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To remove the Cortland mayor, be sure to vote “NO” in the recall election. Don’t be confused by the ballot wording. The ballot asks whether you want the mayor to continue to serve — yes or no. So to remove the mayor, you need to vote “NO” indicating that you do not want the mayor to continue. — Cortland Is Martha Yoder going to explain where she got the $89,354.00 ($80,857.00 in principal and $8,497.00 in interest) recently repaid to Bazetta Township? Hopefully the taxpayers of Trumbull County are not footing this restitution! — Cortland Hats off to those who helped ...

Give Venezuela’s Maduro the Noriega treatment

DEAR EDITOR: To those who think the U.S. military should take out Venezuelan leader Maduro, accused of stealing the election by military force — know the history. Manuel Noriega, the dictator of Panama, who was trafficking in drugs and racketeering, took refuge in the Vatican Embassy on Dec. 24, 1989, and eventually surrendered. He was captured by U.S. forces and special operations units. Navy SEALs and Delta Forces, on Jan. 3, 1990, (I love this part) pressured Noriega with loud music for 10 days. The songs they played were “Voodoo Child,” “You’re No Good” and “I ...

Rethink behavioral health: the advantage of community

DEAR EDITOR: Mental health services empower wellness, inspire hope and support compassionate care that meets patients where they are. Historic barriers like stigma, fear of judgment and limited access once kept people from seeking mental and behavioral health treatment. Today, that reality is shifting. Increased awareness, education and advocacy have sparked cultural change, encouraging more individuals to prioritize mental well-being. In fact, nearly a quarter (23.9%) of U.S. adults received mental health treatment in 2023, and young adults have led the way, with treatment rates ...

Ohio needs much stronger animal welfare initiative

DEAR EDITOR: I am writing to share with you an initiative I am working on to promote animal welfare in Ohio. I am currently developing a comprehensive bill that aims to ensure the humane care and safety of animals, particularly dogs, in various environments and weather conditions. The bill outlines guidelines for animal owners, caregivers and animal welfare organizations to provide adequate shelter, nutrition, and care for animals. It also includes provisions for reporting concerns and neglect, as well as penalties for noncompliance. As someone who is passionate about animal ...

Mike Watson brought joy to Valley children

DEAR EDITOR: For over 40 years there was a very selfless, kind and very merry Santa, who has left us with heavy hearts. We lost Mike Watson, who has been Santa Claus in our Valley every Christmas season, listening to over 2,000 children’s requests for Santa’s presents every year. Naturally, 100,000 children over the years were delighted to hear the ”Ho-Ho-Ho” of a Santa gone way too early — who made children’s hearts light up and whose presence felt so special as he shared their secret requests. A gentle man who has heard the requests of kids — who would hear a ...

Many priests are becoming overwhelmed, overworked

DEAR EDITOR: Recently the pastor of our Roman Catholic parish in Boardman, St. Catherine of Siena, resigned. The word was that the parish responsibilities overwhelmed him. It is easy to understand how that might be. It wasn’t long ago that three priests were assigned to handle the parish duties for St. Charles as well as the neighboring parish St. Luke, which was also his assignment. I don’t think his case is an exception. I believe many priests today who are well-meaning and dedicated are faced with much stress, the feeling of being overwhelmed and burned out by the ...