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Rudel: Thankful to reach ‘semi’ retirement

I’ll start this column in a similar way I began one in January 2006 after being named the Mirror’s managing editor: “I’m winding up the first week of the rest of my life.” Today, 18.5 years later, is the first day of the rest of my life. But I guess we can all say that, right? You may have seen the June 15 story that I’m retiring as managing editor and will be succeeded by Holly Claycomb, our news editor whom I could not recommend more highly. We’ve worked together for the internal succession to be smooth, and the Mirror’s 150th anniversary edition marked a public ...

Setting record straight on cyber charter

Gov. Josh Shapiro and a growing number of legislators from both sides of the aisle are calling for changes to the way cyber charter schools in Pennsylvania are funded and operate. And more importantly, once you know the truth, you should, too. Despite what the ads say, cyber charter schools are not “free.” School districts and their taxpayers are required to pay tuition to the cyber charter school for every student that enrolls. Each of the 500 school districts in the state pay a different rate — up to $26,500 for a non-special education student. Yet, the cyber charter school ...

Another Reagan moment

During the 1980 presidential election, candidate Ronald Reagan famously asked this rhetorical question of the viewing audience in a debate with President Jimmy Carter, “Are you better off today than you were four years ago?” At that time, inflation was inflicting great economic damage on the audience. The audience knew it and held then-President Jimmy Carter accountable for it. This question, and the way viewers answered it, likely contributed greatly to Reagan’s landslide election victory that year. With the 2024 presidential debates and election approaching, we may be ...

Lending rules hurt small business

There’s a popular saying that goes, “the devil is in the details.” That could certainly be said to describe Section 1071 of the Dodd-Frank Act and how it can — and will — adversely impact small business owners and the community banks that support them. Congress’ intent was to find ways to increase lending opportunities to small business borrowers. The act itself requires Congress to adopt regulations overseeing the collection of small business lending data. Section 1071 specifically requires financial institutions to compile, maintain, and submit to the Consumer ...

Gettysburg history must be saved

Have you ever been to Gettysburg? It’s a very special place, unique in the world and in American history. Over 160 years ago, this charming small town was under attack by southern rebels. Well, it is under attack again. This time by its manager and elected borough council officials. In 2018, the Gettysburg Borough Council by one vote decided to rezone a large part of the borough just one block from Lincoln Square for high-rise construction. Shocking, right? Thus, we have the pending Station Project east of Carlisle Street: Seven stories in one building and two other buildings ...

Gov. budget meets county needs

By Laura Burke Back in February, Gov. Josh Shapiro gave his annual budget address. His proposal includes bold ideas for a brighter future for Pennsylvania’s families and economy. Yet, from our Republican state legislators, I heard initial criticism and then crickets. I have to wonder why our Republican leaders aren’t embracing this budget. After all, many of its initiatives directly address the concerns I hear most frequently from Blair County residents. The number one question is: “How do we keep our kids from moving away?” The answers are vibrant ...