We are not united enough in Ohio

DEAR EDITOR:

I am writing to you today because as you are aware we just had the primary elections and soon November will be here, and we will be voting again on different issues that concern us Ohioans. Well, I have a big issue with how corporate America won’t allow citizens of the voting class to stand outside their business and collect signatures for a potential levy that I am working on. The levy is Protecting Ohioans Constitutional Rights and currently we have a big problem in the state of Ohio with our legislators all the way down to police officers getting away with illegal things when they are sworn in to uphold the law.

What can we do to fire Ohioans up and get them angry enough to want change? For change we need laws changed, we need the Ohio Supreme Courts to see that with enough signatures we are wanting this to be added to the ballot and people to vote on this matter. The state of Ohio requires well over 400,000 signatures for our government to even consider allowing this on the ballot come November, and the signatures need to be submitted by mid-July!

Ohio has the 44-county rule which requires us out of 88 counties signatures from at least 44. We have become a complacent society; it is easier to go with the crowd than it is to be a part of the resistance and stand up for what is right amongst ourselves. I am angry as an Ohioan, especially when I know this levy will make huge changes amongst our local governments, even our state government. Holding authorities accountable for their actions should not have to be a law when they are sworn in to uphold the law and treat people with respect and dignity.

Far too many “persons of the law” are often excused for their actions under what we know as Qualified Immunity and that, dear Editor, is just wrong!! Please submit my email for citizens to contact me to sign the “Protecting Ohioans Constitutional Rights” jessmed1202@gmail.com I will gladly meet them to sign the sheet!! Trumbull County WE NEED YOU!

JESSICA JEWELL

Newton Falls

Niles City Council should be commended

DEAR EDITOR:

I would like to take a moment to commend Niles City Council as a whole on the manner in which it has addressed the issue of the data centers over the past month.

Residents in other communities — even neighboring communities — have had to deal with the secrecy of non-disclosure agreements, a lack of transparency from city administrators and other uncertainties. The complete opposite has been true in Niles.

In fact, other communities would be wise to look at Niles in developing a blueprint when faced with a similar issue.

Rather than sweep anything under the rug and deflect information from the public, the Niles City Council chose to do the opposite. Immediately upon learning of the specifics of a planned data center, which would be located partially in Niles, council called a public meeting to address the matter. Niles residents were afforded an opportunity to gather information, hear from city leaders and have their own voices heard.

The seven council members responded to the will of the people by immediately putting a plan in place that would install a temporary moratorium preventing data centers from operating in Niles. Those same council members, along with Mayor Steve Mientkiewicz, have spent the last month gathering information, consulting with legal experts and putting further plans in place which would cater to the will of the people.

Throughout it all, Niles residents have been kept informed and they have had an opportunity to voice their concerns.

It is worth noting that those opposed to the data center still face an uphill battle. Niles city leaders alone cannot completely guarantee a rejection of this or future data centers, despite the fact that the president of council suggested otherwise at the last council meeting. Considering the location of the property, the ability for the owners to potentially access electricity and water from other sources, and other legal issues, there are no certainties. It is also worth noting that McDonald appears to be moving toward a data center on property, which could likely affect just as many Niles residents as the proposed center in Niles and Weathersfield.

What is certain is that Niles leaders to this point have approached this issue with openness, total transparency and the will of the people in mind.

For that, they deserve to be commended. The seven council members are often referred to as “yes men” by a small but very vocal segment of Niles. The actions of this past month suggest council is answering to the citizens they represent.

One final thought. Numerous social media pages have given credit to the Niles council president for spearheading the ban on the Bitdeer data center. One such post suggested that “he alone is responsible for shutting this down when the council and mayor tried to push it through.” That could not be further from the truth. In fact, the council president has no vote on the matter; he has no ability to present legislation; he has no say from a council standpoint.

Just wanted to clarify that for residents who do not understand the role of council president.

STEVE RUMAN

Niles

Veterinary medicine becomes big business

DEAR EDITOR:

Many veterinary practices in our area and across the nation have gone from private clinics to corporate enterprises. If you’re nearing retirement, any of the large veterinary corporations can give you a very appealing sales pitch. You can even stay on for an agreed-upon period during the “transition.” Most of these veterinary corporations own hundreds of practices, but some own thousands, and many of those are specialized referral hospitals.

