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It is my hope that the governor and legislature will repeal the state sales and flat-rate income taxes and replace them with a graduated-income tax, based on the ability to pay, for individual taxpayers and small and large corporations. The wealthy just aren't paying their fair share of taxes.
I also hope the state mandates a change in the number of school districts within each of the 67 counties to just one. This has the potential to save millions of dollars a year. It would also save tax money if the school districts, local and county governments could use a graduated-income tax to replace real estate, per capita, earned-income and other unfair taxes presently in use.
Hopefully, county governments will assume responsibility for fire protection with paid professional firefighters. The number of volunteer firefighters, who risk their lives, is decreasing. The unnecessary duplication of equipment and buildings also wastes money and the financial welfare of families are also at risk.
The Pennsylvania State Police are spread too thin to provide adequate local police protection. Hopefully county governments will someday soon assume that responsibility
Because Penn State is closing some of its branch campuses, it is my hope that counties located close to each other will work together to sponsor community colleges to meet the educational needs of their residents.
Will my hopes be just dreams that won't come true. Time will tell.
DAVID L. FAUST
Selinsgrove
Submitted by mail