City residents must be part of the solution

City residents must be part of the solution
EDITOR:
I am writing this letter in response to a May 31 letter from a very community-minded resident who singled out Youngstown Weed & amp; Seed's efforts as being responsible for the problems and then asked the reading audience to help her make the decision of whether or not she should move.
The federally funded Weed & amp; Seed program is not a magic wand that will solve all of our social problems, cut all the high grass and make parents teach their children to respect adults and take care of the community.
What the program does do is bring law enforcement and community residents to the table to identify problems and work on solutions together. We assist residents in solving neighborhood problems by making them aware of the resources available to them and by helping them to build relationships with various city departments.
Residents can no longer enjoy the luxury of complaining about problems and waiting for someone else to take care of them. They must become a part of the solution.
I suggest that the writer become an active member of her neighborhood block watch, or we will help her to start one.
As far as the high grass is concerned, she can complain to the city about the grass, but with over 5,000 vacant lots in the city the property near her will probably be cut only once or twice. Her second choice is to gather her neighbors together and cut the grass, resulting in a nicer looking neighborhood, safer and healthier for the community. As for the garbage and trash, again the writer has two choices: complain, which results in the trash sitting right where it is, or organize a neighborhood cleanup.
I also invite the writer to become a member of our Community Policing Committee and learn first-hand how extensive the efforts of YPD and other law enforcement agencies really are.
Major efforts have been made to keep students on the sidewalks during their walk home from school. Parents must accept the responsibility for teaching their children safe practices. There is a city ordinance in place that says that pedestrians must use the sidewalks, so if this is an ongoing problem in your neighborhood, call the police department.
Drug dealing is a problem on the South Side of Youngstown, as well as in every town and city in the country. When a resident sees drug activity in their neighborhood, it must be reported to the proper authorities. We know that people are often afraid to do so and we will do everything we can to keep your identity anonymous. However, always keep in mind that & quot;when good people remain silent, evil will prevail. & quot;
Why should the writer stay? That's a question that she has to answer herself. However, I can remind her that blight has a stranglehold on the city because so many people have fled. They pay higher taxes and live in neighborhoods that are newer and shinier. However, there is nowhere you can go that will protect you from the social ills that are present all around us. Recent news articles are proof of that.
VERONICA FOSTER
Youngstown
X The writer is the Weed & amp; Seed site coordinator.
Chamber happy with Hot Rod Super Nationals
EDITOR:
As an organization that continues its mission of promoting economic development throughout the Mahoning Valley, the Youngstown/Warren Chamber of Commerce wants to commend Tom Lyden and his staff at the Youngstown-Mahoning County Convention & amp; Visitors Bureau for leading the charge at last week's Hot Rod Super Nationals.
It is estimated that more than $13 million was pumped back into the local economy with this year's event. That revenue not only helps many of our member companies but all companies that serve a tourist trade.
It was so encouraging to see the thousands of spectators lining up along S.R. 224 for three full nights from Canfield to the Boardman line. It sends a strong message to those hundreds of hot rod participants from all across the country that this area is alive and well and very receptive to an event like the Super Nationals.
It also goes a long way in promoting a more positive image of this region. We know those participants will go back to their home states and towns with a positive view to share with others about the Youngstown area.
It is our hope that more events promoting the positive aspects of the Valley will continue as we send a clear message to the rest of the country that we do have a lot to offer. To companies worldwide looking to expand, we continue to send the message that the Mahoning Valley has many advantages for these companies and their employees, including a lower cost of living, affordable housing and a dedicated work force.
Along with those positive factors, quality of life issues are always important. Events like the Hot Rod Super Nationals highlight that quality of life.
THOMAS M. HUMPHRIES
GREG SHERLOCK
Warren
X The writers are respectively president and vice president, media and communications, of the Youngstown/Warren Regional Chamber of Commerce.
Boardman businesses will benefit from concerts
EDITOR:
I just want to say "You Go Bull and Bear Tavern. & quot; No one in the Boardman business area will be complaining when their restaurants are packed, and the wait staff and bartenders are going home with their pockets full of tips on the busy concert nights.
We won't hear anyone boo-hooing when their restaurants, hotels, stores, etc. are doing great business on those nights! Our area needs a boost, and the B & amp; B is giving a great push to bring business to our area.
MARY WILLIAMS
Canfield
Grateful to Bishop Tobin
EDITOR:
Speaking from experience, the Catholic bishops I've known have always listened to my opinion and followed through to resolve any problems, especially problems of injustice.
Last month, I wrote to Bishop Tobin about a pressing problem regarding an injustice that had happened to me. (I didn't request any return call or letter from the bishop.)
Much to my surprise, Bishop Tobin wrote me a letter in response, stating he cared and resolved my dilemma. Evidently, my opinion was worthwhile an important. Bishop Tobin is an exemplary leader of our Catholic diocese. We should all feel proud and self-assured to know he will be attending any Catholic bishops meetings.
DOLORES GRIFFIN
Vienna