Some may call it pork; I call it help for the Valley

Some may call it pork;I call it help for the Valley
EDITOR:
In an April 16 letter to The Vindicator titled "Ryan showed irresponsibility by supporting pork bill," the writer expressed dismay at my vote in favor of the recently passed six-year transportation reauthorization bill, but failed to mention that the bill provides significant funding for many projects here in the 17th District.
I supported the legislation because improving and maintaining our transportation system creates jobs for Americans and boosts our nation's economy. The U.S. Department of Transportation calculates that every $1 billion invested in transportation generates 47,500 jobs. But most important, I voted for the legislation because of the jobs and economic development it will create in our community. In addition to formula funding for maintenance, upgrades and other programs, the legislation includes $14 million in funding that I secured for 10 priority projects in the 17th Congressional District.
Just a few of the examples that benefit the Mahoning Valley:
*$3 million for the Mahoning River Corridor of Opportunity, a former steel mill site that is being redeveloped for industrial usage.
*$2 million to purchase right of way for the Hubbard Arterial.
*$1.5 million for the Warren Riverwalk project.
*$500,000 to repair the bridge into the McDonald industrial area.
*$2 million for safety improvements at the state routes 82 and 46 interchange in Niles.
The transportation bill may not be perfect, but as the congressman for the 17th District I seek the greatest advantage for my constituents. So while some may call the $14 million pork, the fact is that this bill will provide funding for projects that will help revitalize the Valley's economy and improve our quality of life.
TIM RYAN
Member of Congress
Traficant is doing his time;now let's leave him alone
EDITOR:
I am writing in regard to David Skolnick's column on April 16. Does Mr. Skolnick have no other political news to write about, that he has to harass Jim Traficant?
Mr. Traficant was found guilty, is doing his time and he is still being kicked when he's down. I think your political columnist shows poor taste in choosing his topics. Mr. Traficant isn't a threat to anyone sitting in prison. But yet some "punk" has to go and put just one more dig in.
Everyone makes mistakes in life, and sooner or later we all pay for them. I hope that Mr. Skolnick never finds himself on a downside in his life. Because he'll get kicked when he's down, too!
CATHY CHANCE
Austintown
Shopping for flowers?Cemetery is not a store
EDITOR:
This letter is to address the issue of cemetery theft. In particular, the individuals who slither from under their rocks to steal flowers from graves.
A cemetery is hallowed ground. The people resting there have gone to find peace and freedom from pain and sickness to a place called Heaven.
We lost our wonderful husband and father May 26, 2003. To say there is a great void in our lives would be a huge understatement. There is an emptiness and loneliness that these heartless individuals couldn't understand.
The day before Easter we took a grapevine basket with two pots of yellow tulips and a bow to Lake Park Cemetery. Also in the basket was a tiny angel that a 6-year-old girl bought for her beloved Papa, whom she dearly misses.
We went to the cemetery April 14 and, to our shock, Dad's flowers were gone. We were told at the office that their staff wouldn't have removed them, so we know they were stolen.
Do these thieves realize they aren't stealing from the cemetery? They are stealing from grieving families. It is pathetic!
The only thing we can do for our husband and dad is to bring flowers to the cemetery for him.
How sick and twisted people have to be to shop for flowers at a cemetery!
MITZI OYLER
New Springfield