Trading health for boom-bust jobs is shortsighted

In response to the April 2 editorial “Eyes Wide Open: The Cons, and Pros, of a Big Petrochemical Plant”:

I may not be old enough to remember the thriving days of the mills when Downtown was dark at noon, but I am old enough to remember what it was like when steel was no longer thriving and what that looked like in Pittsburgh. Throughout my life, I’ve watched my city struggle and fight to redefine and reinvent itself. Just look at the many green buildings, universities that garner international attention and our world-renowned hospitals.

Why would we ever want to put all our eggs in one basket again? Creating an economy that relies on the health of a single industry that is historically boom or bust is, in my opinion, egregious and shortsighted. Have we not learned our lesson? The people of southwestern Pennsylvania deserve better from our business leaders and elected officials.

We should be making investments in transitioning workers to jobs that will last many generations, jobs that will not negatively impact the health of the region and expose workers to fires and explosions. We need jobs that will not give our kids asthma and cancer and ruin the air, water and land that we rely on to survive.

Let’s reimagine a prosperous economy, one that fills hotels and restaurants without weathering another round of job loss and economic misery when this finite resource runs dry. We should not trade our quality of life, health and environment for jobs that will be here today and gone tomorrow. LEAH ANDRASCIK

Avalon

We welcome your opinion

Yes, Maestro Gustavo Dudamel (“Dudamel Puts His Stamp on PSO Concert,” April 8), I believe our pathways in life cross in key moments.

I saw one of those times unfold at the Pittsburgh Symphony Association Affiliates Day, where members and guests observed Mr. Dudamel’s rehearsal. On that rainy morning, as the rehearsal lengthened, I could feel the change in the musicians’ notes as their passion increased through a mutual exchange of vision. All of us crave new learning.

As PSO violinist Chris Wu said at a PSA affiliates luncheon, “I look at how to play Beethoven’s Symphony No. 5 differently because of Dudamel.” Between the two forces — Mr. Dudamel and the musicians of the PSO — I felt spring had sprung in Heinz Hall. Thanks, Maestro!

I thought to myself, yes, they are part of our city’s history of champions and are our musical ambassadors to the world. On that rainy day they were one of the best symphony orchestras in our country and in my heart. They made me proud to live in the ’Burgh!

Near and far, I hope people continue to support the PSO’s good works in any way they can. CAROL E. HIGGINS Ross

There’s a lot of road construction going on now, and instead of getting frustrated and angry, No. 1, leave a little earlier if you can.

No. 2, there is nothing you can do about delays, so take the time to relax and check the scenery or sunrise.

No. 3, think about all the jobs created by the construction. That is adding to our economy and helping people support their families.

No. 4, respect the construction workers. You wouldn’t like to have people swearing at you and calling you names at your job. Why do you think you have the right to be nasty? MARY KUGA

Leetsdale