One-party rule hurts, no matter which party

One-party rule hurts,no matter which party
EDITOR:
I was intrigued by a quote in the local section of the Oct. 5 Vindicator. In the article, "Democrats plug away despite poll results," state Sen. Leigh Herington, Democratic candidate for attorney general, states, "There's a disadvantage to one-party rule." It is a complaint that I recall being made by Tim Hagan during an earlier campaign visit to the area. Interestingly, it seems the dominance of the Republican Party on the state level is viewed as detrimental to us, but here locally the even longer-standing, ingrained grip of the Democrats is seen as a virtue of dependability, and a commitment to some values and beliefs that reflect our past as a blue-collar, ethnic community.
I strongly believe that we have hurt ourselves by being so narrow in our view of those whom we can support, politically. The Democrats ignore us, because they can be assured of a "big vote" from the area (to paraphrase Tim Hagan). The Republicans get no credit for whatever they do for the area, because it is either never enough, or minimized as pure politics. In this regard, I plan to vote for Ann Womer Benjamin for Congress. I do believe her experience and successful efforts on behalf of the Valley will serve us well. But even more importantly, it may get the attention of both the Democrats and the Republicans, and demonstrate to them that they need to be attentive to our needs, and compete for our votes.
As Sen. Herington said in the article, "Democrats holding all the offices is as bad as Republicans holding all the offices."
T. L. WAGNER
Youngstown
Zoning is designed to protect property values
EDITOR:
I'm writing in regard to the 379-acre & quot;commerce park & quot; proposed for Austintown. As a lifelong resident of Austintown it alarms me that zoning can be changed from agriculture to industry with very little regard for the homes and neighborhoods surrounding it. Our homes are a major investment for most of us. Good zoning should protect our investment. There is room for development on Victoria Road which is already zoned for industry. Bring it on! No roads need to be built or expanded, buffer zones aren't an issue and Victoria Road is near state Rt. 11 and I-80.
Trustee Rich Edwards says, & quot;There is no weak point in this plan. & quot; If jumping from agriculture to industry isn't a weak point then this can and will happen to anyone living in Austintown who has a for sale sign near them!
How do we know that later they won't want to open up Rutland or connect Mahoning Avenue all the way to Lanterman? Who's going to take care of the upkeep and drainage issues? The employment projections have gone up and down like a yo-yo depending on the mood of the proponents. Elected officials, it is your job to protect us. Property values should go up, not down, by the decisions you make. As voters and concerned citizens of Austintown we need to be informed before we vote for the people who are representing us.
JOANNE WILLIAMS
Austintown
Even high-cost freshener can't clear Trumbull air
EDITOR:
There is a terrible smell coming from Trumbull County and I don't think over $17,000 in air freshness is going to make it go away. I commend The Vindicator for picking up the "scent" and spending a lot of time in getting the figures to the public and county officials.
I hope that all the agencies that are conducting investigations into these matters make sure their were no kickbacks or other illegal activity going on. I wonder if all these departments are keeping their material safety data sheets up to date and organized.
RICH HARVEY
McDonald