The plus part of the pitch is that these corporations have lots of money to spend; buying most modern equipment for the practice, providing needed building improvements, advertising, recruitment, etc. The downside is that the overall expenses are the same, utilities, rent or mortgage, salaries, insurance, staff benefits. But now they have to raise prices because the corporation needs a piece of the pie. And, you have to pay for all that new stuff by using it and charging for it.

So if you get new equipment, often $30,000 or more for one item, you have to find a way to pay for it. That means use it often, even if it isn’t truly warranted. Regardless, it’s called, “Good medicine.” More than one practice only wants “A” clients, the kind who never ask, “How much is that?” But this area is mostly “C.” Some will offer various levels of diagnostics or care; silver, gold, or platinum. “You want what’s best for your pet, don’t you?” Caveat emptor. It’s a business, and the bottom line is all important. You can’t lose money every month and keep your doors open.

When I moved to Youngstown from Illinois I signed on with a local, multi-vet practice. I was relieved, however, before the first year was up. Wasn’t bringing in the profits. The boss stressed, “Recheck, recheck, recheck,” but I didn’t think it was always necessary. At the end of every month your productivity was reviewed, and you were reminded if it wasn’t up to snuff. That was private practice, not corporate; but it’s corporate now.

The profession has changed. The camaraderie is gone; now it’s dog-eat-dog, so to speak. But I love what I do, and that includes being my own boss. No pressure to produce.

DONALD ALLEN

Boardman

Foregone revenue from data centers not a cost

DEAR EDITOR:

Your May 23/24 Vindicator headline “Data centers drain billions in revenue” was alarming. Undoubtedly it was meant to be so. Unfortunately, like the flames of hell, the headline generated more heat than light.

The article claimed that the 2025 cost in revenue to the state was a whopping $1.6 billion. But that was not money actually paid by Ohio taxpayers. Rather, it was the amount which Ohio chose not to collect from data centers in sales tax. In return for Ohio’s not squeezing that tax revenue from the data centers, they contributed $3.7 billion to the state’s gross domestic product.

We may hypothesize that, had Ohio not waived those taxes, the state would have collected that $1.6 billion. The competition among states argues against that hypothesis. There are close to 40 other states that offer similar tax relief to data centers. If Ohio did not offer this tax relief, there is no reason to think that the data centers would not simply have made the wise business decision to locate elsewhere.

Then Ohio would have had neither the tax revenue nor the data centers’ contribution to the state’s GDP.

ERIC CHEVLEN, MD

Liberty

Trump isn’t worried about midterms

DEAR EDITOR:

When Donald Trump proclaims to all of us he is not worried about the midterms I believe him. He may be the dirtiest and most prolific liar ever displayed by a President of the United States, but on this point he is telling the truth. The reason he has not a care in the world doing the most confounding things like endorsing the criminal Ken Paxton in Texas, suing E. Jean Carroll, prolonging the war in Iran, holding gas prices at such high levels to the detriment of all Americans is because he will proclaim a national emergency and suspend the midterm elections. If this does not work he will “release the Kraken” ( in the words of Ginni Thomas, Justice Clarence Thomas’s wife and 2020 election denier).

We must always remember Trump incited and allowed thugs to lay siege to our nation’s Capitol. We must never forget that those people who stormed and destroyed the Capitol and most of all brutalized and caused the death of law enforcement trying to protect the Capitol can never be called patriots. We must remember Trump pardoned every one of those criminals. He will never admit he lost the election fair and square.

Trump has been able to consolidate power in the executive office, give billionaires unlimited control over our elections and lives, control our Supreme Court and Congress. OF COURSE HE IS NOT WORRIED ABOUT THE MIDTERMS.

All of us law-abiding citizens will need to use everything legally at our disposal to thwart his evil plans so we can preserve our democracy.

We the people have more power when used in unity.

We Americans who love our country of 250 years are remembering the very foundation of living in a country where ALL are created equal.

JEANNE McDERMOTT

LIberty

James as Butler Art director a great choice

DEAR EDITOR:

After more than four decades of stellar leadership by Dr. Louis Zona, the Butler Institute of American Art had a serious challenge in finding an equally capable director. I believe they succeeded by naming Anastasia James, not as his replacement (he is irreplaceable), but as his successor.

