Area's first priority should be saving air reserve base

Area's first priority should be saving air reserve base
EDITOR:
Accolades to The Vindicator for its Sept. 21 editorial reflecting on the need to secure the future of the U.S.A.F. Reserve Base at Vienna, Ohio.
There is enough time for consideration of other community projects, but the time to save our Reserve Base is running out. Individual interest in other projects, present, or in the future should not be allowed to jeopardize the fate of this valuable asset in our valley.
The Reserve Base is a known entity, peopled with a large group of full and part time military and civilian personnel, who are the heart and soul of the base. Many of these have local ties with relatives, friends and neighbors, and I'm sure that these people have as deep a concern for the continuation of the base, as the people of SOAR and the new base commander. Aside from the employment, the base has a known financial impact on our community in the rang of $90 million annually. It could even potentially become more, if the base still remains open. It can be hoped that when the Trumbull County Commissioners meet with the various township officials, to discuss the airport zoning district, that they will include numbers of SOAR, so that any pertinent questions about this crucial issue will be answered by those people who are intimately familiar with the project.
At this time, lets everyone pull together to make keeping the Reserve Air Base the first priority of our communities citizens and politicians. It can not be something to do down the way -- or later. It is imperative that it be done properly, and done now. The loss of such a valuable asset to valley would be a loss to all of us.
HELEN SEWELL
Warren
Parent supports teachers in dispute with MRDD
EDITOR:
I am writing this letter in regard to the looming strike of the MEADD (Mahoning Education Association of Developmental Disabilities). I am writing to not only convey the frustration of the association, but also to convey the frustration on behalf of the families who have children and adults with various disabilities.
My son has attended Leonard Kirtz School since he was the very young age of eighteen months. He is now nineteen years old. The staff at this school is probably the most dedicated group of people that could be found anywhere. It is obvious to anyone that walks into that school that these staff members love what they have chosen to do. They do not change the diapers of a nineteen-year-old because they are making exorbitant salaries. They do not feed adults because it is an enjoyable job. They do it because they are a very special group of people. They are dedicated, committed, and are proud of their profession.
I wonder if the public knows how much of their tax dollars goes to Superintendent Larry Duck, who would not permit a retarded child to go back to the Leonard Kirtz prom because he spilled spaghetti all over him.
I wonder if the taxpayers know that MRDD Superintendent Duck was granted a 4 percent raise in June, which took his salary to $98,297. Or that his contract guarantees him a severance pay equal to 84 days of salary, totaling $31,684.
Mr. Duck's lack of reciprocating bargaining during the current negotiations is a travesty. Not only is he attempting to splinter the union, he is asking for extreme concessions from the staff and membership. Considering his compensation package, it makes one wonder where he developed such a clouded perspective when pertaining to & quot;fair & quot; negotiations.
Lastly I wonder if Mr. Duck would be willing to take on the responsibilities of just ONE mentally retarded child at Leonard Kirtz School for just ONE day? Mr. Duck, take the challenge! You will then see first-hand what a day in the life of these employees involves.
MEADD, we believe in you!
JILL GROAT
Boardman