Girard police chief thanks community for its support

Girard police chief thankscommunity for its support
EDITOR:
I have served under 10 mayors, several safety directors and many councilmen in my 50 years of service. Some were good, some not so good; possibly someday I will have the opportunity to evaluate them as they have evaluated me over the years.
Although I have not received a raise in several years, I consider myself the richest man on earth. I have a loving and caring wife and family, great friends and neighbors who have supported and stood by me through the troubled times. I would also like to say a special thanks to the Ursuline Nuns, and the Oblate nuns for all their prayers and concern for me over my years as a police officer. They have always been there for me. I would also like to thank Dr. John Altier for keeping me alive. He is not only my doctor, he's a very close friend.
I have enjoyed and loved serving and protecting the citizens of Girard. I know there were times I let them down and possibly embarrassed them. For that, I publicly apologize. I have made my share of mistakes; I'm only human. But I feel deep in my heart I have done more good than bad for the community. I have reached out and touched people. I have made a difference, especially with the children who needed the guidance, help and understanding they did not have or were looking for.
I will continue to do my best and what is best for this community no matter the criticism I am subjected to by the media and select members of the public. I will continue to protect and serve the very old, the very young and all those in between until I retire.
I thank you for all the kindness you have shown my wife and I over the years with your cards, letters and prayers. Also to all those in public service in and around the Mahoning Valley who have supported me and contacted me on my 50 years of service, thank you. It meant so much to be remembered.
In closing I would like to quote the motto of the F.O.E., which states: "Although some people will scoff, and jest, a life of service is the best." I truly believe that. And finally, please remember, "I walked the beat, I took the heat and I'm still on my feet".
Chief ANTHONY "BUSTER" ROSS
Girard
XThe writer recently announced his retirement as Girard chief of police.
Dumping of septic wastedraws concern in Jackson
EDITOR:
As an almost 50-year resident of Jackson Township, I, like many others, am concerned about the dumping of raw septic waste on township land.
When the present sewer system was installed along Mahoning Avenue in the early 1970s, we were told by the county sanitary engineer that our township was the major polluter of Meander Reservoir. The sewer, which was Phase I of a three-part plan, was to eliminate many septic tanks in Jackson Township. Phase I has been a godsend for those of us who live on Mahoning Avenue, but for the lack of funding, Phase II and Phase III of the project were never begun.
For more than 100 years, Jackson Township has been known for its marshes ad wetlands, and yet the Mahoning County Board of Health has found it all right to allow septic waste dumping close to Morrison Run, which runs directly into Meander. How is future runoff going to avoid further pollution to the area water supply?
In a rural area, septic systems are a necessity. I am one of the lucky ones who has access to the Phase I sewer line, but I am still a citizen of Jackson Township, and I am very concerned about the additional pollution of the regional water supply.
The local zoning inspector is taking the unearned blame for this mistake. Where was the board of health, the watchdog of public health in the county, when this new pollution threat was allowed to happen?
MARGARET GOLDNER
North Jackson