This isn’t the time for raises

This isn’t the time for raises

Is Paul Gains out of his mind? Raises for his employees when there have been cuts in other areas? What is he thinking, or maybe he isn’t thinking. From where are the raises coming? If he’s personally paying for them, then I say go for it. Otherwise, this is another tax burden on the taxpayer.

This is the kind of government that cares little for the citizens of Mahoning County. If there is a surplus of funds then recall the people who are laid off. There are a lot of people who wish they had any job. Gains is setting a precedent that is ill advised in this economy.

He should rethink his actions. Gains wants to keep qualified people in Mahoning County. I think people will always seek higher pay, and if that’s what they want to do, so be it.

As for paying employees for the “snow day” on Jan. 31 that is another foolhardy action. Only schools have “snow days.” I think the schools close far too often as it is. What message are we sending to our children that it is OK to miss because of snow?

Pat Zoccali, Warren

Will makes a bad assumption

In his Monday column, George Will wrote that Gov. Kasich will have to fight the skilled nursing facility profession in Ohio over the state budget because the profession will resist state efforts to help the elderly stay at home. Nothing could be farther from the truth.

The Ohio Health Care Association — the state’s largest organization representing skilled nursing facilities — supports programs that allow seniors and people with disabilities to receive services at home. We have participated in several state initiatives to expand home and community-based long-term services and supports, and we do not oppose further expansion to serve individuals whose needs can be met at home in a more cost-effective manner. There also are many Ohioans who have care needs that have progressed to the point that they can’t be met at home or in an assisted living community. There are many others who need short-term rehabilitative care after hospitalization.

Ohio must have quality skilled nursing facilities to serve these individuals, just like we need strong home and community-based services.

Peter Van Runkle, Lewis Center, Ohio

The writer is executive director of the Ohio Health Care Association.