Youngstown leaders must be tough on the city's behalf

Youngstown leaders must be tough on the city's behalf
EDITOR:
As a Youngstown resident, voter and taxpayer, I believe the next mayor of Youngstown, whoever is elected Nov. 8, must be willing to make some tough decisions and have a true regional vision for the future growth of the city,
I believe the next mayor must use all the city's powers and tools at his or her disposal, including annexation, city water service and other city assets in order to make Youngstown a true regional city.
Youngstown has a shrinking tax base, high income taxes, an exodus of thousands of city residents, an exodus of thousands of city businesses, an aging and poor population base on fixed income and a failing Youngstown City School District -- among other ills. I believe correction of those problems will require a true regionalization plan for Youngstown.
The city has lacked true leadership at the mayoral level (among others) for decades as it relates to annexation and regionalization. City leaders have ignored all of Youngstown's assets and tools at their disposal to encourage regionalization.
I believe the time for debates is over. The time for true leadership and regionalization and annexation must begin in Youngstown, and the next mayor of Youngstown must do that as our leader.
WILLIE JAMES RICHARDS
Youngstown
Big bonuses for guys at the top are driving up costs
EDITOR:
The writer of a Sept. 5 letter to the editor had plenty to blame on liberals, but she was way off base on most of it.
If criticizing the Bush administration as the most inept administration in at least the last 50 years makes you a liberal, then I will wear that label proudly. I don't care if Mr. Bush is a Republican, Democrat or Independent. He's in so far over his head it's unbelievable. The worst part is I don't think the next president, regardless of party affiliation, will be able to get this country out of the hole he's dug.
As for the greedy union people chasing all of the companies out of this country, that's bull. Only about 12 percent of the population is affiliated with a union and about 8 percent of them are policemen, firemen, or nurses. That doesn't leave enough in manufacturing to chase anybody away. One of the biggest costs to businesses right now are huge bonuses.
The company I work for reported a profit of $66 million for the first half of the fiscal year, with profits expected to exceed $100 million for the year. A short time later they awarded bonuses to nearly every salary worker with the CEO getting $5 million. Two days later they offered the union workers, the people that actually produce the product, a concessionary contract. Yes, those greedy workers rejected the contract. How dare they.
JIM SPENCER
Lake Milton
Liberty did car crowd proud
EDITOR:
Accolades to Liberty Township trustees for their enthusiasm, cooperation and support of the 2005 Mahoning Grand National Show held Labor Day weekend at the Holiday Inn Metroplex. After more than a year of planning, 60 club members from the Mahoning Valley Mustang Club and Liberty Township welcomed 400 cars and thousands of Mustang enthusiasts from all over the county to the Youngstown area.
Liberty Township introduced the committee to local merchants and innkeepers for donations and discount coupons. They helped with parking and provided the assistance of their fire, road, and police departments. When it was show time, Liberty Township was ready. Tod Children's Hospital will receive all the proceeds of "The Mustangs are Coming."
KATHY MILLER
Boardman Township trustee
X The writer is the original owner of a 19641/2 Mustang