Problems never solved by running away from them

Problems never solved by running away from them
EDITOR:
My letter is in response to a June 19 article in The Vindicator. I really have no problem with people in Boardman being concerned with increased traffic in their neighborhood, and I can appreciate their problem. However, I take exception to comments made by Larry Liguore, a former Boardman trustee.
I reside in the city of Youngstown on a street that is no more than a mile from the area in question. We take pride in our well kept neighborhood that has had very few problems in the 19 years that we have had our home.
Mr. Liguore was quoted as saying that his community was "the last bastion between Boardman and what has happened to Youngstown" and "the protection of Boardman as a whole depends on how we protect this neighborhood."
Perhaps Mr. Liguore has failed to realize that the economic problems my city is experiencing, which by proven statistics lead to an increase in crime, are because of people who elected to move to the suburbs and leave the problems here behind rather than try to offer any solutions. But running away has never solved any of them.
Sure our crime is a little higher, but we choose to report all of our crime, not hide from it and keep it a secret. If traffic is truly your concern, perhaps you should look at the areas of Market and U.S. Route 224 and 224 and South Avenue. The traffic problems there are worse than any place in Youngstown.
Mr. Liguore, believe me when I tell you that the boogie man doesn't live in Youngstown, Ohio. Sure, just like your township, our city has its share of problems and crime, but our city officials have done a great job in working toward solving those problems.
If you're so afraid of the people in Youngstown, all that I can offer to you is this bit of advice: Stay in your suburb, don't come into the evil city where all of the bad people live. Don't attend our university, don't come to our sporting events, don't come to our hospitals and don't attend functions at our playhouses and museums.
Live and work in your safe, little world where there are no bad people.
If you're so afraid of the people in the city, perhaps you should move into the country and surround your farm with a big high fence. While I wish you success in maintaining a neighborhood heritage you can be proud of, I can't help but wonder what you are actually protecting it from.
BOB GUYAN
Youngstown
In the summer time, kids out of school get into too much trouble
EDITOR:
A big problem in America is the long summer off given to school students. America is the only nation that gives over two months off during the summer.
Families that are well off and have both parents can afford to entertain their children during this time. Poorer families and single parent families don't have the time or money to keep their kids busy during the summer.
The saying, "An idle mind is the devil's workshop" is true in this case. I have spoken to children on my block and they have told me that they are bored and would like to go back to school.
Teachers should work all year round just like other workers. They should be well paid and also trained to teach children to cope with problems in life, relationships, work and character.
Our children are doing poorly in comparison to the world because of this excessive time off when they have nothing positive to do. This leads to young people getting bored and committing crimes.
It is time for America to change this ridiculous custom which is hurting children, families and communities.
This is not to excuse parents but to aide them. We are to help the weak, as Jesus commands us, and the best way to start is to continue education during the summer months with play and recreation included in the program.
LEO FEHER
Youngstown