Church and state battle at polling place on election day

Church and state battle at polling place on election day
EDITOR:
I would like to make everyone aware of a situation that occurred on Election Day. As a candidate for South Range School Board, I was passing out campaign literature at Greenford Christian Church (precinct 1 in Green Township) when I was told by the church administrator that I would have to leave because I was not allowed to campaign on premises due to church policy. Although I was completely complying with all board of elections laws, the administrator stated that the board of elections laws didn't matter and that Greenford Christian Church's policy did.
Upon leaving, I called the board of elections and was told I had every right to be there and pass out campaign literature. I returned later and was again told by another church employee that I was not allowed to campaign on premises.
Please, everyone be aware of your rights and know the law. Greenford Christian Church was rented for the day by the board of elections and was actually paid for by taxpayer dollars. Any candidate is allowed to pass out campaign literature at a precinct on Election day.
Campaigning is a long exhausting process and I don't want anyone to go through what I went through that day. I never expected to battle with a board of elections precinct over my right to actively campaign on election day.
To the board of elections, I ask that you reconsider Greenford Christian Church as a Green Township precinct. If they choose to put themselves and their polices ahead of election laws and refuse to respect the rights of the candidates they should not be awarded the privilege of being a precinct host.
DARLA PENZA
Green Township
It's a shame that area lost Idora Park's carousel
EDITOR:
Idora Park was a place that many people remember with fondness. Generations enjoyed the midway, arcades, food, and rides. The things that stand out in our recollections are the delicious french fries, that got tastier as the summer wore on and the grease they were fried in got darker, the laughter of the Fat Lady above the Fun House, the Friday night record hops, and the beautifully-colored carousel. The carousel was the symbol of Idora Park and should have remained in this valley.
The Oct. 14 Vindicator featured a story about the carousel, and it was heartening to read that many of the horses have been restored. Perhaps the carousel will be reassembled and children in another state will enjoy this treasure and create their own memories.
It is regrettable that one of the areas wealthy families did not step up to the plate and purchase the carousel so that the children in the Mahoning Valley could have enjoyed that magical, musical ride. An enclosure could have been added onto either of the area's shopping malls and in that way our children and grandchildren could have enjoyed what so many of their parents and grandparents were privileged to experience.
Many of us can count ourselves very fortunate to have grown up during the years when Idora Park was the place to be. If the carousel had been retained, an important piece of Youngstown's history could have been preserved; however, today Idora Park and a ride on the carousel are only to be experienced in our memories.
DONNA COONCE
Salem