Sheriff's department should get more credit than it does

Sheriff's department should get more credit than it does
EDITOR:
I feel compelled to write this letter on behalf of myself and Mahoning County residents. In the light of all the bad publicity the Mahoning County Sheriff's Department has had to endure recently it's high time Mahoning County residents hear the positive.
I had been employed by the medical department in the Mahoning County Jail since 1996 as a nurse and in June 2004 became a full-time deputy sheriff. For the last nine years I have watched employees within the jail deal with the worst of the worst criminal element that Youngstown has to offer, all of whom are treated to excellent medical care, a climate controlled building and three meals a day, just to mention a few amenities. And even though we are cursed daily, spit on and, yes, assaulted by these inmates, we continue to give quality and professional care on a daily basis.
It is extremely unfortunate for this area that Sheriff Wellington has to indulge in thoughts of releasing these individuals back into our neighborhoods and communities and I'm not just speaking about the inner city -- our suburban communities are not exempt. It is a statistically proven fact that crime escalates in the spring and summer months just when we begin to plan vacations and other activities away from home when you will not be able to stand guard 24 hours a day to protect your home and property.
Remember, friends, your microwave oven, DVD player and stereo equipment, etc are worth about $10 to $20 worth of crack to an addict trying to get their next fix. I urge all Mahoning County voters and residents to support our tax, support our sheriff and support our judges to keep our criminal element in jail where they have earned the right to be housed.
LORA C. NICKISON
Youngstown
When state takes over a school district, it hurts
EDITOR:
I have read many interesting articles and editorials lately about the Struthers City School District. People in the Struthers community have distorted views on what will take place if the state takes over the district. We are in financial disarray, however, not voting for the school levy does not really affect the superintendent or the school board. Rather, whom it really affects are the students. Cuts will take place everywhere and teacher to student ratio will grow.
For example, at the middle school, there are two language arts and math teachers per grade. If the state takes over, they will eliminate one language arts and math teacher in each grade and students will only have these classes for one period instead of a block class. The class size will grow, which takes away from the individual attention students receive now, Statistics show that block scheduling and lower teach to student ratio improves learning and grades.
If the state takes over, property value will also lower because strong school systems improve the resale value of housing. This is a proven fact.
If this levy does not pass, people will not want to buy a house in Struthers. They would rather go where they can have better resale value. Struthers needs to stop placing blame and instead concentrate on how to get out of this financial mess without affecting our most precious members of the community, the students.
MARGARET JONES
Struthers
Good Samaritan led the way
EDITOR:
On March 2, I got lost in Youngstown and stopped at the Logan gas station for directions to get to the Youngstown Post Office. While the owner was trying to tell me how to get there, a customer came in for bread and gas and volunteered to show me the way.
So on this snowy, slippery day, I followed this young gentleman as he went out of his way to take me to the post office.
I'll never be able to thank him enough, but I want him to know he is in my prayers and I pray that if he ever needs help, someone will be there for him.
I thank God there are people like him. He is a credit to his family and to his community.
JOSEPHINE CIAVARELLA
Mineral Ridge