Trumbull County voters must not ignore needy

Society's most vulnerable are at greatest risk in times of economic upheaval. The pain that comes with a reduction in government spending is felt most intensely by those who are unable to fend for themselves. With the federal and state governments requiring local communities to bear the burden of many social programs, the generosity of the electorate becomes even more critical.
In Trumbull County, that generosity will be put to the test Tuesday when voters are asked to approve levies to ensure that the young, the old and the disabled are cared for, and that the Warren-Trumbull County Public Library is able to continue providing services essential to a well-informed citizenry.
The Trumbull County Children Services Agency is seeking a 0.8-mill, 10-year replacement levy to generate $2,768,733 annually.
The Mental Retardation and Developmental Disabilities Board, which runs Fairhaven School and workshops, is asking for a 2.25-mill, 10-year replacement levy, which would replace levies of 1.9 mills and a 0.35 mills. The replacement would generate 7,787,175 a year.
For the senior citizens in the county, voters are being asked to approve a 0.75-mill, five-year additional levy. The $2,595,725 that would be generated annually would be used to provide services, especially transportation, for the growing number of residents 60 years or older.
The public library is seeking a 1-mill continuous levy to raise $2.58 million a year. The money would be used to restore the library's materials budget, pay off debts, acquire a new Bookmobile, upgrade computers and resume Sunday hours.
Daily challenges
The Vindicator is well aware that taxpayers who do not have a direct stake in what any of the agencies do are inclined to take a cynical view of the levy requests, as they did last year when they defeated a measure aimed at making the lives of senior citizens a little easier. We would urge those Trumbull County residents who are inclined to vote "no" to take a hard look at what is going on in the Mahoning Valley and the daily challenges that confront seniors trying to make financial ends meet.
The Trumbull County Children Services Agency's replacement levy would not increase the millage property owners now pay, but would generate more money, which is needed to provide mental health treatment that some children require, maintain consistent staffing levels and maintain the quality of services and programs that are offered.
The MRDD, which is dealing with a change in Medicaid funding for intermediate care facilities, could be forced to furlough 115 employees if the 2.25-mill levy fails. The loss of employees will mean a reduction in programs that many residents depend on.
The library levy, which would be voted on by residents of most Trumbull County communities (the exceptions are Niles, Girard, Kinsman, Newton Falls, Hubbard and Bristolville, which operate their own libraries) would allow the board to explore plans for a bigger branch library in Cortland. And if the new levy passes, the library board will stop collecting a 0.4-mill levy now on the books.
Each of the social-service issues on the ballot is about providing a helping hand to residents of Trumbull County who, through no fault of their own, have to overcome hurdles in their daily lives that many of us do not face. The library, on the other hand, is about quality of life, education and providing opportunities to those who would not otherwise have them.
We urge voters of Trumbull County to help those who can't help themselves.