Walking a couple of blocks to work isn't such a bad idea

Walking a couple of blocks to work isn't such a bad idea
EDITOR:
While reading a letter to the editor a few days ago, I saw one that spoke out against Mayor Williams' desire to change the parking for "Youngstown's finest" and have the police walk two additional blocks to work. I really cannot comment on the accuracy of the 75 to 90 pounds of gear a police officer is said to carry to and from work. What I can say is that if an officer is required to carry said pounds to perform their job duties, he should be able to do that for longer then two blocks without complaint.
Incidentally, when I was in Iraq I had to carry 153 pounds of gear on my body (I weigh 120 pounds) whenever I moved from one location to another and I carried one of the lighter weapons, the M-16A2. I might have complained of the bruises and joint pain the next day but I carried my gear further than two blocks because it was my job.
Many soldiers are giving the ultimate sacrifice and they do not complain about carrying 50 pounds of vest (not including full ammo loads, the weapon, assault pack, helmet, etc.) and walking miles at a time.
My suggestion is for everyone that may have to walk two extra blocks a day or for those who are living a carefree life to take the time during the walk or while sitting down to watch television to think about our men and women overseas and try to live to their standard.
I mean no disrespect for anyone that may be affected by the parking changes. I just ask for people to adapt and to acknowledge that life could be much worse.
CRYSTAL SIEMBIDA
Columbiana
Finance report doesn't jibe with recollection of former Girard service director
EDITOR:
An article about Girard finances in The Vindicator April 18 indicated the state auditor said the debt was due to the building of the Justice Center, the removal of Ohio Edison poles on Route 422, and the purchase of the Girard Lakes and property surrounding the lakes.
Loans on these projects were 20- to 25- year loans. The financing was in place before any of these projects were considered and were passed by council. The loan was paid from specific accounts. None from the general fund.
The city needed a new jail because it was condemned. Funds were to come from 14 percent of the Capital Improvement Fund from the city income tax. The money was appropriated and passed by 7-0 vote of council. The money for the lakes and property surrounding the lakes was to come from the water capital improvement fund. This was passed, by council by a 5-2 vote. Ohio Edison poles, removed from Route 422, was to come from the street utilities fund. A grant from the state paid for the paving and widening, at no cost to the city. Council passed this legislation by a 7-0 vote.
I gave space to the State Auditor's Office in City Hall and they never told me that the funding would not be available.
Why were budgets approved by council and approved by the county if there were inconsistencies in the budget numbers while state auditors were in the building for 10n years?
I'm not running for any political position, and I never, ever would be involved with trying to be a public servant again. It is a thankless job.
I started with the city when I was 14 and worked in every department, except the sewage plant, including 31 years on the Fire Department as a captain and 12 years as director of public service under three mayors. I was on call 24/7 and never took a vacation. I guess nobody appreciated what I did, while in office, but what I've written is the truth.
RALPH RUGGIERO
Girard