We elect candidates to public office to solve problems -- not create them.
Commissioner Terry Tomassetti would sell Valley View Home, one of our oldest and most precious facilities not only for the elderly who get excellent care there but for their families' peace of mind.
He uses the threat of tax reassessment to strengthen his position. What a lame excuse to use the fear factor of tax increase on everyone just to try to justify a simple solution, which will only multiply the problem.
The money he would spend hiring a lawyer should be used to complete the apartment units the home is looking to provide and be an added and needed update plus a fundraiser.
The commissioners are overlooking a dedicated, loyal staff who would be left at the mercy of a buyer who will be looking to profit from his purchase and hire cheap unprofessional help.
They refer to a multi-million dollar debt.
This is nothing compared to what we would be losing.
Remember when Altoona used to have a free trash removal service for all its citizens, and officials discontinued it as a tax-cutting expense?
But private enterprise came in and made millions of dollars for the same service that the city cut out. So much for a political solution for a so called problem.
Valley View is not a problem. It must remain as it is and has been. The commissioners must realize this and do what is right by the present and future residents of Valley View and the excellent staff.
If it takes more money, we could get help from our federal government. This is why we pay taxes.
How about fund drives like Red Cross, Salvation Army and others have? We can do it; we must help Valley View at all costs.
Joe Wiedemer, Altoona
