Published: July 10, 2009 11:57 am      

Laurels and barbs

Barb: Without visiting the local facility and based on incomplete information, three animal-rights groups have said they oppose the keeping of elephants at the Pittsburgh Zoo’s new center in Fairhope, Somerset County. We’re not surprised that PETA (People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals) and groups like it would fly off the handle and make wild accusations with little or no substance – that’s what PETA usually does. We’ll stick with the word of the experts – the zoo’s scientists and animal caretakers – that animals will be treated well there. Barbara Baker, the zoo’s president and chief executive officer, said: “Providing the animals with a safe, wonderful environment to live in really is our first priority.” We agree.

Laurel: Work has begun on the Greater Johnstown Tech Park river walk, an exciting project that will provide a walking path between Franklin and Napoleon streets along the Stonycreek River in Kernville. When completed, the trail will provide the downtown area with another green space – complete with trees and shrubs, benches and flowers. The transformation from a vacant Sani-Dairy building to a new tech park and walking path has been amazing to watch, and should provide inspiration for other downtown businesses to spruce up their sites.

Barb: We understand the eight ball that is parked in front of the Westmont Hilltop school board. Each year, the district must develop a budget without the benefit of the state funding or business tax opportunities other districts can lean on. The result? Tax hikes for property owners in Westmont Hilltop every year since 1988 – including a planned 3.81 mill jump for next year. Despite the challenges the district faces, we think the school board could go into a budget cycle with the starting point of “we’re not going to raise taxes” and then develop a plan that makes that happen. The district’s taxpayers are long overdue for a break.

Laurel: More than 20 people have tossed their names into the ring to fill two empty spots on the Flight 93 Federal Advisory Commission. Officials say that means that people still want to help develop the permanent crash-site memorial, despite recent controversy over the acquisition of property near the Shanksville site. We continue to oppose any use of eminent domain to acquire property for the Flight 93 memorial, and we applauded the two members who left the committee because they felt the same way. We hope their replacements bring the same level of integrity to the committee, which faces more obstacles ahead.

Barb: It’s unfortunate when it comes to this, but residents in Upper Yoder Township and Westmont Borough should be locking their cars and keeping the windows rolled up. Thieves and vandals are at work in those communities. Various items were swiped from vehicles early this week in what West Hills Regional police Cpl. Michael Lose called “a crime of opportunity.” Other communities have faced similar crime sprees in recent weeks. We look forward to reporting that the perpetrators have been caught and will face the music for their actions. In the meantime, we all need to be taking precautions.

Laurel: It will be very nice seeing the former Burger King location in downtown Johnstown alive with business activity again. The restaurant building has been vacant since burgers stopped grilling there six years ago. Now, State Farm Insurance agent Donna Christopher is remodeling the Main Street site and plans to open a new office there by September. Christopher is in the midst of a $150,000 make-over of the store. Christopher said she has outgrown her current office, just a block away, and added, “I would not think of leaving downtown Johnstown.” That’s very good news.