Time for judge to step up
Time for judge to step up
EDITOR:
It seems like only yesterday, but it was actually way back in November of 2007, that Judge Mark Belinky stated in a Vindicator article: “I don’t worry about the funds,” when explaining one of the reasons why the governor had chosen him as qualified for the opening in the probate court.
How quickly things have changed in the past 16 months. Judge Belinky’s stated reasoning this time around in demanding $915,715 to operate the probate court is that “all the other Ohio probate courts our size get more money.” That sounded to me, a little like my granddaughter’s plea, “All the other kids in my class have BlackBerrys, Ipods and Wiis, why can’t I?”
A few weeks ago in a similar Vindicator article Judge Belinky stated: “The probate court is mandated to provide all of our magistrates (four attorneys) to get updated schooling on probate procedures, but we don’t have the money!”
Doesn’t mandated mean that the Mahoning County Probate Court is required by law to follow the rules and instructions, when issued by a higher court or a judge with more power? How come no one took issue? Why wasn’t the local court cited? Where’s Columbus when we really need ’em?
Judge Belinky stated his 33 years of experience made him eligible for the judgeship just 16 months ago; why doesn’t he now take the incentive to show his willingness to bite the bullet during these hard times, as other elected officials are doing and train the four magistrates?
Perhaps such a gesture would endear Judge Belinky enough so everyone in Mahoning County who has lost a job, lost a house, or can’t find work, would be forgiving enough, that he could get re-elected by the people instead of pulling strings and relying on name recognition down in Columbus.
DAVID METZLER
North Jackson
New attacks on smoking
EDITOR:
It was a pleasure to read news reports last week about two recent moves at the national level to encourage smokers to quit their addicting and health-destroying habit. Anyone who has lost a friend or relative to lung cancer or other smoking-related disease would find them gratifying.
First, the federal tax on a pack of cigarettes has just gone from $0.39 to $1.01, with the additional revenue going to the State Children’s Health Insurance Program (known as S-CHIP). This is in addition to cigarette taxes levied by the states, which vary widely, from a low of $0.17 a pack in South Carolina to a high of $2.575 in New Jersey. Ohio is near the middle, at $1.25. Every time the cost of smoking goes up, more people are persuaded to take the leap and quit.
Second, the House of Representatives has just voted, 298 to 112, to give the Food and Drug Administration authority to regulate tobacco products. This includes control of deceptive advertising, limiting nicotine content and barring dangerous additives and contaminants. The measure now goes to the Senate where passage is expected if there are enough votes to break a threatened filibuster.
Let us hope that these welcome developments will be accompanied by renewed emphasis on discouraging youngsters from starting to smoke. It is well know that most smokers become addicted in their early teen years, a time when they are vulnerable to deceptive product promotions, not inclined to think about long-term disease risks, and eager to try “adult” activities.
ROBERT GILLETTE MD
Poland