Vindy editorial solidified her opposition to Issue 3

Vindy editorial solidified her opposition to Issue 3

Your recent edi- torial on State Issue 3 was published in the Richmond, Ind., Palladium newspaper recently . I agree with everything in your article. When I first heard about this issue, I was all set to vote “no”.

Then I saw the ads on television about a retired cop and a mother about medicinal marjuana for her child and thought maybe I was wrong. I’m so glad to see your article and the Cleveland Plain Dealer’s editorial about voting “no” on the marijuana issue.

You need to get the word out more because senior citizens like myself do not know which way to vote. I have never seen anything on TV against the issue. Unless we get the truth out, it will pass.

Lola Shafer, Eaton, Ohio

It’s time for full-blown probe of ‘Charter-gate’

Gov. John Kasich’s profit charter-school system in Ohio is costing us taxpayers $1 billion, and it’s rife with waste, fraud and abuse. Worse yet, it has been failing our children and leaving most of them in educational shambles.

Also, a top official has been caught altering the scores of these schools in order to hide how poorly they are performing. This has also allowed these schools to make more profits.

At an upcoming State Board of Education meeting, several members have pledged to call for an investigation into Chartergate – the grade-rigging of the charter-school results by state officials. Ohio’s taxpayers need to know about this so the truth will be known about the charter-school system.

Charter schools are diverting critical tax dollars away from our public schools. This is the reason why many of our schools are having levies in the upcoming elections.

Ed Freisen, Newton Falls

Columnist gets it right on Youngstown City Schools

This letter is to comment on Bertram de Souza’s column of Oct. 18. For once, Bertram is right on the money. Youngstown schools have never been good.

In the 1970s when I and my sisters were in school, out of all three of us, only my younger sister graduated, and she needed help writing out checks from me. Back then, teachers were more interested in going on strike than in helping kids.

It’s about time the state came in. All those fancy schools Youngstown now has makes no difference at all.

Thank you, Bertram, for such an honest article.

Johanna K. Morrison, Boardman

Where’s the outrage over seniors not getting COLA?

Among other isSUES, there is one in particular that really upsets me. The seniors have no representation from anyone so, once again, we are denied the cost-of-living adjustment on our Social Security.

To begin with I do not believe President Obama has a crystal ball to see into 2016 and assume gas prices will remain as they are. He can get more money appropriated to carry on senseless wars and jeopardize more of our youth but the COLA just can’t be justified. Where is the outcry by the seniors?

People march about everything and protest everything but not a soul cares what happens to the seniors. Where is Tim Ryan and Sherrod Brown when we need them?

As of this writing any requests to me for money, levies, renewals or otherwise will be turned down. The many organizations, Easter Seals, cancer, etc., that I try to support will also take the hit.

All the politicians don’t care, and AARP does no good either.

Georgie Arkwright, Youngstown

‘Mad as hell’ over freeze

When people livING on Social Security they earned are denied an increase in money even as the cost of living continues to grow, I find this wrong.

Perhaps the freeze on next year’s Social Security might be a preview for future Social Security recipients. They may find themselves living without peace as a result of having to worry about the necessities they might have to do without.

If at age 85 this is a sample of my “Golden Years,” then this Golden Ager is mad as hell. Not only is it getting harder to make it, but we’re also forced to take it.

If wishes could come true, I wish someone in our government cared enough to brighten the lives of those in their golden years and others on Social Security with a little more money. Constantly pinching pennies and squeezing dollars can make the strongest hands hurt.

Mary Lou Jurina, Youngstown

YSU soars under Tressel

G reat things are happening at Youngstown State University once again! The addition of Jim Tressel as president has provided remarkable forward progress. Consider:

He has been able to quiet the dissension by the faculty, and their cooperation is apparent.

He has raised the number and quality of freshman admissions.

His hands-on involvement in the freshman class orientation as well as his participation in other aspects of student life at YSU is a refreshing change.

His omnipresence in other activities outside the university to enhance the quality of the Youngstown area in general is self-evident.

His dedication and devotion to this area makes him one of Youngstown’s favorite sons. Recognition should be given to the civic and business leaders who petitioned the university to bring Jim Tressel in as president. This was a bold move at the time and is now proven to be vindicated.

So, kudos should be given to all who have contributed to this upward-movement to greatness. I think the entire Youngstown community should embrace and support YSU. As a alumnus of YSU, I see these great things continuing. Go YSU!

Joseph Planey, Boardman