Youngstown should consider JEDD plans of other cities

Youngstown should consider JEDD plans of other cities

EDITOR:

Mayor Jay Williams, in his pursuit of making Youngstown a national example as to how governmental entities can work together for the common good, has employed various extortion tactics to make his dream come true. Pay the extortion fee, I mean the city income tax, or die of thirst. What an incentive for Austintown and Boardman townships to eagerly sign onto the mayor’s Joint Economic Development District proposal.

Other cities in Ohio have implemented JEDD, and the income taxes are only imposed on businesses and their employees that come about as a result of the economic initiative. What is good for Dayton, Ohio, should also be good for Youngstown. The real problem is the city is in dire financial straits and is looking for somebody to bail it out. That somebody in this case is Austintown and Boardman.

Youngstown would receive the entire 2 percent tax while the townships could tack on an additional one-quarter of 1 percent. Receiving eight times more revenue as the townships makes a lie of the words “mutually beneficial” that I found on City Hall’s Web site regarding its proposed JEDD with the townships. Of course the term “equally” has been left out while the word “mutually” must be a typing error. Referring back to Dayton, its JEDD arrangements with various townships allows for an equal split of the income taxes. I would assume that the city would also have the sole right to increase the income tax rate without any right to vote on the matter by the township residents. Are there any other critical but obscure details that are being hidden from the public?

Youngstown does have the right to impose a city income tax on the townships that are receiving its water. I do agree that a lot can be accomplished for the Valley by working together but not when it is so obvious that the present JEDD proposal is so one-sided. If this area really desires to go forward and not stagnate, then for once politicians need to stop being politicians and actually do what is good for everyone. The Valley is not just about you or me but about our children’s future. You can really impress the nation if the greater good of the Valley actually comes first for once.

GERALD HEITKAMP

Youngstown

If dogs must stay outside, give them kiddie pool, fan

EDITOR:

Concerned neighbors and authorities deserve a pat on the back for trying to help a chained puppy who later died of heat stroke in Youngstown. (“Puppy from home deemed ‘squalid’ dies,” TheVindicator, June 11, 2008).

This tragedy should serve as a wake-up call to anyone who keeps their dog confined to a chain or kennel most or all of the time. Dogs are actually less able to handle the heat than humans are, since they can only cool themselves by panting and sweating through their paw pads. Chained dogs are often unable to seek shade and may overturn their water bowls — both absolutely vital during hot weather.

When it’s hot out, bring dogs inside. If that’s not possible, provide them with a kiddie pool that they can cool off in and an outdoor fan to repel flies. If you see a dog who is chained up or kenneled and unable to reach shade or water, call animal control or the police right away. Your call could save a life.

EMILY ALLEN

People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals

NORFOLK, Va.