It's shenanigans as usual with the hiring of Tablack

It's shenanigans as usualwith the hiring of Tablack
EDITOR:
Shame on Mahoning County! Once again, the people of Mahoning County have been scammed. The tax increase was needed -- or else. Crime will rise, jobs will disappear, etc. etc. etc. So, all the usual "believers" ran out on election day and voted to save Mahoning County, and the tax passed.
But guess what? The county cannot save itself anymore. Why? Because it's always "business as usual." Relatives come and go in every facet of public offices, but very few are ever really gone. And now, our county has come up with a bigger slap in the face. Mr. George Tablack wants to come home -- so let's give him a a job!
Why him? Why not other candidates who are struggling to get a job? Are we to feel sorry for Tablack because he missed his child? Is that how you get a good paying county job, now? Just miss someone and a job will come to you?
The bottom line in Mahoning County and its communities is that things will never change, at least not until the people wake up. Look around. Your children will miss you someday when you're forced to leave your hometown for a job elsewhere. And I'll bet, when you just can't stand being away from family anymore, no one will offer you a job back home.
DEBORAH LAVECK
Austintown
Get out, spread the word:Medicare plan is a big mess
EDITOR:
A few years ago I took a trip around the world, and I found that seniors or aged people are deeply respected and eagerly provided for in old age. But not here in the U.S.
To prove my point, just look at the new Medicare drug benefit. It is a good example of abuse and complete lack of concern for elders. It's not just President Bush, but both parties are in bed together on this one.
I read the booklet, and those who have not read it -- don't bother. If you were not sick before you read it, you will be sick after you read it.
You will have some 30 plans to choose from. Then come the insurance people to make it even more difficult. Grandma may have to travel some 40 miles one way to get a small discount. Even if you're completely broke, you will still have to pay out of pocket.
Should you have a few dollars you will be required to pay more.
TOM GILMARTIN Sr.
Youngstown
Chevrolet Centre apt namefor arena in Youngstown
Editor:
I am writing in response to the letter regarding GM's sponsorship of the Youngstown Convocation Center, which appeared in Friday's Vindicator. The writer argued that & quot;Youngstown got cheated & quot; by General Motors' sponsorship of the center, and that & quot;Congress appropriated tax dollars to promote Youngstown, not Chevrolets."
I find these claims absurd. People in this Valley need to think hard about what keeps Youngstown and the Mahoning Valley from becoming a ghost town. The answer is unionized jobs, most notably at GM Lordstown and Delphi. If we lose these jobs, not only are those employed by GM and Delphi affected, so is the community at large.
Nobody has been "cheated" by the Convocation Center's new name. In fact, I believe that GM is dishing out in excess of $200,000 annually for naming rights.
So to those Valley residents who feel the state of GM does not affect them and to those who criticize Chevrolet's sponsorship of this center or who purchase a foreign vehicle, remember this: What makes the Mahoning Valley what it is? Also think about how much more Youngstown would be "cheated" if there were no Lordstown complex.
MICHAEL P. CICCONE
Berlin Center