Band playing at presidential visit carried no endorsement

Band playing at presidential visit carried no endorsement
EDITOR:
Last week the Boardman High School Marching Band was invited through Mrs. Elaine Mancini, a Boardman Township trustee, to play "Hail to the Chief" for President George W. Bush upon his arrival at Youngstown-Warren Regional Airport. We decided to accept the invitation.
Like many school systems in the Mahoning Valley, we view this election year in a battleground state to be a unique, perhaps once-in-a-lifetime experience for our young people. The invitation for our band to play for a sitting president was viewed by school personnel as an honor and not a political statement. Such opportunities should not be wasted. We believe they set the stage for our teenagers to become involved in a democratic process that makes our country the greatest in the world.
That being said, schools have a duty to be a mirror of their community. In any election year, particularly in such a close and passionate election year, we believe school systems should be extra vigilant to be apolitical, to not lean toward one party or another when educating their community's children. In a spirit of fairness, we would like to say that no band member was required to attend or participate in the president's campaign rally. Indeed, a few band members, seven out of over 200 members, chose to spend the day in their scheduled classes.
The Boardman schools are very proud of Tom Ruggieri, Boardman High School band director, his assistants, and our students in the marching band. We truly believe they are one of the best bands in the state, as well as being fine representatives of our school system and of this entire Valley. We feel we have made the correct decision in affording a tremendous educational opportunity to those who wished to take advantage of it. This is an experience that will positively impact these young women and men for a lifetime.
KIM POMA, President
Boardman Board of Education
FRANK LAZZERI, Superintendent Boardman Local Schools
TIM SAXTON, Principal
Boardman High School
JUDY LIPKOVICH, President
Boardman Education Association
What is YSU thinking?
EDITOR:
Why would a state university supported by taxes and tuition indirectly support a homosexual-lesbian lifestyle?
By financing benefits to those who choose a deviate lifestyle, we are indirectly approving of same sex marriage.
That the Youngstown State University trustees could support such a resolution, costing approximately $60,000 of taxpayers money is unconscionable. To ask taxpayers and students paying tuition to support such a resolution borders on dereliction of duty by the trustees.
Is it not the purpose of the university to educate responsibly? Why then would the administrators at Y.S.U. accept this highly controversial clause into their benefit package?
As a graduate of Y.S.U. I respect others rights and privileges, but not at mine and others taxpayers' expense to help support an unacceptable lifestyle.
EDWARD P. COSTELLO
Canfield
Library deserves credit
EDITOR:
I feel that the East Palestine library has not received recognition for the things it does for the community. The library has grown immensely with programs for all ages. It has worked hard to attract people of all interests.
Children 2-16 have the opportunity to experience story times. The library has offered poetry festivals, magic shows and craft programs. To attract people by their interest it has had antique appraisals. The library also set up meetings with public officials so that the community could come in and ask questions. A book bindery company repaired books for people. Nurses have spoken on several health topics.
The library has done a lot to make itself an active part of the community. It deserves to be recognized for its hard work.
MINDY HOLZER
East Palestine