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Letters to the Editor

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 ...

We must protect our American forests

DEAR EDITOR: The Endangered Species Act is tremendously flexible, requiring that federal, state, tribal and local officials work collaboratively together to protect endangered wildlife. If ordinary citizens like me do not support it, who will?! President Donald Trump may know something about corporate giveaways and handouts to billionaires, but he clearly doesn’t know what it takes to protect a community or manage a landscape. Pristine forests are the heart of our public lands. They are socially, ecologically and economically valuable just as they are. Opening up our ...

Rep. Joyce should support Goldie’s Act

DEAR EDITOR: As someone who feels strongly that no animal deserves to suffer, I urge our representative, Rep. Dave Joyce, to co-sponsor Goldie’s Act (H.R. 349) this Congress. Goldie’s Act is a lifesaving bill that will ensure that the U.S. Department of Agriculture enforces the Animal Welfare Act as intended. For decades, the USDA has repeatedly failed to take meaningful action to protect animals in federally licensed facilities — despite its obligation to do so under federal law. This bill will change that. Goldie’s Act will require the USDA to conduct more frequent and ...