Hits & Misses
HIT: “Another 20, 30 seconds and he’s dead and we’re investigating a fatal.” That’s how state police Trooper Lucas Borkowski described the heroics of EMS Southwest medics Scott Ullom and Zachary McDowell, who quickly jumped into action to pull an injured driver from his burning vehicle following a fiery crash on Interstate 79 near Waynesburg last August. The medics saved the man’s life after he suffered severe burns to his legs as the dashboard melted around him. There’s no indication that the driver has ever reached out to thank the two medics himself, so state police honored them for their bravery Wednesday with the department’s Outstanding Citizens award. It’s often said that first responders have a thankless job, and this situation certainly illustrates that. But we think that we speak for most people when we offer these two simple words for Ullom and McDowell: Thank you.
MISS: State Sen. Rich Alloway, a Republican from the York area, announced Jan. 18 that he will be leaving his post at the end of February to “move on to other endeavors and pursue new opportunities.” After three terms, the 50-year-old explained that these potential opportunities include work as a lobbyist or lawyer. Elaborating on his departure, Alloway said he was no longer motivated to put forth the extra effort required to be a state senator. While Alloway deserves points for honesty, his constituents should be dismayed that Alloway is stepping down before his term ends next year. Even if he has lost the enthusiasm for the job, why couldn’t he have stayed until his term is over? Now, taxpayers will be stuck with the bill for a special election so a short-term replacement can be found.
HIT: Although there are many considerations that still have to be weighed, credit is due to the leaders of McGuffey School District for being willing to think outside the box in regard to the school schedule. Superintendent Erica Kolat advised the school board last week that officials are gathering information and exploring the implementation of a four-day school week. Under the general plan, the length of the school year would remain the same, but the length of school days would increase. Kolat says such a plan, when put in use elsewhere, has led to higher graduation rates, improved attendance by both teachers and students, and improved recruitment and retention of top teachers. There also could be significant cost savings. Of course, there would be complications, as well, but it certainly seems worthy of consideration.
MISS: Britain’s Prince Philip, who is 97, has earned his share of unwanted headlines over the years for saying things that could best be described as undiplomatic – he once asked the singer Tom Jones, “What do you gargle with, pebbles?” – and the husband of Queen Elizabeth II stirred yet more controversy Jan. 17 when he was involved in a collision on a highway outside London. He was driving a Land Rover. By himself. Just a little more than two years from his 100th birthday. Philip was unhurt, while the passengers in the other vehicle sustained minor injuries. Philip’s mishap has added fresh fuel to debates on both sides of the Atlantic about the need to test drivers frequently once they reach a certain age or for family members to intervene and take away the keys. In Pennsylvania, drivers can renew their licenses every four years regardless of age. This needs to change.