In the article “Where did all the Democrats go? In suburban Pittsburgh counties, they’re harder to find in elected office” (May 4, TribLive), Westmoreland County Republican Committee Chairman Bill Bretz suggested the Democratic Party lost favor with Westmoreland County voters due to a lack of attention to their basic needs. As a former Republican and current independent, I believe the local Republican Party shares similar shortcomings.
Bretz and other Republicans seem to disregard the needs of the constituents they seek to represent. They prioritize spending on projects like purchasing a house to extend a little-used walking trail rather than addressing the needs of many by repairing roads. County Republicans also raised taxes to fund a transit system with low ridership; one only needs to observe the often-empty buses. And let’s not forget the controversial reform of the row offices.
These long-term politicians, regardless of party affiliation, consistently yield similar unsatisfactory results. A third party is needed. Vote them out.
Todd Neptune
Hempfield