At RMI Titanium, it's time to get down to business

At RMI Titanium, it's timeto get down to business
EDITOR:
My husband is an employee of RMI Titanium. He has been a dedicated worker there for 24 years. The workers there have always been proud of the products they produce and especially those used for our country's defense.
Things have changed. One man, Tim Rupert, has taken the word pride out of RMI Titanium. Some have been locked out of their jobs and some have been locked in. His actions have negatively affected not only the husbands, wives and children of all of these families but also every person in Weathersfield Township, every pupil in the Weathersfield Local School District who relies on this company's finances to educate their children and also businesses in every community that are solicited by RMI employees who live in them.
I wonder how it feels to have such big shoulders? You would think it would be hard to sleep at night knowing these workers have worked hard, produced excellent products in an accident free environment, and made a decent living for their families. In return they get locked out or in with little regard for their integrity or well being.
I would like Mr. Rupert, the board of directors and the negotiating committee to help me understand the situation. RMI Titanium has been profitable. There is no lack of potential orders since your competitor is bursting at the seams with orders and thriving after being in a severe financial situation. I can think of no possible reason you would prefer to make a small profit instead of being the leader of titanium products in the United States. Even companies who are in bankruptcy such as WCI have negotiated and come to terms for the benefit of all.
I would like to thank everyone for all of the support they have given these workers. It is very encouraging to have such great support from the community including the mayor, political leaders of our area and especially family and friends. I ask for your continued support. If you know of a resolution to this problem or know Mr. Rupert, board members or the people negotiating for the company, please talk with them and voice your opinion.
Mr. Rupert, I have not met one person who understands or agrees with these labor practices. I ask you to look into your conscience. It's time to get that load off of your shoulders and negotiate in good faith for the sake of all of these families and communities being affected.
LINDA FRAYER
Mineral Ridge
Why not take our chanceswith slot machines, casinos?
EDITOR:
It is most disgusting to continually read opponents' reasons why casinos should not be allowed in Ohio. The casino industry is the fastest growing industry in our country today. Thirty-seven states now have some form of casino gambling. In each state where casino gambling exists, financial assistance and decent good-paying jobs prevail from these operations.
Ohio has lost more manufacturing jobs than any other state in the country. These manufacturing jobs will never be replenished by other manufacturing jobs. They are gone forever to foreign countries. We must rely on the service industry to help rebuild our job base in the United States, especially in Ohio.
Casino gambling exists in this country. It will continue to exist, and this industry will continue to grow and be relied upon to help our states' economic needs. Allow slot machines at Ohio's racetracks and, most important, allow the development of Las Vegas-style casinos in those Ohio cities that welcome them as an economic and financial survival panacea.
Get with it before Ohio falls completely into oblivion with no chance of recovery.
PAT MACKONDY
Youngstown