Mar 4, 2017 1 min read

An editorial in the Feb. 17 edition of the Observer-Reporter touched on a sensitive issue – investigating the Pennsylvania State Police.

However, it has had problems not only with cadets cheating on tests, but also with concerns about troopers padding their retirement salaries by being allowed to work massive overtime, which is figured into retirement pay. Also, who has authorized state troopers to staff privately-owned casinos? Why, too, does only one-third of the trooper force actually patrol our roads while the remainder have administrative jobs? How was $800 million from the gasoline and toll-road fund diverted to the Pennsylvania State Police last year?

For some places, an additional $25 per capita is being proposed to pay for state police services. Citizens have already paid heavy taxes that go to the state police. Why the double dipping?

This is another example of why the tail should not wag the dog. Nothing short of a full Senate hearing will reveal the answers behind these issues.

Steven Heiser

Somerset