It’s time to speak up

It’s time to speak up

EDITOR,

I was at last Monday’s public meeting about the Mahoning County sales tax. There was a group of about 60 or 70 people.

One gentleman spoke about how he was out of work for the past six months. Why would you take money out of nearly empty pockets? A judge asked why others should be punished because someone else didn’t have a job. Well, let’s take a look. Is this the same judge, who filed suit against the commissioners for money but now cries why do I have to cut my staff? Then let’s look a another judge, who spent about $3,000 on pencils and erasers, and he sued the commissioners for more money? Well, knowing that the county had money troubles, how many county workers got hurt when he gave people raises while other county employees were walking out the door with pink slips?

As far as I know that there are over 300 county employees on lay off. Aren’t they just as important? I feel that they are. I know times are very difficult, and many of the people in this county and others are hurting, losing the homes, losing their jobs, losing health care. My family is and has had all of things happen to us.

There are people who for the first time have to go to the welfare office.

They have paid into the system, now that they need help they are having a hard time laying out their private lives to a complete stranger. And then to be told by the person that you don’t matter. I could care less, because I have a job. There needs to be an attitude adjustment in that department.

Another thing that makes me a little crazy is seeing the big WRTA buses coming down 224, around the square in Canfield and going back out empty — only the drivers on board. People see that and talk about the waste. There are elderly out the townships. There are the working poor out here too.

So, If you have been mistreated by people in that department, now is the time to speak up, because if you don’t, how are the commissioners going to know how you feel. No, my family receives no help. But I have taken this on this year, that when I see someone being spoken down to by someone who works for the taxpayers, I’m going to speak up.

EDNA GILLAM

North Lima

Time for a new beginning

EDITOR:

When we had our cash for clunkers program, I wrote a letter and blasted our government for allowing foreign cars into the program.

Now here we are with Japan having a program eliminating U.S. cars.

I think its time for all of us to vote everybody out of office and start with a new set of minds.

ANDY PAPPAGALLO Sr.

Mineral Ridge