Does Valley upbringing contribute to a bad attitude?

Does Valley upbringing contribute to a bad attitude?

EDITOR:

Regarding Attorney General Marc Dann’s fall and subsequent resignation, who else is there to blame?

It has long been believed that we are products of our environment. I personally don’t agree that’s true in every case. I believe one must, however, consider the many events of our life’s journey where it finally leads us.

I recall, without having to mention names: a dogged, in-your- face sheriff turned congressman, a dapper razor-sharp attorney turned county prosecutor and a young high school football phenom turned college superstar — just to mention a few who were once on top of their game. Each showed great promise and brought pride upon our Valley. I relish in the pleasure of knowing them, and even to this day often remember the good each had contributed while on their individual journey to “somewhere.”

No one knows for certain where life will eventually lead them, however each of us will have choices and decisions we must make that will determine our failures or successes. Does coming from an environment of corrupt, egotistical, self-serving, pride-filled, egocentric individuals bring about our final destination or destruction?

We must however still be held responsible for our own actions and choices, whether good or bad. In Dann’s case, his choice to hire two bozos for the most powerful office in the state, only to have them create a frat house/animal house atmosphere, helped bring about his demise. Some friends they turned out to be. But it’s a decision he’ll now regret for years to come.

CHARLES ELLIS

Youngstown

People should be talking about how bad the roads are

EDITOR:

Why are we the people of Mahoning County not saying anything to Mahoning County about how dangerous the roads are?

Am I the only person who thinks these roads are so full of holes I can’t dodge them all.

I am driving off the sides of roads to keep from knocking the front end out of my car, or breaking a tire that cost $140 each.

I drive in the middle of the road when its possible around holes.

I think we have gotten so used to condoning whatever this county hands out we just lay down and take it. I’m tired of paying taxes, complying with every rule they throw at us, when I see nothing they do extra for the people. I travel to other counties and their roads are not close to being as bad as Mahoning County’s.

I am familiar with the roads I travel on. So I know where the worst holes are and miss what I can of them.

But some people not familiar with these roads can damage their cars or be seriously hurt on these roads, especially at night. I can’t dodge any more holes; there is no place to dodge them. Shame on the townships allowing these roads to be so bad. Doesn’t anyone but me care about this? There has got to be something we people of Berlin, Goshen and Smith townships and surrounding areas can do to get some road work out here.

AUDREY GOODMAN

Berlin Center

Everyone’s invited to a picnic

EDITOR:

Youngstown Mayor Jay Williams’ proposal of a JEDD to the residents of Austintown and Baordman reminds me of an old saying: “Let’s have a picnic, you bring the ham and I’ll bring the bread.

JOE J. BUSH

Boardman