Editorial

                As a small business, we were encouraged to learn of the legislative efforts of Pennsylvania State Senator Bob Mensch (R-24) to reduce the Commonwealth’s income tax and return that money to working Pennsylvanians and spur economic growth in the state.

                Senate Bill 1361,was introduced by Mensch and co-sponsored by Senators Jane Orie (R-40), Mike Folmer (R-48), Stewart Greenleaf (R-12), Jeffrey Piccola (R-15), Edwin Erickson, (R-26), Richard Alloway (R-33), Kim Ward (R-39), Donald White (R-41), Michael Waugh (R-28) and John Pippi (R-37).  The bill would decrease the personal income tax, paid by both individuals and businesses, from 3.07 percent to 2.99 percent.  The legislation is now in the hands of the Senate finance committee.

                It is an embarrassment that, of all the states, Pennsylvania ranks 45th in the nation for creating jobs.  That is unacceptable and must be addressed.  Small businesses continue to be hit hard in Pennsylvania, yet they account for employing 70 percent of the workforce!

                According to a recent analysis performed by The Commonwealth Foundation, when the state’s personal income tax was raised from 2.8 percent to 3.07 percent back in 2003, Pennsylvania suffered a 36,000 decrease in jobs created in the years immediately following the increase.  The Commonwealth Foundation is an independent, non-profit research and education institute.

                For small businesses, Mensch’s proposed tax break is intended to provide some breathing room for companies that are struggling to survive.  For that, small business owners will be thankful.  But it is also intended to enable small business owners to invest in their business and create new job opportunities.

                In order to support both goals effectively, perhaps a caveat should be added to the bill that provides the tax break but also offers a tax incentive to those who actually invest in their businesses or create new jobs.  That would further encourage owners to use the break for what it is intended instead of just putting the money in their own pockets.

                For a taxpayer earning $30,000 per year, the savings would be $81.  To those who don’t need it, it doesn’t sound like a lot of money.  But to those who do need it, it’s a step in the right direction.

                Our legislators need to learn how to bring new jobs into Pennsylvania and keep them here. 

                Every journey begins with a first step.

                Two opinions expressed in our letters section today come from professional police officers - one from a member of the Pennsylvania State Police and the other from a member the Upper Perk Police District.  Their words represent more than a response to a recent letter to the editor.

                In both cases they’ve taken the opportunity to expand our knowledge of certain police procedures.  But, more importantly, they remind us that anyone has the right to file a complaint when he or she believes that they have been wronged by a police officer or department.  And there are procedures in place to address your concerns.

This newspaper feels that many issues and concerns can be remedied shortly after both parties are aware that a problem might exist.  They don’t have to agree, just be aware.  From that point, appropriate answers or comments can be given so an investigation can begin.

                Policies and procedures do exist for reporting concerns.  Some people don’t know that, and those that do may not know how to go about filing a complaint.

                To get more information on how to file a complaint:  In East Greenville and Pennsburg, contact Upper Perk Police District Police Chief Michael Devlin at 215.679.8203; East Greenville Mayor and Upper Perk Police Commission Chairman Ryan Sloyer at 215.679.5194 or Pennsburg Mayor Ethel Ritchey at 215.679.4546.  In Red Hill and Upper Hanover Township, contact Pa. State Police Lt. David Buckley at the Skippack Barracks at 610.410.3835; Red Hill Mayor David Schiffgens or Upper Hanover Township Supervisor Chairman Richard Fain at 215.679.4401.

                These folks should be able to help you through the process and, at least in part, are responsible for obtaining answers for your concerns.  With the exception of Chief Devlin and Lt. Buckley, they are your elected representatives and we are confident that they will respond to you.

Residents of other municipalities should follow the same logic and contact the commander of their local police department or a municipal official.

                To quote an old saying, “They can’t fix it if they don’t know that it’s broken.”  If you have a complaint, you would be doing the community and the police department a service by documenting the incident(s) and following through with the proper authorities.  If you’re uncomfortable reporting it directly to the police, contact a local official.

                Give the system a chance.