Canfield is unwelcoming, socially unhealthy today

Canfield is unwelcoming, socially unhealthy today

The recent letter from Canfield Councilman Joe LoCicero begs attention. My answer to the city’s fiscal issues is for Canfield to grow up – and grow. Canfield is held in contempt by so many in the county because of our “border patrol” and age-old attitudes.

The city was caught flat-footed by the voters’ rejection of a recent income-tax increase proposal. I got the feeling that the administration thought everyone loved the local government and embraced the tax increase – instead it was voted down 2 to 1.

Anyhow, how about considering growing Canfield’s economy – a common economic approach everywhere by government? We are a community that is inundated with churches and lawyers. “The Green” is dominated by an empty plaza and a corner tow yard. Moreover, our ossified politics dominate this Valley’s most self-congratulating city – one that is not open and friendly to new business.

This is a place that is unwelcoming, socially unhealthy and it is starting to show. Most important, Canfield is a microcosm of many of the national problems and attitudes we see in the news this election year.

Local leaders say they want to keep small, local businesses prominent in Canfield. Earlier this year, Mayor Bernie Kosar Sr. pointed to a Canfield economy being led with businesses such as Village Quilts and the Piccadilly Parlor and Tea Room. I mean, seriously?

OK, Canfield does not need big billboards and electric signs – but we need openness, diversity, the embracing of new ideas and business.

Rob Schuler, Canfield

Mayor McNally deserves every penny of his salary

This is in response to Bertram de Souza’s column several weeks back, concerning Youngstown Mayor John McNally’s salary.

Seriously? The mayor makes $104,000, and you think he makes too much?

How much do you think a man with his education, background and position as mayor should make? He is one of the most-educated mayors this town has ever had. A degree from Georgetown and a law degree from Cleveland Marshall College of Law. An education does count for something as well as the level of your education. With his degrees and background, he deserves every penny.

Please don’t say “But it’s Youngstown.” That shouldn’t matter. As I’m sure you are aware, the only difference between this town and other towns across the country is the cost of housing.

Everything else is the same or comparable. Have you lived here for so long that you have the mindset that educated employees deserve no more than non-degreed employees? If you want to complain about salaries of city officials, start with those officials who are employed by and their salaries paid by the city but live outside the city. Why are employment/pay and governing the city good enough for you but not good enough to live in?

Ask them how Youngstown’s best interests are governed by someone who lives in Canfield, Boardman, Austintown or elsewhere? Do the officials really care about Youngstown schools, water bills or anything else that affects our city when they don’t even live here?

By the way, Mayor McNally lives inside the city. Sic ’em, Bert!

Kate McAllen, Youngstown

Cancer awareness must go beyond just prevention

My name is George. I was married to my beautiful and perfect wife Joan for 511/2 years. Joan was a 17-year cancer survivor.

In the spring of 2013, Joan was feeling tired. We had our check-ups the first week of June 2013. We were told she had A-Fib. She was more tired almost daily. When we went to the hospital, they did MRI’s, X-rays and other tests.

The doctors came to talk to us and explain the tests. They showed us pictures of some of her organs that had a lot of white on them. That was cancer.

Joan passed on Aug. 30, 2013. I would like to see a very aggressive campaign to inform cancer survivors as to what tests and how often they should be done in the years after their bout with cancer.

This flippin’ disease should not be treated as a “one and done.” Early detection saves lives, and that has been proved right. But please, let’s not stop there.

George Strain, Girard

Shooters should bypass Candywood, go to Iraq

Another event has been added to my “I can’t believe it” list. First on the list was when I was appalled that the long-term employees of Mill Creek Park were dismissed. These people knew the park and how to maintain its beauty. I thought we passed a levy to help maintain the park, but suddenly new Jeeps are very much the necessity.

Secondly, now I’m in disbelief that anyone would actually fence in wild animals for the sole purpose of tracking to kill them as is being planned at the former Candywood Golf Course.

Will this give these hunters a big ego because they’ve killed helpless beasts?

Take your gun to the real wilderness or better yet, take your guns and go to Iraq or Pakistan and help the people there. You’d have a lot to shoot at there.

To think this venture was actually passed through Ohio is unbelievable. Where are the animal rights activists now?

Georgie Arkwright, Youngstown

Politics & Mill Creek Park

State Rep. John BOC- cieri’s proposed legislation to transfer Mill Creek park board appointments to the county commissioners would further politicize the procedure.

Board members should be chosen directly by the taxpayers who then can hold each of them accountable.

Merely giving the county commissioners appointive authority dilutes accountability and accomplishes little.

A significant portion of real estate taxes contribute to Mill Creek Parks operational costs, and taxpayers who “foot the bill” should have the say.

Carl Rafoth, Boardman