If they build it, we will come: It's time to get the arena

If they build it, we will come:It's time to get the arena
EDITOR:
We lifelong residents of Youngstown are very happy with the progress in the past several weeks on the delayed convocation center. We are anxious to see ground broken and the project under way.
In response to a recent letter, the latest selected site is ideal, get it built. It is good thinking to limit the adjacent parking and utilize the lots within downtown.
The perspective in Youngstown is misleading. It seems to be so far, looking from the proposed site to the area of YSU stadium. However, in all other metropolitan centers, a person walks that far without hesitation. Actually, it is only 0.6 of a mile from Spring Common and/or Stambaugh Stadium to the proposed site.
Being in a flood plain, even thinking about it, is ridiculous. So, if two or three events are canceled every 100 years, so what? My home isn't in a flood plain but it is in the snow belt. I've shoveled ice and snow every day for the past six weeks.
Years ago we frequently attended events in Cleveland Municipal Stadium when over 80,000 seats were available. It was common practice to park in Shaker Heights, five miles from the stadium, and continue on the rapid transit to downtown.
Similarly, fans from East Liverpool could park at McKay's Corners and take a WRTA to downtown to the arena which is also on South Avenue. It would be thrilling for elderly or handicapped to board a trolley to the event from parking in a YSU lot.
We've done enough talking and writing for five years. Let's build it!
FRANK A. RUSSO
Youngstown
No reason for Brady Billto take aim at Amish, too
EDITOR:
I'm responding to Jessica Sauer's article "Brady Bill has disarmed the Amish" that was in the paper on Jan. 11. The article was about whether part of the Brady Bill should be waived for the Amish.
The bill states that a photo ID is required for a license for owning a gun. I believe that waiving the bill for the Amish would make life easier for the Amish. It's outrageous that the Amish have had to struggle to get their everyday needs.
Amish have very high religious beliefs; they believe that a photograph can "rob the soul." If any Amish person refused to get a photo ID due to a religious reason, I don't believe that a person of such extreme faith would ever use a gun to harm anyone, or for anything that would be considered "criminal."
The Amish need guns for hunting, so they have no other choice than to go against their religious beliefs, and also against their family.
What happened to the freedom of religion? Doesn't this sound like the Amish are being forced to let go of their faith? I believe it does. I also believe that a Amish man who had to get an ID would be a minority in their Amish community. Going against their community's religious beliefs might put emotional problems for that individual.
In my opinion, the Brady Bill should be waived for the Amish. If the bill is waived for them, then there are other alternatives to the photo ID. After struggling with the bill's requirements for over 10 years, I think the Amish should be treated fairly.
ALICIA ALLISON
North Jackson
Region overlooks blacksfor political appointments
EDITOR:
As an African-American and Mahoning County resident, taxpayer and voter, I am truly appalled as are other African-Americans in Mahoning County that here in the 21st century the Mahoning County Democratic and Republican parties have truly failed to make progress in aggressively and actively recruiting, supporting, endorsing and appointing qualified African-Americans for countywide elected office in Mahoning County because of politics as usual, and that must end.
I believe that there is no excuses at this day and time in Mahoning County history for the Mahoning County Democratic and Republican parties to never have elected or appointed good qualified African-American Democrats or Republicans for countywide office in Mahoning County because they are out there elected and nonelected -- in the public sector as well as the private sector.
I truly believe as do other African-Americans in Mahoning that the century-old political culture and politics in Mahoning County of only supporting Caucasians and the status quo by both parties must end now! If Mahoning County is to truly become great, for all residents.
WILLIE JAMES RICHARDS
Youngstown