Snowplows in Youngstown too few and too far between

Snowplows in Youngstown too few and too far between

EDITOR:

When the snow began to fall on Jan. 9, I was very aware of how much snow we were going to get. When I woke up and was snowed in, I wasn’t shocked because the snow was still falling.

But why was it on Jan. 22 I was still sliding down Ford and Alameda avenues, barely making turns without taking cars or telephone poles out?

I only saw two real snowplow trucks come down Ford Avenue; a third came but was a regular truck with a snowplow on it. Alameda Avenue was snowplowed maybe twice. I am appalled that the city would let the side roads get this bad, and remain this bad. I was deeply upset when I watched an elderly man walk down Alameda with a grocery bag filled as much as it could (probably stocking up because of the weather conditions). He was slipping and sliding all over the places, when he took a bad spill, I had to go out and help him out, get him a new bag, and sadly watch as he limped away. I couldn’t even offer a ride with the roads being as unclear as they were.

The street department needs to be out plowing and salting all the roads. What if that man would have broke his arm, leg, or even his hip? Something needs to be done about the city and the so-called street department.

AMY BROWN

Youngstown

City voters should have a say in shorter school week

EDITOR:

The Youngstown City School District may go to a four-day school week starting in September 2009.

As a member of the group supporting the school levy last year, I did not hear this idea being discussed. I think the voters in Youngstown should decide this question before it is approved. This should be the last item to be considered. Also, I think the Ohio Department of Education should have to approve of such changes.

I don’t think this should be done. Many children in Youngstown don’t have fathers and single mothers are required to work two or three jobs to pay the bills. Children shouldn’t be able to run the streets without proper supervision.

THOMAS P. GILMARTIN Sr.

Youngstown

X The writer is a retired state legislator.

That was some bill for the ball

EDITOR:

Inauguration Day cost how much? And at a time when companies are closing, and people are losing jobs and homes.

There’s no justification for our government’s poor decision making, especially regarding spending — rather wasting — of our tax dollars. It is unacceptable and an insult to our intelligence.

DIANE GNIPP

Columbiana