At last, we see some common sense in Harrisburg

Finally, some common sense is coming to Harrisburg and addressing the need to clean up corruption and money influence (March 13, “Wolf Proposes Gift Ban, Ethics Reforms”). The governor’s announcement of his proposals to curb special interest pay-to-play influence and to enact campaign finance reform, “no budget, no pay” and a ban on gifts and reimbursement for expenses without receipts are well overdue.

Pennsylvania has been graded an F by the Center for Public Integrity and ranks 45th among states for integrity. Elected officials have talked a good game for reform in Harrisburg, but nothing has been done — talk but no action. Enough is enough!

The Center for Responsive Politics reported recently that both sides had spent a total of $15.6 million on the District 18 U.S. House special election — so much money that could have been spent on students’ supplies and tuition, food and medical care for seniors and the less fortunate, and better roads and transit. Instead, we were saturated with campaign ads and suffered from the influence of special interest money in government. Money corrupts absolutely.

It’s time for our representatives in Harrisburg to “walk the talk” and get on with supporting the governor’s ethics reforms. Enough is enough — we can do better. R.F. BRECHT Franklin Park

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center of their existence, they will continue to reap what they sow. SEAN DALY FERRIS Penn Hills

Wow. Just wow. The PG endorsedRepublican Rick Saccone in the 18th Congressional District special election last week (March 11, “Saccone for Congress”) because the only thing on the Democratic agenda is impeachment? For the good of the country, the “distraction” is too great? Since when is ignoring the rule of law, cronyism, nepotism and, above all, the threat to this nation’s sovereignty just a distraction?

The man currently sitting in the White House has enabled the resurgence of white nationalism and racism and has played on the fears of the everyday man, all while ignoring for at least a year what amounted to an electronic invasion by a foreign power.

I remember the day when both Republicans and Democrats held no man to be above the law and the good of the people and the republic stood above all. The door to justice swings both ways, with either guilt or exoneration. Investigations are what they are, and let the chips fall where they may, but the reasoning behind this endorsement is the definition of lame. Shame on the editorial board for this travesty.

DAVID D. JONES Canton, Washington County

As a frequent user of our beautiful and efficient airport, I am distressed at the plans to spend $1.1 billion to shrink and “modernize” the airport. The latest news, to shut down the longest runway (and obviously the safest runway), is particularly disturbing (March 13, “FAA Cites ‘Concerns’ Over Planned Runway Closure”).

Improvements in running the airport have made funds available. How about spending the money to maintain the long runway and providing rapid transport to Downtown and Oakland? MICHAEL NATELSON

Pleasant Hills