Something to be ashamed of

Something to be ashamed of
EDITOR:
Shame on us, the residents of Austintown, for not passing the levy for our safety forces. And shame on you, Lisa Oles. The forces backed you when you needed them, but you sure did not stand behind them. Shame on Ron Verb, who used his radio clout to personally kill the levy. And shame on Austintown residents who sit in front of the radio and are swayed by the opinion of a talk-show host because they are too lazy to attend a trustees meeting to find out the facts.
Why should our police officers have to go begging door to door for our support after 10 years of not asking? Why should they put their lives on the line for a community that will not support them? We have become known as a community where crime is easy. That supports real growth! When you need help in Austintown, call Lisa Oles or Ron Verb.
TOM RUSH
Austintown
Politician needs a mirror
EDITOR:
I almost started to cry when I read the article in which Warren Pritchard laments his fall from the good graces of the citizens of Austintown. It's a typical politician who blames others for his/her demise.
Pritchard hastened his own exit because of three decisions: supporting the Centerpointe business park to the protests of the people whose property values are going to be drastically affected downward; blaming Lisa Oles for not playing fair and rolling over for his and Dave Ditzler's decisions; and for not keeping to his conservative nature by asking for more money for township government.
BILL JOHNSON
Boardman (formerly of Austintown)
Austintown officials needto stop whining, bickering
EDITOR:
Over the past several weeks, I have read your newspaper in utter disbelief in regard to the behavior and actions of the Austintown trustees.
For years we have fought for a positive image, and we were making progress with the school district and programs like 20/20 Austintown.
However, the trustees' actions during the past months have sent the township in a spiraling retreat. I admit that I haven't done my civic duty by attending the township meetings. I have been relying on the reporting of The Vindicator and the re-broadcast on Austintown Channel 19.
I wish to make the following observations and/or suggestions: Stop whining. Stop bickering. Stop the mudslinging. Start working together. You have been elected to perform specific duties. One of them is to promote our community, directly or indirectly. Your actions are a direct reflection on your constituents and the township in which we live. And right now that reflection stinks.
Mr. Pritchard, shame on you for giving up on Austintown; Ms. Oles, shame on you for not putting aside your angst for the betterment of Austintown; Mr. Ditzler, shame on you for not stepping in against the negativity. The three of you have the opportunity to change things for the better. Use the opportunity, embrace it. Make us believe, once again, that you deserve it.
FRANK BETSA
Austintown
Police chief deserves medal
EDITOR:
The police chief of New Waterford, Dan Haueter, should be given a medal and, if possible, a raise for all the good he's done in apprehending the Internet perverts who prey on young girls and boys and try to meet them for the purpose of having sex.
Hats off to the chief for a job well done.
FRANCES WAGNER
Youngstown