Minority voters voted, but not all voted for the levy

Minority voters voted, but not all voted for the levy

EDITOR:

As a loyal voter and lifelong resident of Youngstown, I have to severely disagree with a recent letter stating that the lack of minority votes was the reason the school levy failed to pass. Not only did we get out and vote, but a lot of us did not vote for it to pass because 1) Numerous voters didn’t understand where the extra money, which Youngstown and its working class don’t have, was going to be coming from; 2) How it was going to be distributed, and 3) What was it going to be used for.

As a parent of five school-aged children, I have to say I have been disappointed in the Youngstown school system for years and am one of those people who is trying to get out of this area, the educational system being a huge factor in that desire. But, while my children are still attending and I’m still paying taxes for their education to continue to be at least mediocre, I will do all that I can to see it strive for success. Now, I was one who voted for the levy to pass, but many taxpayers of Youngstown who don’t have children (and some who do) voted against it.

I am paying out 18.25 percent in (total) taxes of my income each week; over $80 a week in gasoline for my car and 6.5 percent sales tax on everything that I purchase.

There is one thing I can agree with the writer on, and that is that this is a severely racially divided city. And that, my friend, is the real problem. Stop racially dividing our areas and treat everyone with respect and dignity and give everyone who deserves it the same great opportunities as you would those of the “majority” race. Because anyone from here knows, the minorities in this city, no matter age, experience or education, don’t and won’t get the same opportunities as those that are considered the majority. So what does that lead our minority children to think of our city? And you wonder why they all leave here.

TAMARA GARCIA

Youngstown

’Tis many different seasons

EDITOR:

The women featured in the Dec. 11 article “Happy Holidays” are another example of the you-should-think-like-i-do (the right way) movement. It’s wrong to assume that another person wishes to take Christ out of Christmas simply because he or she does not use your chosen greeting. There’s more than one way to convey good wishes.

Let’s not forget that this season includes several holidays that aren’t Christian. These ladies ought to consider that people of other faiths may like to wish them a happy holiday, even though it is not one of their own. Such a person is making an effort to recognize this holiday, not insult it.

Please, ladies, choose a meaningful battle. Redirect your energies and fund-raising talents toward truly helping others. Even if you only help Christians.

VERONICA HALL

Leetonia

Let’s celebrate diversity

EDITOR:

I read with interest and alarm the Vindicator article “Happy Holidays?” that you chose to put on the front page. Three women and their friends have started a billboard campaign to bring back the greeting “merry Christmas.”

The United States is a cultural, ethnic and religious melting pot. I respect everyone’s right to believe what they want as long as it doesn’t infringe on my beliefs.

Christmas seems to have become a national rather than a religious holiday. Many Americans are not Christian. I was so relieved when retail clerks began saying “happy holidays” to which I could honestly reply the same.

Please, let’s continue to honor and respect our American diversity.

SUSAN MOSTOV

Youngstown