A vote for Warren issue means everything to schools

A vote for Warren issue means everything to schools
EDITOR:
The Warren City School District has instructed, influenced and guided some of the most distinguished students who have gone on to become leaders not only in our community but across the United States. Our teaching staff and school buildings have served us admirably, but just as good teachers take leave after years of service, the time has come to "retire" our school buildings.
Our buildings have served our children and the community well with the average span of service being 68 years. The great news is we now have the opportunity to build brand new schools that will be instrumental in thrusting our children into the 21st century at a fraction of the cost. However, we need to act fast.
The Ohio School Facilities Commission has agreed to fund 81 percent of the construction cost for new school buildings. This means more than $137 million for the Warren City School District. To receive this funding, the citizens of Warren must first show their commitment to our children and this project with the passage of a bond issue that will supply the financial support for the balance of the construction expenses. This translates into a 6.5-mill bond issue -- Issue 2 on the November ballot.
The passage of this bond issue will cost 27 cents a day for the owner of a $50,000 home, 41 cents a day for the owner of a $75,000 home, and 55 cents a day for the owner of a $100,000 home. This equals a very profitable deal not only for our students but the community.
New schools enhance the economic vitality and increase real estate values. The new buildings will not only be used for our students during the school year but will be open to the community. Residents of all ages will be able to request safe, well-lighted and well-equipped facilities for a variety of after-hours activities such as adult education classes and family and community group meetings.
This opportunity will not last long. There are more than 450 school districts in Ohio waiting in line behind Warren City Schools to apply for these funds, so time is of the essence.
Nov. 4, let us show the children of Warren and our community-at-large that we believe in their future. Vote for Issue 2 and the bonds to build new schools.
THOMAS W. KLINGEMAN
Warren
Unpatriotic attacks must end
EDITOR:
Are you as tired of political spin as I am? Do you feel the media's & quot;open season & quot; on our government leaders is excessive and out of control? I cannot believe the level of disrespect the media has for our president and other senior government leaders. It seems anything goes if a story can be made of something. Forget about patriotism when there is a media buck involved.
I am particularly upset over the accusations of President Bush having "lied" to Congress and the American public concerning the need to go to war in Iraq. Our president based his decision on the soundest intelligence available at the time. The CIA is the final stop, and the best we have.
The president also relied upon British reports coming from one of the very best intelligence agencies in the world, concerning possible uranium sales from Niger. The British were absolutely convinced that their intelligence was accurate. Tony Blair has stood by the U.S.A. through the toughest of times, unlike the two-faced spineless French, and President Bush had no reason to doubt their intelligence.
Our president was absolutely correct in his decision to prevent Iraq from sponsoring an attack against anyone, or carrying out an attack with its own troops. Ted Kennedy is no patriot and neither is anyone else who takes the opportunity to attack our president for their own political gain.
It is time to get back into a true American patriotism mindset, and we need to support our president in a unified front for all the world to see. Our president recognizes the importance of a strong Christian faith, knowing that it was upon Christian principles that this country was built and blessed by almighty God. We should give thanks everyday for being so blessed with such a courageous leader and a man of true conviction, honesty, and integrity.
LARRY SCHULER
Canfield