filed a $3,000 lien against his house for 2006 state income taxes. If he can't manage his personal finances, how can we trust him to handle the public's money?
Lance: To state Rep. Daryl Metcalfe, R-Cranberry. He held up a routine proclamation in the Legislature a week ago, honoring the 60th annual convention in Harrisburg of a Muslim group. Metcalfe said he would vote no because Muslims "do not recognize Jesus Christ as God." That's true. But has Metcalfe read the First Amendment to the U.S. Constitution recently? It guarantees every American the right to religious freedom. We certainly need to recognize that not all Muslims are terrorists and many have lived peacefully here for years. The resolution's sponsor noted the group's mission was to increase harmony and support various humanitarian, social and religious services.
Laurel: To Sam L. Woodard. The 78-year-old from Virginia had a successful career as a professor of education at Howard University for 24 years. But in his recently published autobiography, Woodard describes overcoming very big odds against him as a child in New Kensington. He was orphaned at the age of 6 when his mother died of pneumonia. His 15-year-old sister raised him and he often worked two or three jobs to help. He graduated at the top of his Ken High class and then worked his way through college. Woodard is a great example of how far hard work and an education can take you. And he should be an inspiration to every young person.
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