What does a local government owe to its residents and businesses? Police and fire protection? Sure. Refuse collection, naturally. Schools? Of course.
But does a local government owe its constituents a community newspaper?
The question is worth asking as “Swissvale News,” the borough’s bimonthly newsletter, has conked out.
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If it’s finished, as it seems to be, it will have died young, lasting just a few years. By the time of its last issue, December 2011, the newsletter was eight pages, with photos, distributing 1,500 free copies every two months through “take one” boxes throughout the community.
Though it reported only “good news” of the borough, it was a publication where residents could learn details of upcoming events, and local advertisers and organizations could promote their businesses, events, and initiatives.
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The newsletter’s paper format was friendly for readers, many of them older, who are not computer-savvy but tend to be active in church, civic, senior center, library and related activities. Those readers, apparently, are out of luck.
For community-conscious Swissvalians, there currently are two electronic alternatives, though neither of them is paper-based or of the “take one” variety.
Residents, organizations, groups and others with events to announce and promote may send their news items to:
Swissvale Borough, 7560 Roslyn Street, Swissvale, PA 15218, email swisadm2@hotmail.com.
The borough may forward the information to YCS Global, LLC, which operates the borough’s website. YCS may post the information under the website’s “Community Calendar” tab.
It’s not clear whether the borough or YCS will edit, limit, or exclude submitted material. YCS says digital photos can be accommodated.
Or -- or additionally -- interested parties may send their information to Forest Hills-Regent Square Patch -- where you’re reading right now. This “Patch,” one of hundreds across the nation, covers Forest Hills, Regent Square, Edgewood, Swissvale, Wilkinsburg, and the eastern-most districts of Pittsburgh.
Simply subscribe to foresthills-regentsquare.patch.com. This electronic local newsletter will come to your in-box automatically each morning. Once you’re subscribed, log on and use the “Add an event” option under Patch’s “Events” tab and type in your news.
Relevant links:
Former “Swissvale News” constituents seeking further information may contact William McCloskey, 566-C South Trenton, Pittsburgh, PA 15221, email wmpgh@msn.com.