Opinion

Vox populi: Opponents of the 10 percent tax on all poured alcoholic drinks in Allegheny County are ready to put their efforts where their wrath has been. Friends Against Counterproductive Taxation, or FACT, say it's seeking a November referendum that would repeal the very unpopular levy. They'll begin gathering petition signatures in June. At least 25,000 are needed; FACT says it will seek 50,000 signatures just to be safe. Ah, democracy in action.

Come again? The administration of Allegheny County Chief Executive Dan Onorato is criticizing FACT's referendum push. Spokesman Kevin Evanto says elimination of the drink tax could force a property tax hike; Mr. Onorato "does not support increasing property taxes to fund mass transit." What a hoot! Onorato unconstitutionally froze inequities into the assessment system and used drink-tax receipts not primarily to fund mass transit but to fill a huge budget hole. Where's a Truth in Government Act when you need it?

Conturo watch: Mary Conturo, who's the boss at both the Sports & Exhibition and Stadium authorities, is being blamed once again for failing to tell one of her boards about some official action. Now, it's her supposed failure to tell the Stadium Authority board about a sweetheart land deal for the Steelers. Last year, in the convention center floor collapse mess, it was revealed she told no higher-ups. Why is Mary Conturo still employed?

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