Tuesday, May 31, 2005
Working together will make this a safer place to live
EDITOR:
I am a sophomore at Jackson-Milton High School. I live in Craig Beach, a village in Lake Milton. During the long hours of the night I toss and turn, wondering "What will happen tonight to keep me awake?" With crime rates steadily increasing, it's bad enough. In my village, even at 2 a.m., there are ignorant people who have nothing better to do than roam the streets and spray paint fences. Sometimes they even have the nerve to demolish houses. I'm assuming most of them are under the influence of drugs or alcohol.
One night two teenage boys ran a rampage around my house, pounding on all of the windows and doors. Was there a policeman to be found? No. You see, Craig Beach only has one patrolman. I highly doubt that he is able to cover ever single road in the village, especially at that time of night. The fact is, I do not feel safe in my own home. I wonder, is that normal for a high school student?
Some say that we do not need patrolmen at all hours in such a small village. Others just do not want to pay to get these officers on duty. But I ask these people who object -- aren't you scared for your own security? What about those who are? Those who only have one police officer to come to their rescue? Why should you choose to hold on to money that at some point may save someone in a dangerous situation.
Think about what a difference this would make to other people. The lack of policemen is a very big issue that needs to be addressed. All people have to do is take an interest; vote "yes" on the tax levy. Bring the topic to attention at the next council meeting in your area. With luck and time, someday it would be safer. If we all work together we could really make a difference.
KATIE MULLIGAN
Lake Milton
A great bunch of kids
EDITOR:
On May 19, we were invited to attend the Austintown Community Television Awards Banquet 2004-2005. What a pleasure it was to be in the presence of these fine young men and women. These are the ones that set an example for our community, not the ones you read about that are into crime and drugs.
Ralph Grossen, general manager of Channel 19, was proud to say that many of the seniors are going on to college and majoring in broadcasting or telecommunications. Bob Sopko, the production supervisor, pointed out that the students were so good at what they did, it made his job easier. Lenny Gessler, the camera technician who takes the students out on assignments, said it was amazing how professional the sporting events look on channel 19. Carolyn Semivan, post production coordinator who took over after Linda Sarver retired in September, said the students have been very cooperative.
When the students man the controls and video tape our poetry program, "Back to Basics," for Channel 19, they have always been polite and helpful. Our hats are off to the fine young men and women of Austintown Community Television.
THOMAS P. GILMARTIN, Sr.
Youngstown
ELIZABETH REPKO
Struthers
Building medical accounts
EDITOR:
Low income Americans need a "leg-up" in their effort to receive quality health care. The peace of mind one sustains from having access to quality health could be a valuable asset for someone working at a low income job which pays no benefits.
I propose a simple solution: If a worker chooses, he or she might contribute up to 50 cents per hour worked to his or her medical savings account. Employers would then be required to contribute an additional dollar per hour worked. In other words, the employer would be required to contribute two dollars for every dollar deposited by the employee into their medical savings account. The account would then be restricted to the employee's medical expenses.
ROBERT G. MOSSMAN
Youngstown