Published: March 18, 2008 07:15 pm            

Tribune--Star editorial: And another thing …

TERRE HAUTE — One economic brick at a time

Concerns over the condition of the national, state and local economy are increasing, and rightly so. In fact, west-central Indiana finds itself in the midst of its own economic turmoil in the wake of Pfizer’s recent shutdown of the Exubera facility in Terre Haute. In all, 660 people are losing their jobs at the local Pfizer plant.

While we can’t avoid the troubling issues posed by our strained economy, we should not ignore the good news that bolstered the area last week with the official opening of Boral Brick Inc., America’s largest brick manufacturing facility, in the Vigo County Industrial Park.

The technologically advanced plant will employ nearly 50 people.

Manufacturing facilities such as Boral Brick are important to our economy and our future, and we welcome the company, its people and its sizable investment into the community.

Gambling with the future

Hoosiers are still trying to gauge the impact of the property tax reform package passed last week in the closing moments of the Indiana General Assembly. But a lesser-known bill that passed is the one that really has us scratching our head. Yet another attempt to expand gambling in the state survived the legislative process and is on its way to the governor’s desk. This one would allow bars and taverns to offer pull-tabs and other low-stakes gambling in their establishments.

In the big scheme, this may not seem like a big deal. But it represents further evidence that our state is becoming more addicted to gambling. Last year, lawmakers approved slot machines for horse tracks; this year, pull tabs for bars and taverns. Where will it end?

The only sure thing you can bet on these days is another effort to expand gambling next year.

Spell-binding performance

Kennyi Aouad, an Otter Creek Middle School seventh-grader, is a spelling dynasty in his own right. Aouad won his second consecutive title in the annual Tribune-Star Wabash Valley Regional Spelling Bee last weekend. Winning once is an impressive feat. Winning twice is phenomenal. His next step is to pursue the national crown in Washington, D.C., this spring. We congratulate Kennyi for his victory and wish him well at the national bee.

New challenge ahead

The United Way of the Wabash Valley’s loss is Union Hospital Foundation’s gain. Jim Bertoli, who has led the local United Way’s fundraising and service efforts in recent years, is taking over as executive director of the hospital foundation. He brings great experience in leadership and fundraising to the job, and has set a high standard for his replacement at United Way. We commend Bertoli for his past efforts, and the hospital for recognizing his skill and talents.

        

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