Talking out our disputes

Talking out our disputes

EDITOR:

The front page of the March 10 local section featured an article on the dispute over placement of American flags in a local cemetery. The piece described in detail the sincere emotions of everyone involved, a clear indication of the power of symbolism when such sensitive issues come into question.

One of the aspects of the situation that stood out for me was the apparent lack of direct communication. Compelling statements from both parties are mentioned without any indication of plans for a collective effort to seek a jointly agreeable outcome. As a dispute resolution professional I have seen time and again issues like this settled when parties choose to come together and listen to the other’s point of view without resorting to fault or blame or arguing one’s case. This is possible even in the most difficult of circumstances with the assistance of a mediator.

Mahoning Valley Dispute Resolution Services has been in existence for over 15 years, enabling people throughout the Valley to identify common concerns, explore possible outcomes and develop agreeable resolutions to a variety of disputes. Program manger Mark Luke, his staff and trained and experienced volunteers are ready, willing and able to a bring disputants together in a process designed to provide an opportunity to develop resolutions only the parties know how to create. Taking responsibility for solutions to our problems works like nothing else.

JOHN POLANSKI

Mineral Ridge

School boards that put levies on the ballot aren’t listening

EDITOR:

Evidently several school boards in the Mahoning Valley must have their heads in the sand, especially those in Liberty Township. They must not listen to the news or read the newspapers, to place a new 9.9 levy on the ballot in May that would increase a homeowner’s tax by $300 on a house valued at $100,000. It shows they have no regard for the thousands of area residents who have lost their jobs, pensions and hospitalization and are losing their homes. Many parents may have to tell their children that college is out of the question and to look for a job that is not out there.

In 1999 I sent a letter to Liberty School Board President Richard J. Malone questioning the pay increases being given to the teachers at Liberty. He replied: “I understand your frustration with all of the rising costs you noted and have experienced personally, wage cuts and freezes over the years as have many others. No one likes paying increased taxes, however one of our most valuable assets is our children and one of the most important things we can do for them is to provide them with a quality education. This requires quality teachers. These people have invested a minimum of four years in a college education to teach with many either having obtained or working toward advanced degrees. They have and deserve a respectable wage”.

His response gave me the feeling that school boards care less about the people who foot the bill and that is the impression this school board gives me today.

I believe when the voters — high school student, parent, retiree, etc. — cast ballots in the May election they had better asked themselves if they have a family member, father, mother, grandparent or a neighbor who will have another financial burden added to their already stressed out budget.

Think of them when voting and vote no on the 9.9 increase.

EDWARD J. TOCK

Hubbard