LEONARD KIRTZ SCHOOL Father organizes school fund-raiser

The parent hopes the auction will raise at least $500.
AUSTINTOWN -- A father who is fed up with funding cuts has come up with his own solution.
John Britton, whose daughter attends Leonard Kirtz School, a school operated by the Board of Mental Retardation and Developmental Disabilities, is organizing a Chinese auction to raise money for the school. Budget cuts recommended by Ohio Gov. Robert Taft go into effect July 1 and mean the school will lose a physical therapist, Britton said. The loss, he fears, won't stop there.
"Right now it's Leonard Kirtz School, but that's just today," Britton said. "This is a domino effect. I'm taking a stand here ... right now, I'm angry. I'm fed up with my governor."
Auction details
The auction will be held from 4 to 8 p.m. Saturday at Leonard Kirtz School, 4801 Woodridge Drive, Austintown, and will feature items such as a signed Youngstown State University football, tickets to YSU games, restaurant certificates and baskets from local businesses. Those wishing to take part can buy auction tickets to bid on the items. Bidders do not have to be present to win.
Britton's goal is raise at least $500. All proceeds will go to the school.
"I really don't think the governor realizes what harm he has done," Britton said. "He's promised us jobs, but he's cost us jobs. ... I would like to see him sit in a wheelchair for a week, just to see what it's like to be totally dependent on someone else."
His daughter, Nina, 13, has attended the school most of her life, Britton said.
"Sometimes you just have to stand up for something," he said. We have to do this for our kids. Forget the roads, forget the bridges. We need to remember our kids."
For more information, or to donate an item to the auction, contact Britton at (330) 743-1804 or Tom Rickels at (330) 797-3051. Those wishing to make a monetary donation can contact Rickels.