Don't be fooled by Issue 3

Don't be fooled by Issue 3
EDITOR:
Supporters of ballot Issue 3 to amend the Ohio Constitution are using deceptive arguments. Proponents put forth this issue as an advanced education proposal. It is in fact a gambling issue and one that only benefits a few professional gamblers.
First it was said that this program would produce a billion dollars a year to the state. It later was revised by them to be 800 million. Opponents say the state share would more likely be less than half that figure.
Supporting advertisements for Issue 3 say all Ohio students are guaranteed to be able to earn college scholarship credits. Ballot language of this amendment states only certain Students (paragraph A) can earn these credits. Paragraph B further limits these scholarships to the top 5 percent of students at each accredited school. That does not sound like all students to me.
Ballot language states "gross slot machine revenue" when specifying what percentage goes to what fund. However, when it gives the meaning of gross, it really means net or profit. Thirty percent is specified for the scholarship fund, 6 percent to race tracks to increase purse money, 1 percent for gambling addiction services and 8 percent divided among local governments specifically for economic development or capital improvements. Before the local governments receive their share, expenses for the administration of the Gaming Integrity Commission is deducted.
Each facility authorized will pay a fee to establish the Gaming Integrity Commission. Each casino will pay a one-time licensing fee to Cleveland and Cuyahoga County. Amendment language then prohibits any other fees or taxes than those specified in the amendment.
I perceive much deception concerning this amendment to our state constitution. When it would come time to count the money by these people, would anybody believe there would be an honest count? Remember the words of our local professional gambling operator, Lenny Strollo, when he proposed putting slot machines in the Campbell school system. He told the treasurer, we know how to skim from your share.
DONALD G. BAKER
Youngstown
Boardman looks to future
EDITOR:
Today we are at a crossroads for the Boardman Local School District and for Boardman in general. The future of our township rests upon the future of the school system. If we permit our school buildings to deteriorate and fall further behind districts across Ohio, future upgrades, which are inevitable, will have a devastating effect on future taxpayers.
One might ask, why now or can't we wait until we can afford it in the future? The fallacy in this logic can be seen in the history of the auditorium at Boardman High School. This structure was first proposed in 1965 as part of an overall plan to build a new high school. Unfortunately, the plans for the auditorium were set aside to help pass that bond issue with the thought of placing it on the ballot at a future time. The rest is history. It took another 35 years and nearly 20 times the original cost before a public-private partnership helped the Boardman Performing Arts Center come to fruition. And what a source of pride that structure and the programs it houses are to all.
A local Realtor shared an interesting point of view regarding this bond issue. He said that citizens should support this tax if only out of self-interest. "Think of it as property value insurance," he emphatically stated. One of the first things people consider when buying a house is the quality of the school system. If a school system and its facilities are on the decline, chances are the purchaser won't be buying in that community.
Recent data prove that Boardman Local School District is still an outstanding school district. Consider the following:
On the latest State Report Card, Boardman met 24 of the 25 standards.
The district overall Performance Index Score was 103.2.
Two of our Boardman elementary schools were just awarded the state superintendent's "Schools of Distinction Award" for high achievement -- we are one of only five districts in Ohio to have two schools honored.
Boardman High School is in the top 3 percent of all buildings in Ohio (nearly 4,000) in terms of their Performance Index Score. Boardman schools received the distinction last spring of being one of the "Top 100 Music Communities" in the nation.
Finally, consider what upgraded facilities will mean to the Boardman community. In today's world, child safety is something that is on all our minds. With the passage of this bond issue, the district will eliminate portable classrooms and redesign building entrances so that visitors must report to the office when entering a building. Also, this project will mean jobs for local businesses and workers including contractors, architects, trades people, and suppliers.
When casting your ballot Nov. 7, keep in mind the legacy you will leave to the future generations in Boardman. For as Winston Churchill so aptly stated, "We make a living by what we get, we make a life by what we give."
FRANK LAZZERI, Superintendent
Boardman Local School District
Youngstown levy a waste
EDITOR:
I can't believe we are being asked to pass a levy for the Youngstown schools. This will raise our property taxes about 150 a year. We already pay the highest city income tax in the state.
I moved here 20 years ago from another state. I bought a nice house on the South side of Youngstown. My property has decreased in value because of all the crime. Living in Youngstown has cost me too much and I have nothing to gain. I don't believe a levy is needed, it will be just more money wasted. The schools aren't getting any better and they won't until the students' home life is better and the crime of the city is under control.
I hope the people who own property in the city vote no, because we are the losers if it passes.
LINDA PATTERSON
Youngstown
City schools need support
EDITOR:
While watching the news on TV, I was appalled and infuriated at the negative comments that Councilman Michael Rapovy made regarding Youngstown's school levy.
I had planned not to get involved with this issue, but after hearing his comments, I have to speak out. He never mentioned the effect on our children if the levy does not pass. His concern is businesses moving to the suburbs, along with some of our citizens. I feel it is unfair to attack our school board and school administrators.
He wants a decrease in salaries and other cuts. Evidently he has not read the reports that show cuts have already been made. He seems unconcerned that when salaries are decreased, the quality of educators and education is decreased.
I am a senior, low-income homeowner with no children in Youngstown school system, or even in this area. I have already voted absentee and voted for the school levy. I feel our children need a quality education. They cannot get it by cutting personnel or without more funding.
Why is everyone down on our superintendent, Wendy Webb? She is the most compassionate individual I have ever met. Her whole philosophy is quality education for our children.
Citizens of Youngstown, let's quit being selfish and sacrifice a few extra dollars for the future of our children. I'm pleading with you to vote for the school levy.
OLLA L. TATE
Youngstown