North Side got short shrift

North Side got short shrift

I am writing in regard to a seven-part series, “Broken Lives,” which was produced by “the NewsOutlet.org a joint media venture by student and professional journalists and is a collaboration of Youngstown State University, WYSM radio and The Vindicator.”

As a life long resident in the Wick Park neighborhood, I have worked here, lived here, invested here and I like it here. Your series did a disservice to the area in and around the old Cafaro Hospital. You stated that “amid the rubble there’s rebuilding.” However, you also write, “the community surrounding the center reflects the very elements that put these men into the rehabilitation program; heroin dealers, crack houses, crime and poverty.” It does not sound like there is any rebuilding from your article. Perhaps you could use your vast knowledge in helping law enforcement stop this.

It seems that this was done for effect, to show the pains that these young men endure, but it had a negative effect or result.

There are a lot of good working people on the North Side. The Wick Park Neighborhood Association meets every third Monday and does a lot of good things in the neighborhood. You also stated “six of the 10 homes that line Broadway Avenue are boarded up.” Your assessment of the immediate area of the old Cafaro Hospital gives a negative impression that we do not need or deserve.

Kenneth W. Krantz, Youngstown

Was there nothing better to write?

It is hard to believe that The Vindicator had nothing more important to report other than a felon, Leo Connelly, helped volunteer for state Sen. Schiavone’s campaign. What about the felon who ran for Congress?

Instead of bringing up the past of 15 years ago, maybe you could review his actions of serving his time in prison, keeping his nose clean, and trying to get on with his life, which includes helping out with a candidate’s campaign, which a lot of non-felons wouldn’t consider doing.

Anita LoGiudice, Poland