Watching the grass crew offered insights to our woes

Watching the grass crewoffered insights to our woes
EDITOR:
Right near the 224 exit on 680 on July 7, I watched in amazement as a grass-cutting crew ran over everything in its path, including large chunks of litter, which then became smaller chunks of litter blowing all over. Since it was past noon, I'm certain this was not a group of government employees. It had to have been contract workers (cheaper, but apparently as intellectually challenged as their unionized government brothers).
What kind of dimwit would not pick up the litter FIRST? You can be certain that it won't be picked up at all now, and even if that was the plan. The plastic bags, foam cups, cans, bottles, etc., are now in that many more pieces to collect in streams and along side roads and generally make the area look like a hellhole.
Not only should the person who did the cutting be fired and barred from doing this work again, but the government employee who didn't arrange to have the litter picked up BEFORE the cutting should be too. But only after the responsible person gets a couple of garbage bags and cleans up the mess. Of course that won't happen -- ever.
This area is polluted with trash along roads and streams more than any place I have ever been.
One of the most absurd things is the Green Team/Recycling Agency now has a billboard up in Austintown reminding people not to throw cigarette butts out their window. The absurd thing is not the sign, but that it is needed. It is a crime in Ohio to throw out cigarette butts from a vehicle, but it is not enforced. Know why? Take a look at the cop next to you next time you are driving down the road. You think he is going to write someone up when he is doing the same thing?
You'd think ALL the local police departments would have enough sense to:
1. Prohibit smoking in cruisers in the first place (and maybe they do, but you'd never know it).
2. Take the opportunity presented after stopping someone throwing trash/cigarette butts from their car and maybe find a DUI or drug possession arrest fall into their laps.
Maybe we could have some of the people on welfare get off their lazy rear ends and pick up some of the trash off the roads. It isn't as though they have a job to go to. A little less time watching Jerry Springer, sleeping or drinking beer all afternoon might be a new and better way to spend the day. And yes, I called them lazy, because they ARE lazy.
MATT DITCHEY
Austintown
How long will Ohio watchgaming revenue pass us by?
EDITOR:
Congratulations to Pennsylvania Gov. Ed Rendell and all its home owners who will soon enjoy the economic benefits that expanded gaming delivers. In addition, it will prove to be a wonderful boon to the many attractions Pennsylvania already has to offer.
Pennsylvania will receive up to $50 million per each license fee from future slot parlors. In addition, the state will keep 34 percent of the anticipated $3 billion spent on this exciting form of entertainment. Apparently that's just too much excitement for Ohio politicians.
Our neighbor West Virginia has had to endure all the dazzle that slot gaming has to offer. Politicians there seem to handle the $270 million received in gaming distributions accordingly. Over 4,600 residents were employed in the racetrack casino industry there, up from 3,995 last year, according to the American Gaming Association.
Perhaps Ohio would achieve greater benefit to follow Michigan's lead by allowing casino gaming, which employs better than 8,000 people at wages exceeding $360 million.
Ohio on the other hand remains unchanged. Certainly we still have many attractions of our own. Apparently these attractions are enough to keep Ohio residents from leaving the state and spending their discretionary income elsewhere.
I'm ready for a change of thinking in our state's politicians. If Pennsylvania can do it, I'm sure we can as well.
ERNEST GALGOZY
Warren