Pittburgh/ Allegheny county merger

[supersoulty]

Originally Posted by pittnurse70

I guess "Brooklyn" is a little more known than "Beaver Falls, PA". My friend in DC says she always says "Beaver Falls" when people there ask her. OTOH, I know a guy from out here from Sharon and he says he's from Pittsburgh!

I admit my analogy with Brooklyn limps a bit.

Anyway, it is different for everyone. I am just making a general assessment of what I and others I know have experienced. The definition of "Pittsburgh" tends to be quite broad when people are self-identifying.

And speaking of self-identifying... you would be amazed how many people around the country hate it when Pittsburghers self-identify with the Steelers. But it is something almost everyone who is a fan in this city does. It's not "The Steelers are gonna win", its "We're gonna win... n'at" ha. Drives other people up a wall, but it once again emphasizes how much people identify with this city and all that which symbolizes it.

[SewickleyPA]

Originally Posted by supersoulty

It is true that, in the short term, it would cause tax hikes in places like Mt. Lebanon, Fox Chapel, etc... but to say it would not help the suburbs is a gross simplification based only on short term gains or loses.

1) Consolidation would be a major indicator to large corporations and investment groups that Pittsburgh has its act together. Anytime it has been done else where, people have been quick to take notice.

2) Pittsburgh would be instantly vaulted from the 52nd largest city in America to the 6th... that would be huge for media exposure, but also big for certain kinds of federal funding, such as homeland security funding, which would help with some of the cities bills.

3) Government could actually come up with a united formula for future planning, further facilitating the adoption of a regional vision/strategy. This would be an incalculable asset to the area and help grow Pittsburgh in the future.

4) Taxes for everyone would go down for almost everyone in the long run, as the city would have a larger tax pool to draw from for its needs.

I second this post.