Lance: To U.S. District Judge Arthur J. Schwab. A federal appeals court found that Schwab copied an opinion from one of the attorneys for Westmoreland County in a lawsuit stemming from the murder of 8-year-old Annette Bright. Using that opinion -- almost verbatim, according to the higher court -- the judge dismissed the lawsuit filed against the county by John Bright, who said Westmoreland probation officers didn't do enough to keep the murderer, Charles Koschalk, away from his daughter. As a result, the 3rd. U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals reinstated Bright's lawsuit. In response, Schwab said he appreciates the court's candor. We trust he also appreciates that impartial justice was not served as a result of his action. As 3rd Circuit Judge Richard L. Nygaard wrote, "Any degree of impropriety, or even the appearance thereof, undermines our legitimacy and effectiveness." Next time, Judge Schwab, do your own homework. Laurel: To U.S. Army Spc. Mike Deible of Latrobe. Before heading back to Iraq last week, he took time to personally thank a Latrobe family, the Yuhaniaks, who had sent him a care package. It was a fine gesture by Deible. Obviously those care packages shipped to U.S. troops in harm's way are well received. We also commend the Yuhaniak family and all others from our region who through contributions or care packages support our troops. Lance: To Westmoreland County Recorder of Deeds Tom Murphy. The state has filed a $2,500 lien against him for unpaid income taxes owed from 2000 through 2002. And this, after Murphy paid off a state tax lien for $852 that had been filed in 1995. These incidents send a disturbing message to countians, who rightfully expect their elected officials to pay their fair share. Lance: To state Democratic lawmakers. Party honchos say "nitpickers" of the state's new slots law shouldn't get a chance to amend that which seriously needs amending -- specifically, a provision that allows public officials to own an interest in gambling concerns. This provision opens the door to all sorts of shenanigans with manufacturers and suppliers of slot machines. Some Dems say they'll support a "reasonable" change to this language. The only reasonable change is ditching this provision. On the Laurel/Lance Watch List: A proposal from Westmoreland County Commissioner Terry Marolt for a new position to run all of the county's human service operations. This, in response to the death of Kristen Tatar, 4, who had been a client of the county's children's bureau. What needs to be fleshed out is exactly how a new supervisory position in a county strapped for cash will improve operations without simply adding to the existing bureaucracy. The change may indeed be a good one; let's discuss the details.

---

Copyright ©2025— Trib Total Media, LLC (TribLIVE.com)

---