Letters: Alternative to State College tax hike; Terry Smith has paid his dues at Penn State

Alternative to State College tax hike

Increased property tax, and associated rent increases, is a regressive tax disproportionately hurting the poor. I gave the Borough Manager and council members an alternative (with legal citations) which is to tax liquor locally. Realization of that alternative is based upon a recent court case involving equal protection and associated explicit constitutional grants within the constitution. As of yet, the Borough has not responded to this issue. Taxing liquor at the local level, which is likely (or may be) a guaranteed constitutional right that requires the same rights as Philadelphia for example, is a good thing. It is not regressive. Liquor is optional. Some, or perhaps many, tourists that consume liquor have plenty of disposable cash. The Borough can see this through and attempt to make it a reality if they so wish. Equal protection, equity, supporting the Constitution; what is not to like? Plus, it may be good for your health! Taking food out of the mouths of the poor is not healthy and is not equitable.

Ed VanVliet, State College

Terry Smith has paid his dues at Penn State

I’ll be very disappointed if Penn State athletic director Dr. Pat Kraft doesn’t hire Terry Smith as the next football coach. Terry is passionate and loves the school. The convincing win over a good Nebraska team proved Smith is more than qualified for the job. A Smith promotion would put a rest to all the rumors of rising star coaches headed to Happy Valley. Terry has paid his dues.

Matt Engel, Wilkes Barre

Where is our country headed?

Where are we headed, as a country? So many machinations are going on that it’s difficult to see what’s really happening. Consider the impulsive tear-down of the East Wing of the White House. While the West Wing has always been where the mechanics of government are played out, the East Wing was where we made meaning beyond politics, where letters were answered, and tours were staged. It’s where we see the empathy that is needed to practice democracy; where every citizen matters. The White House was never meant to be a palace.

Now that Congress has decided to “return,” it’s time to take a serious look at where we stand as a democracy. The East Wing is gone, but the tools of democracy are still available, if we use them. We must prevent Trump from building a Russian-style gold-filled East Wing, and his Trump coins, and his “idea” of a third-term. Bring back the East Wing and a good level of empathy. Vote Trump out, ASAP, whether from Epstein files, or other criminal acts. Sooner the better.

Carl Evensen, State College

Support WPSU as it faces ‘turning point’

Residents of Central and Northern Pennsylvania are at risk of losing access to the first-class news and entertainment WPSU has provided them for more than 70 years.

WPSU now faces a turning point. With Penn State withdrawing funding for the station, alternative sources of funding are necessary to keep this essential public service alive.

Fortunately, a solution is available. WHYY has offered a bold and compassionate plan to acquire WPSU — and, crucially, to maintain it as the independent, community-driven public media service that our region deserves. It’s not a takeover; it’s a partnership between WHYY and WPSU committed to safeguarding local programming and providing free non-commercial media to our region.

This joint venture will ensure that:

• Local journalism remains rooted in Central and Northern Pennsylvania.

• Educational, informational and entertainment programming is available for all ages.

• Community voices are heard through independent, non-commercial radio and television.

• WPSU maintains its independent identity, strengthened by WHYY’s support.

The plan’s success depends on people like you — people who know that public media keeps communities strong through information and connection, that democracy depends on education.

Stand up for your community by supporting this venture.

• Donate. Visit www.wpsu.org/donate to make your gift. Money goes exclusively to WPSU for its operation and sustainability, keeping WPSU strong, local and independent — now and into the future.

• Advocate. Spread the word to others who also believe in the power of public media.

• Educate. Visit www.wpsu.org to discover how WPSU is strengthened by this partnership with WHYY.

Mary Bruce Serene, State College

Smith a good choice for PSU coach

So, Penn State is in the midst of a nationwide search for a person willing to accept an obscene amount of money to coach the football team. Here’s an idea for an alternative.

Why not hire interim head coach Terry Smith? He’s obviously true blue-and white; the players are motivated by him, and he appears popular with the fans.

Some people may say that an outsider is needed. It should be noted that the last time Penn State promoted an assistant coach, it worked out well. The coach, a guy named Joe Paterno, coached for over 40 years, winning the most games of any Division 1 football coach in the process.

As head coach, Smith would presumably make more than his coordinators. It doesn’t have to be much more. I would suggest a relatively modest base salary with various incentives. There could be a bonus for having a winning season, a bonus for each win over a top-ranked team, and bonus for getting into the College Football Playoffs, and (let’s think big) a bonus for winning the College Football Championship.

Penn State shouldn’t lock itself into a long-term contract like James Franklin’s 8-year contract. On the other hand, any contract should be at least 2 or 3 years. Nobody should expect the 2026 season to look like the 2024 season. It will be a rebuilding year and not a year on which an incoming coach should be judged.

Just the thoughts of an alum and longtime fan.

Jim Keiser, Camp Hill