Comments on: Girl on fie-ah.

By: Ex-Pat Pittsburgh Girl

Ex-Pat Pittsburgh Girl — Tue, 19 Mar 2013 02:19:12 +0000

Oh, I know exactly how much they make, along with their benefits and the history of patronage endemic to these positions in certain parts of the Commonwealth. During the last fifteen years in various positions in the public sector I met with Mr. Young and members of the union’s executive board. Giant bullies if you didn’t agree with them. Ass kissers if you did.

I’ve staffed both sides of this whole liquor privatization issue, depending on whatever party was in the Governor’s office at the time. I’ve read the studies (even written part of the studies), done the research and know the pros and cons that everyone and their uncle brings to the table. I’ve written draft language, introduced language and negotiated language. No matter the issue, self interest is the man driver in any piece of legislation in Harrisburg (or (Washington). That’s why when I had the chance to jump to the private sector, to say I jumped would be an understatement.

By: Erin Vuono

Erin Vuono — Mon, 18 Mar 2013 15:24:51 +0000

A-freaking-men, Suzie-Q.

By: jjgolfer

jjgolfer — Sun, 17 Mar 2013 12:49:36 +0000

Ex pat pgh gal and LisaB have it right on…..if these workers are so good at what they do (and Im guessing that most, but not all, are) then they should not fear losing their jobs on change of ownership. i have bought and sold hundreds of businesses in my professional career, and the good employees, where there are no redundancies, are always retained.
Mr. Young just doing his job….not sure how it helps me, which is the biggest rub here….and I’m pretty sure most of us would not do his job this way….what he needs to do is find a way to make his cause more than just about him/his people, but find a way to get customers, vendors, and the state interested in his constituents too…shouting about “profits over people” isnt it…because tomorrow, if I pay $1 (or more ) more for alcohol in this commonwealth, all I envision is that $1 ( or more) going to Mr. Young. Not an appealing choice for me. At that point, I DO prefer profits over that people…..

By: LisaB

LisaB — Sun, 17 Mar 2013 04:40:35 +0000

Every time I hear Wendell Young pontificating about how all his union folks are going to lose their jobs, I wonder why he thinks they are all so lazy and clueless that they would never be hired by the private enterprise liquor stores that ought to be selling wine and liquor in PA as in 48 other states.

He doesn’t seem to have much confidence in the people he claims to represent.

If I became a liquor store owner once sales are privatized, I’d seek out the best, most knowledgeable and experienced former State Store employees to place in my business. Apparently Wendell believes none of them are capable of handling a private-sector job.

By: MattDC

MattDC — Sun, 17 Mar 2013 02:00:35 +0000

Only Pennsylvania would still be debating the pros and cons of privatizing alcohol sales. Who cares? Sorry folks, those of us who have moved to other states have also shifted our focus to legalization of pot (quite successfully, as you know, in two states and soon to be seven more). Cannabis is a safer and healthier alternative to liquor, which I and my fellow Western Pa baby boomers have been forced to consume illegally since the1970s and 80s, while lying about it to our own kids. Legalization will also create a critical revenue stream for the state. I could care less whether it involves union employees. Seriously. It’s time to move on, people.