Wednesday, December 24, 2003
Fellow voters, it is our rightto question elected officials
EDITOR:
On Nov. 4, a large majority of people who could have voted in Springfield Township, Mahoning County, joined others across the United States and sat on their hands. There was only one tax issue on the ballot and it passed. I take no position on that particular tax, but I question tactics used by our elected officials. Before the election I heard nothing about officials needing additional taxes for the schools. Exactly two weeks after the election, the school board is planning a way to raise taxes of an additional $1.2 million.
I do take a position on this tax!
Until the teachers start working at least a full part-time schedule (without so many expensive substitutes who are nothing more than baby sitters) and until they get their benefit plans in line with the common folks in the private sector, I say vote no on all taxes. Elected officials know that multiple tax issues draw voters out of their apathy, so they collude to sneak one tax at a time through.
Also another important issue will be on the next couple ballots. Our 61st District state representative, John Boccieri, has been called to active duty. He plans to continue to hold his office and will draw his generous salary and benefits even though his constituents will have no vote on any issues that affect them. For nearly two decades we had very little voice in Congress because of the self-serving convicted felon who served only his special-interest constituents or photo op causes.
Mr. Boccieri is very patriotic and is to be commended for being willing to serve his country when called, but at this point in time the people of the 61st District need as loud a voice as can be used in the state House. His service would be a huge plus if he decides to get back to the political trough when his military service is complete -- and he is again available to do the handsomely paid job he holds now.
ROBERT J. HUSTED
New Springfield
Mall's reason for not usinga black Santa makes sense
EDITOR:
After reading and rereading the two articles by your reporters about the Eastwood Mall Santa incident, I can't help responding. It seems that in the first article it says that a group from the Youngstown Playhouse had volunteered to do a skit, to get free advertising. The Santa that the mall had hired didn't show so Ms. Beasley-Martin offered up her son, who happens to be black, to play the part of Santa.
What the article didn't mention until the Saturday edition is that they were told that they needed a white Santa because they had a Santa hired for pictures with children close by and the two Santas would need to be similar to convince the kids of Santa's authenticity. Simple as that.
Having known Melissa Householder, the marketing manager, for about eight years now, I can guarantee that she in no way meant to offend anyone. What is anyone in her position that has an event to put on going to do when at 11:55 A.M. the second Santa doesn't arrive? It's easy, find another one that looks like the one behind the wall for pictures!
I have to wonder what Ms. Beasley-Martin's intentions were to find a lawyer and call The Vindicator and the news channels.
This is ridiculous to make such a fiasco about the whole thing! She does not work for the mall and has no right to choose who will play Santa.
So, in closing, I say to Ms. Beasley-Martin, I don't think this is what the Youngstown Playhouse had in mind for free advertising, and it seems that you and your son have had your five minutes of fame. So get over it.
LYNN DUNN
Youngstown