Pastors with servant's heart deserve a voice in politics
Pastors with servant's heartdeserve a voice in politics
EDITOR:
A short time ago, The Vindicator published an opinion piece suggesting that local pastors stay out of politics and stick to the business of saving souls. I have been reflecting on the substance of that argument. Setting aside for the moment the fact that only God can "save souls," I believe most pastors feel that we do our best work when we lead by a servant's heart. I believe there should be a place in American politics for this type of discussion.
Using my background in law enforcement, for example, I can say that the exercise of a servant's heart in this area of public responsibility goes beyond making arrests and moving cases. A servant's heart wonders why people turn to crime, and searches for ways to minimize crime's impact.
What do the people living in the affected neighborhoods say about crime, and are there better ways to protect them? Why not interview persons who have gone through the justice system for common causes that might be addressed? Can creative partnerships be formed with our schools and our service organizations? Can our business and faith communities step up and provide mentorship and life possibility skills to young men and women deficient in such matters? If those holding current leadership positions sought answers to these questions, perhaps the related issues of money and jail space will take care of themselves.
I believe that people who bear a servant's heart can greatly enhance the image of elected officials, and just may end up doing us all a little good. As someone who looks for this characteristic in all candidates, I don't mind listening to the opinion of a pastor.
LEONARD D. HALL
Boardman
Anti-smoking law supporterhas had it with whining
EDITOR:
I'm getting sick and tired of smokers complaining that their rights are being violated by Ohio's new anti-smoking law. What about us nonsmokers who have had to put up with smokers all these years, and you never heard any of us complain? For the life of me, I cannot understand how someone can knowingly put something in their body that has been proven time and again to cause cancer, ruin one's health, and, because of secondhand smoke, put others in harm's way, too. That's not to mention the stink on their clothes, in their cars and homes and on their person.
I don't know how many times I've walked into a building or restaurant and, after asking for a nonsmoking booth, have had someone in close proximity blow smoke toward my table and expose my family, including my 5-year-old son, to their disgusting habit. But yet, even though I have moved or left, I have never complained. I watched my own father die in 1995 from lung cancer from over 40 years of smoking. He had emphysema so bad he couldn't walk but three steps before he had to stop and catch his breath so I know first-hand what smoking can do.
And what's worse, I see every day smokers who have children close them up in cars and homes and smoke away with no concern for their own flesh and blood's well-being. All of this and the medical costs involved are the very reasons I voted for the new law. I would like to see, too, the costs to taxpayers of what smokers cost us. You don't hear nonsmokers complaining about that, do you?
Well, I think I've finally complained enough so since we've heard enough of the whining smokers, let's hear from the sensible people who finally won and who don't want to purposely kill themselves.
JOHN MIRTOHubbard
Cutting administrator postpuzzles Weathersfield man
EDITOR:
On Thursday, Dec. 21, I attended the meeting of the Weathersfield Township trustees. For the last 13 years, it has been my pleasure to be a resident of Weathersfield Township. While I'm sure that we have our share of difficulties and challenges just like any other community, I believe that our township employees and elected officials have worked hard to maintain a good community for our residents.
Attending that Weathersfield Township trustees meeting was a most discouraging and disheartening experience for me. I left the meeting on the evening of the 21st perplexed. One of the items of business was the dissolution of the position of township administrator which has been held for 101/2 years by David Pugh. Somehow, I can't help but believe that if such a major decision was going to take place, our community should have been notified.
As news of the decision spread through our community the next morning, many if not most residents were shocked to hear what had happened the night before at the trustees meeting. It is most unfair and unfortunate that the members of the community were not aware of what was going on.
I was never aware of an unhappiness or problem with Mr. Pugh (other than from some political opponents) or his performance as the township administrator. Mr. Vogel, the trustee chairman, said that this move was a fiscal decision. At the same time as this demotion, the trustees approved most township employees receiving raises of 3 percent and approved a 1.7 percent pay raise for themselves. If abolishing the township administrator is a "fiscal decision," I can't help but wonder how these raises can be justified from a fiscal point of view. It just doesn't make sense to me.
The trustees assured those present at the meeting that they will be taking over more responsibilities now that the administrator position is gone and that nothing will fall through the cracks. Time will tell.
I would personally like to thank Mr. Pugh for his 20 years of dedicated service to the people of Weathersfield Township. You served your community well and with honor and distinction. Your record certainly testifies to that, and no one can change that.
MARK PHILLIPS
Mineral Ridge
Don't let Chevrolet Centrego the way of Wick-Pollock
EDITOR:
Here we go again, Youngstown, misusing and abusing something nice that's really an added plus to this city -- the Chevrolet Centre -- turning it into a political football of sorts.
Remember the Wick-Pollock Inn? Or the B & amp;O Station? They were two very exquisite establishments that the people of Youngstown and others visiting from out of town enjoyed.
The B & amp;O had great food, entertainment and spirits. The Wick- Pollock Inn offered affordable convenient lodging for out-of-towners attending YSU football or basketball games, or other city functions. Both establishment had their share of so-called "financial problems or contractual disagreements."
However the B & amp;O has since reopened under new management, and I hope it does well and remains open. But the beautiful, luxurious Wick-Pollock Inn remains closed. How sad.
I wonder how much politics, or under dealing or greed, played in its demise? It is my opinion that city council members and others should go the extra mile to ensure that investors like Mr. Herb Washington and others, who make an investment in our city's future and livelihood, be dealt with above board and fairly, so that all may benefit.
And let's not forget about whoever stole the 700 at the center. I hope he wasn't from Youngstown.
CHARLES ELLIS
Youngstown