The city does its part

The city does its part

EDITOR::

The Vindicator printed a letter to the editor by Animal Charity CEO Nikole Owen last Sunday about animal abuse in our area and the difficulty of fighting that problem. The problem is widespread, and I share her frustration. We all should try to support all of the overwhelmed people associated with the various animal organizations waging a never-ending battle.

This is the second letter to the editor that she has written this year (the other being on April 13) complaining about a lack of funds while neglecting to include the money that the city of Youngstown has given to Animal Charity. Last year the city paid Animal Charity $17,000, and since Mayor Williams took office, the total has been $35,000. This administration also has taken the lead in asking for our state representatives to make animal abuse a felony.

The frustration is a two way street. There have been well publicized problems with Animal Charity’s performance. In 2006, when dozens of dead and abandoned cats were stranded in a house on Douglas Street, it took weeks for the problem to be resolved (Vindy 9-7-06). There were several times when the person who was previously employed as the humane agent did not have proper certification to act as humane agent and even lost at least one court case because of it (Vindy 9-29-06, 11-15-06, 11-20-06). And the horrible situation involving dogs in a kennel on the East Side last year was exacerbated by the unlawful conduct of Ms. Owen’s humane agency and the refusal of Animal Charity personnel to follow the instructions of the city prosecutor’s office, and, again, having sent a person not certified as a humane agent to act as such. That led to the inability to file all applicable charges (Vindy 11-30-08). Despite these documented incidents and representations to the contrary by Ms. Owens, Animal Charity officials still do not seek the counsel of the city prosecutor’s office or simply do not present cases for prosecution.

Also troubling was her falsely claiming that Animal Charity is “the only agency in the county that is legally able to handle these (humane) cases.” Not so. For instance, under 955.12, paragraph 4, Ohio law states, “If a dog warden has reason to believe that a dog is being treated inhumanely on the premises of its owner, keeper, or harborer, the warden shall apply to the court of common pleas for the county in which the premises are located for an order to enter the premises, and if necessary, seize the dog. If the court finds probable cause to believe that the dog is being treated inhumanely, it shall issue such an order”

Government agencies must all act together, but they must also work within the law. And to work within the law, everyone involved has to understand the law. It is evident by Ms. Owen’s letters and actions that she again does not. Perhaps she is driven by some other motive or agenda.

JASON T. WHITEHEAD

Chief of staff

City of Youngstown

Some costs of living rise

EDITOR:

We were notified earlier this year that we would not be getting an increase in our Social Security disability next year.

Medicare was to remain the same .

The other day I received my statement of the amount to be received for 2010 and I am told that Medicare has now increased and I have to pay additional for prescriptions, leaving me $47 per month less to live on than I had in 2009.

But our government cannot (or will not) understand why we need an increase in cost of living. It does not recognize the increase in the cost of utilities, medication and groceries that we see everyday.

Every politician should be voted out of office and only people from real life, not the wealthy class, should be put into office.

Merry Christmas to those who cannot really afford to have one.

JAMES A. BALASSONE

Youngstown

Christmas at the Arms

EDITOR:

With all the holiday decorations and displays in yards and malls, we need to take some time and visit our Valley’s gem.

The Arms Family Museum of local history is displaying vintage Christmas decorations. Trains, toys, trees, Nativity scenes and extra special Santas. This self-guided tour is well worth seeing for young and old. Scenes will take you back to your childhood and those good old fashioned Christmases.

Get on board at the Arms Museum for a “Holiday in Motion.”

SUE MILLER

Boardman