LETTERS: 3 stand up for ex-Mooney principal; The Traficant Freeway? Muslim blasts Charlie attack

Former Liberty, Mooney principal exuded in educational leadership

Recent articles have upset me about the termination of John Young who was Mooney’s principal. A recent report on WFMJ says that “Young believes that the action to replace him is based on the findings reached after the Diocese sent someone to the school in November to interview the staff.” It also says that “Young says the only reason he received for his dismissal was that he is not an education leader.”

I have to highly disagree with this. I am an alumnus of Liberty High School, and John Young was my principal when I attended there. He was the only educational leader that I looked up to at Liberty and was the only reason why I enjoyed going to Liberty High School every day. He was a principal for years at Liberty and never once did I hear a complaint about him.

When I attended he Trumbull Career and Technical Center and was inducted into the National Honor Society, he was one of two people who came from Liberty to support me at my induction ceremony and that meant the world to me. He did not have to come; it was his choice. If anyone is given the title educational leader it should be John Young. In talking to some students I know who attend Mooney, they also said they were very upset that he was let go. It is obvious that if they are as upset as I am, then Mr. John Young must have made a great educational impact on their lives as well as he did mine.

Someone is wrong about this decision. Mr. Young should have never been let go. There are many people very upset about this termination. The only educational leader I and many others will ever know is a man by the name of John Young.

Tony Thomas, Girard

Mooney graduate questions lack of principle in dismissal of principal

As a graduate of Cardinal Mooney High School, I keep up with events of the school even though I live on the other side of the country. I credit the faculty and staff there for giving me the best education I ever received both in and out of the classroom. One basic tenet I learned was to treat others — everyone — honorably. We should, as Catholics, hold ourselves to higher morals.

I will admit that I do not know both sides of the story regarding the unceremonious dumping of John Young as principal of Cardinal Mooney High School. The diocese will not, of course, comment on personnel matters, and I understand that. What I cannot understand is why the diocese made this change in such an egregious and less-than principled manner.

If the change had to do with, as I have read, “conversations with faculty,” I cannot imagine what they would so suddenly say that the diocese would make this change in the middle of the year. If it had to do with a decline in discipline — another rumor — would the decline be so great that the diocese had to make the change now?

What do the parents and students have to say about this? From what I’ve read, they aren’t too happy. Does the diocese not owe them answers? If I lived in Youngstown and had a child at Mooney, I would be pounding the diocese door for an explanation. They owe it to the students and parents — and alumni — who love and uphold the Mooney values.

I find the actions of the Youngstown Diocesan School System to be exactly the opposite of the lessons I learned many years ago. The whole situation disheartens me.

Christine Cutler, Las Vegas

The writer is a member of the Cardinal Mooney High School Class of 1971.

Diocese should speak publicly on reasons for its dismissal of Young

I am truly saddened by the actions taken by the Diocese of Youngstown against Cardinal Mooney principal John Young, mainly the way in which it was handled. Removing a principal in the middle of the school year should require a valid reason. And the fact that the diocese has not spoken publicly to provide the students, parents, alumni, and community with a reason makes this seem like some shady backroom deal that only causes rumors to spread. It also hurts the reputation of a good man.

I am writing this letter for two reasons:

1: I want Mr. Young to realize that he has the support of the Mooney family. Mr. Young is a part of that family, and the students, parents, and alumni are behind him.

2: I urge Youngstown Bishop George Murry and the diocese to reconsider their decision. Catholic Education should not be dictated by some hidden agenda.

The main goal should be providing quality education to all with a basis in the teachings of Jesus. In order to do that, Catholic schools need educators who are leaders and committed to that goal. Nobody exemplifies that more than John Young.

Mike Berlon, Cincinnati

The writer is a member of the Cardinal Mooney High School Class of 2003.

To recognize Traficant’s impact, name road, civic center for him

I attended the memorial for Congressman James A. Traficant Jr. As I sat in the audience and watched as various dignitaries and VIPs came forward whether on screen or in person to talk about Jim’s life and his accomplishments, I was moved to tears.

“Jimbo,” as he was lovingly called, may have had his faults, but what he did for this community and beyond far outweighs anything negative.

I consider myself a Republican, but I followed Jim’s career as a congressman, and while he was such a “character,” he certainly got things done. Who couldn’t like the guy?

My reason for this letter, however, is not to expand on Jim’s accomplishments, but to call to the attention of the public that for all he did for this Valley, there is not one building or stretch of highway bearing his name.

I would love to see either the 7-11 connector re-named the “James A. Traficant Freeway” or perhaps Mr. Covelli would so generously consider giving up the naming rights to the Covelli Center and agree to rename it the “James A. Trafficant Civic Center.”

These are just suggestions, but I believe that something should be done to honor this man, James A. Trafficant, who undoubtedly has earned his place in Mahoning Valley history. Let’s make this happen.

Ruth Nabb, Boardman

Muslim from Northeast Ohio condemns Charlie Hebdo attack

As a Muslim, I utterly and wholly condemn the Charlie Hebdo attack this month in Paris. Twelve innocent lives were lost because of a terrorist attack conducted by so-called Muslims.

The perpetrators claim they were defending the prophet Muhammad, but Muhammad would have been shocked and horrified to see what was being done in his name. Muhammad taught love and peace, and despite the fact that he and his followers were constantly persecuted, he never called for the death of his opponents.

Muhammad responded with prayer, patience, and his peaceful teachings and examples. The Prophet Muhammad would say, “Faith is a restraint against all violence. Let no Mu’min (believer) commit violence.”

The criticism and mockery of Muhammad should now be responded by Muslims with logical reasoning and arguments. However, the fact that these terrorists responded with murder and violence in the name of Muhammad is not only sickening and shocking, but also illogical and alien to the true teachings of Islam. My prayers and condolences go out to all the victims of this great injustice.

Labeeb Ahmad, North Canton