Letters to the Editor | April 2, 2026

Peco Union Workforce Recognized

Peco’s union workforce, represented by the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers Local 614, is vital to maintaining reliable service in Southeastern Pennsylvania. These skilled professionals consistently respond to challenges, including severe weather events, to restore power and ensure community stability.

Peco is committed to reaching a fair agreement that acknowledges the contributions of its workforce while allowing for continued investment in a safe, resilient, and affordable energy system. Rising costs and the need to modernize infrastructure require careful resource management.

The goal of ongoing negotiations is to balance competitive wages and benefits with continued investment in grid reliability and safety, all while minimizing costs for customers. Peco values its partnership with Local 614 and seeks a collaborative resolution that benefits employees, customers, and the region.

Modular Schools: A Viable Alternative

Modular construction offers a rapid and flexible solution for school building needs. These structures can be assembled quickly to create full schools and are adaptable, allowing for permanent use or disassembly and relocation if necessary.

Closing schools with small populations is not ideal, even if the buildings are outdated. These schools provide safe, stable environments and contribute to community cohesion. The author cites their experience as principal of Northley Middle School in Aston, where modulars were successfully used to accommodate growing enrollment.

Historical Parallels in Military Policy

A reader questioned the statements made by Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth regarding “Maximum lethality, not tepid legality,” arguing they potentially violate international law. The author draws a comparison between Hegseth and his predecessor, Air Force Gen. Curtis Emerson LeMay.

LeMay’s Legacy of Extensive Bombing

Gen. Curtis LeMay oversaw the six-month firebombing of 67 Japanese cities during World War II, resulting in widespread destruction and the deaths of hundreds of thousands of civilians. He also directed the atomic bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki.

LeMay’s involvement extended to the Korean War, where massive bombing campaigns devastated North Korea and caused millions of casualties. He later advocated for a strategy of “bombing Vietnam back into the Stone Age.” President Lyndon B. Johnson implemented LeMay’s bombing campaign.

The author concludes that while Hegseth’s politics may be objectionable, his actions are not unprecedented in the history of U.S. military policy.

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