Barack brings new promise

Barack brings new promise

EDITOR:

Bertram de Souza’s column last Sunday attempted to validate Hillary Clinton’s assertion that her experience in government provides an advantage over opponent Barack Obama. Obama has countered by reminding us that experience is not a guarantee of good judgment. My 40-plus years of work experience and my life experience in general is consistent with Barack’s comment. Obama’s opposition to the war in Iraq is outward and visible evidence of his good judgment. He outlined the reasons he opposed the war, and we are watching his reasons play out. Hillary would like a do-over on her vote for the war.

Hillary counts her eight years in the White House as experience. She seeks credit for the positive outputs of those years, and that’s fine. But at the same time Hillary distances herself from any negative outcomes from those years. Bertram wrote that Barack reminded him of Congressman James A. Traficant Jr. and Mr. Traficant’s failed promise to change government when elected. Mr. de Souza did not mention any dissimilarities. The most obvious one to me is that, although Congress is an important body, a member of Congress does not have the same power that a president has to facilitate and even execute change.

Hillary says that it would be good to have a woman as president. Our country could use more women in politics. Government might be more family friendly and may not be as quick to send our children to die in wars. But the prominent women in government today like Hillary and Nancy Pelosi are not the women I am describing; they are power politicians in a dress. They exhibit the worst traits of their generation. Not only do they not accept accountability for their actions; they blame others for failures.

Harry Truman said that a measure of the effectiveness of a president is what they get done in spite of obstacles. He said that a good president does what they believe to be right, even if he does not have public support. That requires character. I believe Barack weighs heavier on the honesty scale than Hillary.

My last point is this. Barack is who he says he is. He inspires hope, he brings people together, he reminds us that we need to unite, and work to get the government that we deserve. Barack doesn’t say he will do it for us. Barack scares his opposition because he does not play the game that has evolved. He doesn’t knock down his opponent to build himself up. Barack has the best traits of his generation. He is not seeking power, he wants to serve. And I am thrilled that a man of his character and abilities has entered politics.

JOE LoCICERO

Canfield

The time to act is now

EDITOR:

The residents of Springfield Local School District have a big decision to make Tuesday. We have three bond issues totaling 7.3 mils on the ballot for the second time. It was defeated in November.

There have been numerous meetings and efforts put forth by the board and levy committee to show why there is an urgent need for improvements and repairs that could cost the district $10 million. This would require a tax increase just for the repairs and improvements. This expense on our existing buildings can be avoided.

By passing the bond issues, we can accept the state’s offer of $19,792,579 through the Ohio Schools Facilities Commission Funding Plan. This will put our tax dollars toward new construction. Springfield is one of 34 school districts approved by OSFC for this in fiscal year 2008. If we turn down the state’s offer, the money goes to the next school district waiting in line for funding in year 2009.

This is our chance to bring our tax dollars back to our community. We need to pass these issues Tuesday or live with regrets for years to come.

BOB CARSON

New Middletown

Who has a 15 cent stamp?

EDITOR:

I filled in an absentee ballot to send to the Mahoning County Board of Elections. Since they said it needed postage, I was not too happy. But, I put two 41 cent stamps on it and mailed it.

I got it back from the post office, with a note that I needed 15 more cents — 97 cents to vote!

So, right away, I thought;

1. I don’t have any 15 cent stamps.

2. At $3.09 a gallon, I am not about to drive to the post office.

3. Not too sure any of the candidates are worth 97 cents.

4. So, I tossed it.

5. I would not be surprised if this happens in a lot of households. Too bad.

I will be 90 years old pretty soon and, yes, I long for the old days in many ways.

JOHN FRASER

Sebring

Say ‘yes’ to Youngstown

EDITOR:

As we look ahead to the primary election, I am asking Youngstown voters to consider the future of our city. As much as it may sound like a cliché, the children are our future. They deserve the same chance at a quality education that the rest of us did growing up.

We are all aware of the statistics that demonstrate how much a person contributes to society as a high school graduate than a drop out. A high school graduate’s earned income is higher; therefore, they are contributing more in taxes as well as purchasing property.

I am asking you to invest in education and your property’s value on Tuesday. Good schools equate to increased property values. We continue to make gains in our academics with a 16 point increase in our graduation rate over a few short years, and the highest attendance rate we have seen in decades. I know we still have work to do, and the district and board are determined to address key issues and concerns we have heard from the community. We are committed to educating all students who attend Youngstown city schools.

Our employees have proved they are committed to the students by taking a 0-percent increase for four years while paying a portion of their health care. We are working within the guidelines of Ohio operating standards and local contracts to cut costs and perform more efficiently. With $14 million in reductions between this year and next, we are committed to appropriately size our district and move ahead. I am writing to ask your support election day. Please say yes to the future of our children, increased property values, and the value of education.

SHELLEY MURRAY, president

Youngstown City School Board

Youngstown

Support renewal in Girard

EDITOR:

The Girard Board of Education has placed a renewal levy on Tuesday’s ballot.

The Girard city schools have been noted as excellent schools on the state report card.

The renewal is not a new tax. It is income that the district relies on daily while providing the acclaimed education for which it is noted.

I urge all citizens of the Girard City School District to vote for the renewal levy Tuesday.

ED SEMPLE, Ph.D.

Girard