It’s time to forgive, forget and renew in Jackson-Milton

Opinion: July 23, 2008 at 12:00a.m.

EDITOR:

The give and take of freedom in Ohio means in my opinion, that citizens have the right to change their minds. Under rewritten laws and the speedy birth of a school funding committee by the Governor, past Ohio law makers ignored a decree from the Ohio Supreme Court, thereby giving school systems such as the Jackson-Milton District where I live, the right to plunder the fruits of our labor by taking away our right to vote and our money, via a “mandated” levy for building a new school facility.

With the raising of hands in Columbus and the strokes of many pens, the Jackson-Milton school superintendent, the school’s administration and entire school board became the enemies of individual freedom. Many citizens felt the same, but let’s call them what they are — collectivists — disciples of the central state mentality.

I became very upset at that time, having signs made against future levies and planting them in our front yard. I wrote to local papers and even sent numerous articles of complaint by Ohio citizens to the Reader’s Digest forum, “That’s Outrageous!”

Over time however, I have mellowed some after attending several sports programs and a fall music festival that included coral groups from the school’s lower levels to the very talented, senior choir. Plus, I was pleasantly surprised by a splendid concert that offered three different levels of band and orchestra music.

Those shining, lovely and handsome faces and the crystal clear voices that can only come from the young, brought tears to my eyes. Anyone attending those Jackson-Milton school functions couldn’t help but notice the poor and tattered condition of most of the sports and music uniforms.

Finding common ground in school funding and political activism in Ohio is a lot like playing Texas Hold ’em Poker. You have to know when to hold ’em and know when to fold ’em. The man who led this fiasco and dilemma to the Jackson-Milton school district has retired. Those among the many citizens who want to force the Ohio legislators to follow the Ohio Supreme Court guidelines can do so at the ballot box, but it will take much time and effort. Our children are the real and true wealth of the nation and they must be valued. Please vote yes for the upcoming renewal levy in August and allow Jackson-Milton children to get on with their lives.

DAVID METZLER

North Jackson

Weathersfield Police make it easier to view fireworks

EDITOR:

The beautiful I.F.H. fireworks in Girard seem to get better every year. My family goes to attend the festival because we know they spend a lot of money on the fireworks.

I would like to thank the Weathersfield police for shutting off part of West Liberty so we could walk down to the bridge and enjoy the fireworks. McDonald shut off Marshall Road last year, but they didn’t this year. If the people from McDonald need to go out, they can take Owsley to Salts Spring and to 80. It was hard on the police from Weathersfield to keep people on one side . I hope next year we can get it all shut off again. It is only once a year.

And thanks for the great fireworks.

DARLENE KEITH

Girard