Letters to the Editor
Friday, February 23, 2007
Pittsburgh Post-Gazette
Keep this torch burning
Thank you for continuing to extol the virtues of the private sector and its ability to more efficiently and effectively run a business ("Wine and Roses: State Stores Close Early Despite Cupid's Needs," Feb. 19 editorial).
After reading the Feb. 16 Business article "Spirits of Privatization Are Likely to Stay Bottled Up," I figured that I might as well just give up and accept that the Pennsylvania Liquor Control Board and the state store system are here to stay. However, I'm very happy to see that the PG will continue to carry the torch of liquor store privatization.
Aside from keeping the politically active, unionized state store employees working and from giving former legislators high-paying, unnecessary jobs, there is absolutely no reason for the commonwealth to be running a business that 48 other states do not.
I urge the Legislature and governor to focus on those things that the private sector won't do and leave the sale and distribution of alcohol to private enterprise.
TOM YOUNGS
Squirrel Hill
