Resident says West Side isn’t what it use to be

Resident says West Side
isn’t what it use to be

EDITOR:

I am an 84-year-old resident of our city and moved my family to the West Side of Youngstown in 1951, where my family and I still reside. I moved my family because of my belief of the wonderful opportunity to raise my family since the West Side of Youngstown in those days was clean and every home owner took pride in keeping his home and property well maintained. In addition, I was also motivated to have a building constructed for my business which was completed in 1956.

As the years passed by, some sections of the neighborhoods of the West Side have deteriorated whereby homes are in disrepair and crime, drugs, as well as prostitution are now part of the landscape of some the areas on the West side. For years I have read the Police Golden Gazette and there was never an article about crime on the West Side, however, when reading the Police Golden Gazette today, there are always articles on crime on the West Side of Youngstown. Please do something before the entire West Side becomes toxic.

One great example of environmental improvement is the area that surrounds Youngstown State University. Many homes have been demolished with newly constructed buildings. These improvements, coupled with the arduous work of our previous Youngstown Metropolitan Housing Authority director, Eugenia Atkinson, has improved the North Side. Youngstown is a great city, but it is at a point in time where strong leadership is badly needed in the YMHA.

The editorial in The Vindicator on Jan. 18 articulated that the process has begun with a committee formed to select a new director for the YMHA. It is of utmost importance that the candidate be selected based upon the appropriate credentials, experience as well as accomplishments in his and/or her previous position. Politics and deal making should not be part of this process. This position is pivotal in the success of Youngstown’s future. In addition, there should be a probationary period for any new candidate hired for the position because if the individual does not “walk the walk” then he/she should be removed from the job.

Lastly, as a resident of Youngstown, I am truly interested in this selection process of the YMHA director. I would encourage the Vindicator staff to keep the residents of Youngstown informed on an ongoing basis.

HENRY SPENCER

Youngstown

Don’t push panic button

EDITOR:

This letter is in response to recent articles and editorials regarding food from cloned animals and their offspring. There is absolutely no reason that food from cloned animals or their offspring could be dangerous. The genetic material for cloning is from the skin cells of animals with superior production capabilities. This will help supply the hungry of the world with more protein, which is desperately needed. Cloning does not change the genetics of the animal: the chromosomes, genes or DNA.

It is not even generic engineering. Many of the grain products we eat are the result of genetic engineering.

They have not caused illness or injury. Genetic engineering of grains, to control weeds has caused a great increase of yield, comparable to the use of adequate fertilization and the development of hybrids. Hybrid crops, which are now used universally and exclusively, are also the result of a kind of genetic engineering.

They were developed in the 1940s.

ALBERT A. GABEL

Professor Emeritus

Ohio State University

Columbus