There are any number of serious subjects in the news this week, and I certainly could blog about any of them in some detail.

But it's Pet Photo Contest Week in The Citizen, so let's deal with those pesky serious issues and get on to the fun stuff.

Avonworth and Northgate school boards are planning property tax increases, although Avonworth's certainly is a fraction of the tidal wave looming on the Northgate horizon. Even if you aren't concerned about the tax hikes being proposed for this year, you really should be nearly hysterical over the fact that this is nothing compared to what will be facing the districts in the next couple years because of increased pension contributions.

It may not be anyone's fault that pension contributions are increasing so dramatically, but I have no problem blaming local officials who are sitting on their hands waiting for someone to rescue them -- and us. We've seen no long-term plans for dealing with this fiscal crisis. We haven't even seen anyone talk about putting together a long-term plan.

Avonworth's millage rate is low enough that they may be able to weather the coming storm with a little less permanent damage than Northgate most definitely will experience. The district's position at the top of Allegheny County millage rates is literally strangling the communities of Avalon and Bellevue.

I for one am tired of waiting for school officials to address this issue. I think the Northgate School Board needs to put together a task force that will focus entirely on the fiscal emergency and long-term financial health of the district. I'll even volunteer to be on it!

Let's stop playing around cutting programs that cost a couple thousand dollars and make some real changes!

Next, of course, is the issue of the proposed changes at Allegheny General Hospital - Suburban Campus. No one wants to see the loss of the local emergency room and inpatient services -- at least not any of us who have had the opportunity to experience the difference in service that exists between the Suburban Campus and the AGH Main Campus. We'll all get a chance to tell hospital officials how we feel at a special town hall meeting next Friday. And special thanks to Bellevue Council member Linda Woshner for putting together this opportunity for our voices to be heard.

Avalon will have a new police chief by the end of the month. Tom Kokoski is a great guy who has shown tremendous energy and enthusiasm in his efforts as a patrol officer in the borough. He is personable and professional, and we predict that he will do a great job as the chief.

Okay, enough serious stuff. Now it's time to celebrate those wonderful critters who share our homes! A number of years ago I realized that, for some reason I cannot explain, I loved seeing my pets' pictures in the newspaper. So, why not give everyone around here that same joy, and have a pet photo contest?

All of the proceeds from the contest go to Spencer & Friends North Boroughs Emergency Animal Rescue, which helps countless animals right in our own neighborhoods. So we get to see our pets in print and raise money for a great cause. How's that for a feel-good opportunity?

My own sweetheart, Arthur the Great Dane, is not pictured this year despite his many friends, but he is looking forward to meeting the winner!