As a native of the Pittsburgh area, even now after more than 35 years in Youngstown, I maintain a strong connection with the cultural and artistic venues of Western Pennsylvania. I make very frequent visits to attend events, see family and friends, and to showcase the outstanding historical, entertainment and noteworthy opportunities for many others who view Pittsburgh as a limited, uninspired place to engage one’s broader interests. One of the greatest attractions for me is the many outstanding, imaginative and uplifting sights and activities presented by the Pittsburgh Cultural Trust, of which Anastasia James was an integral part.

As I jokingly tell many people, you do not need a visa or passport to cross the state line into Pennsylvania. Sadly, so few of my local acquaintances venture to the Three Rivers area, except maybe the casino, that they are unaware of the vibrant venues created in the Pittsburgh Cultural District. As one of the primary forces in creating and expanding what is now an internationally recognized destination, I believe Director James can truly spark the same interest and energy here. Youngstown has many remarkable treasures, of which the Butler is a prime example,

Dr. Zona established a solid foundation on which to build. Carrying us into the future, Ms. James has a formidable task, but, given her background and notable achievements, it is one I feel confident she is well able to accomplish. I anticipate many wonderful things from her.

Welcome to Youngstown and the Butler Institute of American Art, Director James. We are fortunate to have you join us.

T. L. WAGNER

Youngstown

I respected my grandfather’s wisdom

DEAR EDITOR:

My grandfather’s wisdom carried heavy weight. A month before my discharge from the military, I called home.

From the orderly room I made a long-distance call back home. With my grandfather on the phone, I gave him my recent thoughts. I would refer to my grandfather as my father; he raised me.

“Hello Dad, it’s Paul. I’m thinking of re-enlisting; I carry rank, authority and privilege. Also, the pay is good.”

For a moment there was silence; then he spoke.

“Paul, do you realize how many soldiers are in Walter Reed Hospital without arms and legs?”

Silence.

“Do you realize how many soldiers are in Arlington Cemetery?

Silence.

“Paul, get the heck out.”

My humble response was, “OK.”

“To all our military service men and women, our veterans. We thank you.”

The Statler Brothers’ 1989 song, “More Than a Name on a Wall,” pays you tribute.

“I saw her from a distance as she walked up to the wall; in her hand she held some flowers as her tears began to fall.

And she took out pen and paper, as to trace her memories. She looked up to heaven and the words she said were these:

She said, ‘Lord, my boy was special and he meant so much to me, and oh, I’d love to see him just one more time, you see.

All I have are the memories and the moments to recall, so Lord, could you tell him he’s more than a name on a wall?’

She said he recently missed the family and being home on Christmas Day, and he died for God and country in a place so far away.

I remember just a little boy playing war since he was three, but Lord, this time I know he’s not coming home to me.

And she said, ‘Lord, my boy was special and he meant so much to me, and oh, I’d love to see him, but I know it just can’t be. So I thank you for my memories and the moments to recall. But Lord, could you tell him he’s more than a name on a wall?

Lord, could you tell him he’s more than a name on a wall?”

PAUL LAWSON

McDonald

Empowering educators helps young Ohioans

DEAR EDITOR:

As Ohio navigates an evolving economic landscape, one of our greatest challenges remains the retention of our bright, young professionals. To keep the next generation working, living, and thriving right here in Ohio, we have to build a direct bridge between our classrooms and one of our state’s most vital economic engines: natural gas and oil.

The foundation of a sustained workforce begins with education. If we want young Ohioans to envision long-term and lucrative careers within our natural energy sector, we first need to empower the educators who guide them.

Through programs, like the Ohio Natural Energy Institute’s (ONEi) annual STEM & Geology Teacher Workshops, our educators are equipped with first-hand insights into the history, science, geology, and diverse career pathways of the natural energy industry that they can bring back to the classroom.

Exposing students to real-world applications of geology and STEM can open their eyes to the opportunities that are in their backyard. By supporting our teachers and fostering energy literacy among our youth, we create a well-informed generation that understands the importance of Ohio’s resources.

Investing in energy education is a direct investment in our youth and ensuring that Ohio’s natural gas and oil industry continues to be powered by homegrown talent.

BRUCE TAGUE

executive director,

Ohio Natural Energy Institute

Pataskala