Small, local governments makes sense
Consolidating
Over the past few weeks, there have been several articles in the Post-Gazette regarding the number of individual municipalities in Allegheny County. I agree wholeheartedly with those who think there are too many municipalities in the county.
This is an unnecessary burden on all the citizens of the county. Many of these small boroughs are not able to provide many needed services to their residents without greatly increasing local taxes. It is an unacceptable burden on the taxpayers.
I also would like to suggest that Allegheny County has too many school districts. In reviewing a list of school districts per county in Pennsylvania, Allegheny has the most at 45 school districts. This is almost double the next highest number of 23 school districts in Montgomery County. Again, this is an unnecessary burdenon taxpayers.
Our elected officials and citizens need to look at this issue and find a better way. We cannot continue to support this many small government entities. A June 1 PG article reported on school superintendents who were advocating for an increase in funding from the state (“Superintendents Plead for More State Aid”). However, the best way to increase funding is to reduce the number of school districts, which would reduce administrative costs, reduce the number of duplicative services and greatly improve the overall educational level for all the students.
I observed an example of the silliness of too many school districts on Memorial Day when watching the Crafton-Ingram Memorial Day parade. The parade featured the marching bands of both Montourand Carlynton school districts. The bands performed very well, but it was sad to see such small bands. If the school districtswere merged, the size and quality of the band would increase, which would be a win for all.
I encourage the Post-Gazette to do some investigative reporting on the issue of too many small government bodies in Allegheny County. How much do they really cost the taxpayers? Why is Allegheny County the only county in the state with this many individual municipal governments and school districts? I think the consolidation of municipalities and school districts in Allegheny County is long overdue. Enough with maintaining the status quo and the smallfiefdoms. ANDREA KURTZ
Robinson