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Letters to the Editor

Ohio lawmakers must follow the rules

DEAR EDITOR: Ohio is the only state in the country with a constitution that requires a redraw of its congressional map this year. If they follow the rules as they are intended, lawmakers are expected to hold public hearings and then pass a new congressional map with bipartisan support by Sept. 30. Instead, Republicans in Columbus are dragging their feet by refusing to introduce their own map, blocking hearings on the Democrats’ proposed map, and essentially stonewalling a debate between the two parties on a new map. This is exactly the kind of political gamesmanship voters tried ...

Sound off!

Ursuline parents should stop wasting time and money by filing suit to have their boys play football for another school. Only three games remain. They should, instead, go after the ones responsible for this mess: the boys who committed the crime and the administrators and coaches who ignored it. If those adults had reported it in June, there would have been a different outcome. And, by the way, there are more important things than playing a football game. — Warren MEDAL OF FREEDOM: Trump says Rudy Giuliani, Ben Carson, Roger Penske and Charlie Kirk. I say NO, should be: Deborah ...

Vetting candidates for office matters

DEAR EDITOR: If you are seeking elected office, it is reasonable to expect that you understand how the township is financially structured and how its budgets are managed. That means requesting records, attending meetings and gaining a clear picture of the township’s fiscal operations. Running for office is, in many ways, like applying for a job — and the taxpayers are effectively the hiring committee. When voters ask about your qualifications, experience and understanding of fiscal responsibility, those questions are not incidental; they are essential. Taxpayers must be diligent ...

Consider all forms of taxation in Ohio

DEAR EDITOR: It’s good that Ohio has several forms of taxation — income, property, sales, fees, etc., because each affects people in a different way. That’s why serious tax discussions have to involve every form allowing for equity and efficiency. The discussion must include both levying taxes and giving tax breaks. This can’t be done overnight or on a whim. Be serious. JANET HAZLETTE Warren

The best choice is to resist and repent

DEAR EDITOR: We have come to a time where people need to choose in our country. Between Trump, racism, fascism, dictatorship and many other evils or in WE THE PEOPLE, freedom and our country. To my old friends who claim to be Christians and support President Donald Trump and Republicans now, your time is limited for you to repent and change your ways. All you have to do is compare these 3 things that Jesus taught to what you are supporting to know if you are following Jesus. Help the sick, help feed the poor and the hungry, support and do “no violence.” There are more, like ...

Speaking of dialogue, were voices heard?

DEAR EDITOR: Bill Johnson’s op-ed announcing “The Youngstown State Commitment” opens by stating that Youngstown State University is “a vibrant intellectual community dedicated to the pursuit of truth, knowledge, and mutual understanding.” As such, this begs an answer to a simple question with respect to the development of the “Commitment” — what process was used to seek input from the university community regarding the development of that commitment? Given the immediate access to a plethora of highly educated professionals from the full range of relevant ...