Students get snow days even when there's not much snow

Students get snow days even when there's not much snow
EDITOR:
I admit when I was younger, I did enjoy the occasional snow day. Being able to strap on a snow suit, grab a sled and be off to frolic in the winter wonderland instead of learning about what happened hundreds of years ago was great.
Nowadays it seems that schools are closing their doors more quickly to a few flakes than when I was in school.
With most families having both parents in the work force it's more difficult to make alternate arrangements for child care. Parents are left to scramble to find a safe haven for their children while they battle the elements to get to work.
With the whole purpose of snow days being for the children's safety it seems that some parents are not considering safe alternatives for their children.
The other day I was walking around the mall on a school snow day and the mall was full of unsupervised young children at the mall running around like banshees. I've even heard parents talking about how they left their child home alone on snow days. How can parents consider these options safer than if the children would have been whisked off to class?
Granted, the big yellow buses that pick the children up are not the best transportation in the world but it seems better than having your child abducted or a possible accident at home.
With the world around us spinning faster and faster and children feeling neglected, why not take the time to make backup plans for snow days. There are other options out there than the mall and being home alone. If all else fails take the day off yourself and spend a cozy day at home with your children.
CHRISSY DOWNARD
Youngstown
Take a closer look at listof recycling candidates
EDITOR:
I take strong exception to The Vindicator's editorial regarding the lack of qualified candidates for the position of recycling division director. Within the group, there is at least one who has achieved statewide recognition for his outstanding efforts and achievements in solid waste reduction and recycling.
The editor praised the previous director's accomplishments; however, the facts reveal a different record. The Mahoning County recycling and waste reduction rate is far below the state of Ohio mandate of 25 percent, and the curbside recycling weights have declined to half of what they were in 1993. Although millions of dollars were spent on consultants, public relations contracts, grants to various agencies, a large management staff, and other components; the fact is that the recycling rate is stagnant.
I believe within the current pool of candidates, one can be found to have the education, experience, talent, and skills to bring the county's low recycling rate to mandated levels. The future of recycling is very promising as the Coalition of Council Presidents, James Fortune of Youngstown, Robert Yankle of Campbell, and I embark upon an ambitious plan to create a center to train technicians and other professionals in all areas of recyclable material handling and environmental abatement. A materials recovery facility (MRF) along with waste-to-energy technologies are concepts that will become reality in Mahoning County in the future, creating good paying jobs and vastly improving our area's economy.
The future for recycling is bright, and the talent and ability to lead the Recycling Division is present in the pool of excellent candidates who have applied.
ROBERT D. CARCELLI
Struthers City Council President
Councilmen brave the cold
EDITOR:
The Saturday before last, most of us were enjoying the warmth and comfort of our home as we gazed out at the winter storm that hit our community. Fortunately, I had help clearing our driveway during the day, however, that evening I decided to shovel the entrance area to our home as well.
It was very brisk and cold and the neighborhood was fairly deserted and quiet. When a car came down the street I had to look to see which neighbor decided to venture out into the cold winter night. To my surprise, it was two of our city officials simply driving through our community to see if the roads had been cleared and to see if there was anyone in need of their services. I feel I must give recognition to councilmen Ed Palestro and Pat Gilliland for leaving the warmth of their homes and bearing the elements of the recent winter storm for the good of the citizens of Hubbard.
JOHN NITTOLI
Hubbard