Despite Forum's challenges, community comes through

Despite Forum's challenges,community comes through
EDITOR:
I would like to take this opportunity to thank each individual, volunteer, business, and organization that contributed to the success of the Children's Miracle Network Forum Health Tod Children's Hospital Telethon.
In a period of great financial challenge at Forum Health, we have received an outpouring of support in this community from the many people who have reached into their pockets and contributed from their hearts on behalf of our most precious patients -- our children.
We are grateful for this community's strong connection to Tod Children's Hospital and its team of dedicated pediatric physicians and health care professionals.
Tod relies on the contributions of donors and volunteers to maintain this important local pediatric healthcare resource. Through community support, our children have access to health services for many illnesses right here close to home. Whether a child is battling cancer, diabetes, heart conditions, blood disorders, the usual broken bones and infections of childhood, or the need for emergency treatment, Tod Children's is here to help for our patients, their families and the community.
This year, for the first time ever, Tod Children's Hospital raised $1 million -- money earmarked exclusively for the pediatric health needs in this region. On behalf of the entire team at Tod, I thank the wonderful people of this community for their support and generosity.
JAMES A. MUMFORD, MHA
Hospital Administrator.
Tod Children's Hospital
Youngstown
Dissolving village is not a matter to be taken lightly
EDITOR:
Should New Waterford residents throw out over 100 years of self government and turn it over to a board of three township trustees that historically has had little or no representation from New Waterford?
To make an informed decision, the citizens of the village need documented facts to understand what would be gained and what would be lost before voting on this critical issue. As of this time, I have only heard what I consider guesstimates.
Unity Township has no zoning code. It is possible that our zoning ordinances would be eliminated (along with all other "ordinances") and all village lots and land use would be at the option of the owner.
Without the voted levies:
1. How would payments for fire equipment be made?
2. How would the township fund the street lighting, contracted with the electric company? Would most of the lights be eliminated?
3. Can we be assured that the park fund of about $100,000 would be used in the manner and place that the donors specified?
4. Can the county sheriffs' office, which is underfunded and understaffed, respond in a timely manner to our needs?
All of the village land, playgrounds, parks, buildings, fund balances, water and sewer plants, along with all other equipment would be owned by the township.
These are but a few of the many questions needing answers to make an "informed intelligent" decision.
I am asking the present administration to address all of the known impacts -- negative and positive -- and distribute them to each household in the village.
If self government is forfeited now, it will probably never return. I hope that the proponents of dissolution would become proactive and preserve our independence, rather than be reactive and destroy it.
If changes in the village administration are desired, the ballot box is a way to effect changes. Why do the proponents of dissolving the village not work toward electing a slate of citizens they feel can do a better job as mayor and council? It would take time by the election process but it would preserve self government.
CHARLES KOCH
New Waterford