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EDITORIAL: 'Something Special' earns diamonds, pothole graffiti gets coal

Times Leader - 12/7/2019

Dec. 7--Diamonds to Gina Malsky and the Downtown Wilkes-Barre Dance Theatre for this week's "Something Special for the Holidays" show at the F.M. Kirby Center for the Performing Arts. Full disclosure, the Times Leader was a sponsor, and two employees -- Mary Therese Biebel and Mike McGinley performed -- but this effort deserved extra attention because of the seven charitable causes it helped fund. If you saw the Verve Vertu Art Studio members perform their Christmas song medley, you know the reason for this diamond.

Coal, albeit a small chunk, to Wyoming Valley West School District for the negative audit findings from the state Auditor General's office. The four-year audit found the distract misreported the number of students eligible for state reimbursement. It was a small enough matter, with only 35 errors in four years causing an overpayment from the state of $5,134, but we've had more than our share of school transportation problems in area districts, and this one seemed easily avoidable. The district was also cited for letting a fund balance dwindle to next to nothing, but that's a topic for another day.

Diamonds to the annual Christmas tree display in the Luzerne County Courthouse, and a recommendation that you stop by to see this impressive annual tribute to the season in the rotunda. Yes, modern security requires you to pass through a checkpoint even for a simple visit to the rotunda, but as always the county has picked a terrific specimen that is sure to bring smiles to most, if not all, who see it. Additional praise to the many agencies and businesses that festoon the valley for the holidays, including the Christmas tree and lights on Wilkes-Barre'sPublic Square and the business windows painted with scenes of the season.

Coal to the pranksters painting X-rated graffiti on Wilkes-Barre City potholes. No, this isn't a prudish admonishment of something most adults should shrug off. It's a reminder that such public art is also seen by innocent children, and can force parents into an uncomfortable explanation they simply shouldn't be forced to face. Graffiti is questionable any time, but it can be art without being vulgar.

Diamonds to the recent graduates of Luzerne County's reentry program designed to help offenders whose crime is the result of drug or alcohol addiction. The program has reportedly helped reduce recidivism rates and cut county costs, but the important benefit is to those who get a second chance to become valuable contributors to society after a misstep that should not become a lifelong turn for the worst.

Coal to Kenny Rowles, who pleaded guilty to baiting cats with fish hooks and injuring them. In a week of abduction and death this may seem like a small thing, but the attitude that allows a person to maliciously harm helpless animals should be squelched in childhood precisely because we have ample evidence of where such a callous disregard for life can lead.

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(c)2019 The Times Leader (Wilkes-Barre, Pa.)

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