Here's my answer to taxes and to those who seek them

Here's my answer to taxes and to those who seek them
EDITOR:
I think it's time for all of us to wake up. Every year, there's a new tax levy on the ballot, whether it be for schools, roads (there's a joke), police, fire or whatever. And people are silly enough to pass them. Why don't we all do in elections what we have to do at home; tell our elected officials to tighten their belts and get the job done with the funds they have. If they can't do it, then maybe we should elect others who might have a better idea of how to live within their means.
Enough is enough. Several years ago, the Ohio Supreme Court found that property tax was not a constitutional way to collect school taxes. It's still being done the same way and our property taxes continue to rise. Then this nitwit governor (yes, I'm ashamed to say, I did vote for him) decides he needs more money to do less, and taxes things that were never taxable as well as an additional 5 cents on the gasoline tax that was already too much. Have you bought the license plates for your car yet? Renewed your driver's license lately? Surprise!
Gasoline prices, heating oil costs, natural gas prices, and let's not forget the tax on the opportunity to use our telephones and cell phones. One could go on all day adding to the list of ways our elected officials figure out to get into our checkbooks.
In 1773, the people of this country sent the King of England a message in the Boston Harbor. No more taxation without representation. In 2004, I've come to the conclusion that taxation with representation is worse.
There's a simple solution. If it's a renewal tax, vote no. If it's a new tax, vote hell no. If they're in office, vote 'em out!
ROY W. STRAIGHT
Boardman
When bad weather hits,cancel classes, for the sakeof students and teachers
EDITOR:
This letter is to express discontent with the Youngstown City School Superintendent, Ben McGee. On Tuesday, Jan. 27, Mr. McGee refused to close the city schools. All other districts surrounding Youngstown did the most logical thing and canceled school.
Youngstown is the biggest school district around. We have more walking students than any other district. Youngstown has a policy for students that live within a mile of their schools must walk. On this very treacherous, icy, snowy day, why have our kids braving the elements for school? The sidewalks are covered with snow and ice, so they have no place to walk but in the street. We all know that is not safe today, because the cars do not have traction on ice either.
If Mr. McGee was thinking about the many teachers, who would receive pay Tuesday without working, then he should have thought about the ones who will try to maintain a classroom without any students. They are on the job trying to maintain some kind of stability, although they cannot effectively teach. Many of their children were home, not having to brave the elements. Secondly, Mr. McGee should be a little more concerned about the welfare of his teachers, who must drive into the district. Many of them who made it to work, had to worry about driving home in the evening.
I think Mr. McGee made a bad decision not canceling the Youngstown city schools. I hope in the future he thinks about the students and his teachers.
MARY AVERY
Youngstown