2 weeks Ago
Why is bridge replacement taking so long?I often travel on Route 329 across the Lehigh River and have been watching the replacement of the bridge between Northampton and Cementon. I have read that it will be finished in 2027.I got to wondering how long it took to build other bridges and checked on the Golden Gate in California.
The Cementon Bridge construction was started in 2023, and it will be four years to its target completion. The Golden Gate was started in January of 1933 and finished in the spring of 1937.Is the Cementon Bridge that complicated that it takes the same time to build it as the Golden Gate?Alfred WiemannEast Allen TownshipCongress should continue energy tax creditMy family recently replaced an old, leaky heat pump with a new, efficient model and saved over $900 annually on energy bills, thanks to the Energy Efficient Home Improvement Credit (25C) created under the Inflation Reduction Act of 2022.
The tax credit helps homeowners afford important upgrades like insulation, doors, windows, water heaters and heat pumps — offering much-needed relief for families facing rising energy costs.In my case, after replacing the heat pump, our home used less energy in the following year. Beyond the savings, 25C also provided tax relief, making it more affordable for us to invest in energy-efficient technology.
Heat pumps are especially beneficial for Pennsylvanians replacing costly oil systems. They provide both heating and cooling, improve comfort year-round, and operate with high efficiency. Plus, incentives like 25C support local jobs by boosting demand for skilled trades.
However, some Republicans in Congress have indicated they want to do away with some of the tax credits installed under the Inflation Reduction Act, which would be a mistake. These credits help families manage up-front costs and save money on their energy bills over time. Energy tax credits should be about making energy more affordable, not about politics.
They help hardworking families invest in better, more sustainable homes.Ben JedlovecNorth Whitehall TownshipTrump golfs, while the stock market burnsThe Roman emperor Nero reportedly fiddled as Rome burned. President Donald Trump golfs while America suffers economically from his tariff policy.
He states that there will be a little pain, yet he cajoles the super wealthy to his golf clubs, his family businesses feeling none of the pain that millions of everyday Americans feel as their savings and retirement accounts lose large chunks of their value. As the White House announces that Trump advanced to the championship round of the senior club championship at a course in Jupiter, Florida, average Americans are scared, angry and wondering how much worse things will get. Meanwhile, one of Trump’s political action committees is offering a signed replica of his executive order changing the name of the Gulf of Mexico to the Gulf of America for a minimum contribution of $50.
What a way to run a country, a banana republic maybe, but not the United States.Chris LetourneauBethlehem TownshipTrump tariff policy a terrible mistakeOnly about 61% of the U.S.
population holds stocks (generally the middle class and up) according to a Gallup poll and they have taken an $11 trillion bloodbath in the stock markets in 11 weeks under the Trump presidency.History (see Smoot-Hawley tariffs) shows tariff policy never works in the long run. Every respectable economist knows this as well.
This has been the stock market’s worst start, artificially caused mind you, to a presidential term in modern history.Inflation is likely to follow in the weeks ahead. This will impact all Americans but it always hits the poor harder as the vast majority of their income goes to food and housing.
Not too much wiggle room there as hunger and homelessness lurk like a vulture waiting to pounce.Bob AylwardSouth Whitehall TownshipVote for Hodges and Peischl in South WhitehallThis year’s elections are critical for ensuring continued protection of our quality of life. I am proud to endorse Monica Hodges and Chris Peischl as they seek second terms on the South Whitehall Township Board of Commissioners.
Monica Hodges is the most compassionate and conscientious public servant I have ever known. She demonstrates respect for all citizens, staff and first responders. Monica approaches complex township matters with an extraordinary eye for detail.
She consistently asks thorough questions and is an unwavering advocate for balanced growth, historic preservation and public safety.Chris Peischl represents the best of longstanding community commitment. As a 42-year member of Greenawalds Fire Company and former water and sewer authority member, his knowledge of South Whitehall is unparalleled.
As commissioner, Chris is a true independent thinker, whose willingness to view issues from a different perspective greatly enriches board discussions. His action-oriented approach to government is essential to the township’s success as we face challenges ranging from the budget to resource protection.I am honored to serve with these two dedicated, knowledgeable individuals on the Board of Commissioners, and I encourage you to join me in voting for them on or before May 20.
Jacob D. RothThe writer is a South Whitehall Township commissioner.Trump shows disregard for citizensRegardless of how Donald Trump explains his reversal of his so-called tariff policy, one thing is clear:He has treated the stock market, the citizens of the United States and our worldwide trading partners with the same disregard, enjoyment and cruelty of a child who stomps on an anthill simply to observe the chaos that it causes.
KeriLyn C. BurrowsNorth CatasauquaELECTION LETTERS Letters to the editor about candidates and issues in the May 20 primary election must be received by 10 a.m.
May 12. Election-related letters will not be published after May 15.The Morning Call publishes letters from readers online and in print several times a week.
Submit a letter to the editor at [email protected]. The views expressed in this piece are those of its individual author(s), and should not be interpreted as reflecting the views of this publication.
.
