Social Security raise not all that wonderful

Social Security raise not all that wonderful

I am surprised there has not been one letter of complaint about the “so-called” Social Security raise. Before the raise was given, most reports did not indicate the big hike that Medicare would also receive.

Most people I’ve spoken with received either $1, $2, or $3 as their actual monthly raise while $25 went to Medicare, raising that from $109 to $134. Not one elected official cares about the elderly person’s needs, but yet all I hear or read is how much more other people are receiving in their checks these days.

We, too, have needs that must be met, and the government should have addressed the pharmaceutical industry first before tax reform. That would have helped the entire population.

My worst fear is what President Donald Trump and House Speaker Paul Ryan will do to Social Security. Not all elderly people have big pensions along with their Social Security income.

Georgie Arkwright, Youngstown

Future is looking brighter in Canfield

I’m hoping our res- idents can look forward to a productive year.

We have new City Manager Wade Calhoun. What is remarkable is that a search for the manager was conducted by three volunteer residents and two council members. Previously, the city manager was selected by city council alone. The search for a new manager found over 50 persons interested in the job. After reviewing all the applicants, the search committee and council selected Calhoun, a native of Ellsworth, YSU grad and a city administrator in Texas. This process was transparent and involved the citizenry, a definite plus for the Canfield residents. No more behind- closed-door appointments.

We have a new mayor, Richard Duffett, who has been active in the community and a Canfield native. He is a Naval Academy grad with the inherent leadership skills. He has some big shoes to fill. Our previous mayor, Bernie Kosar Sr., should be commended for his service. He devoted much personal time behind the scenes.

Also, nine people ran for four city council positions. All positions were up for election. In spite of the dire predictions of imminent gloom and doom because all positions were up for reelection, two incumbents were re-elected and two new persons were elected. Not a bad mix. And, we have a lady on council.

There has been some talk about changing term limits from two to four years to avoid all positions open at the same time. This is a thinly veiled attempt to overturn the charter amendment where the citizens approved term limits of two years with a maximum of three terms. We cannot predict who will run, who may decide not to serve their terms and who will be re-elected. If it is not broke, don’t fix it.

The future holds many challenges for Canfield, especially in the financial arena. Opportunities do exist and we must take advantage of them.

The administration has the welfare of the city and its people in its hands. Make 2018 our best year.

Frank A. Micchia, Canfield

Send valentine to a vet

The program “Val- entine’s for Vets” is designed to send greetings and love to America’s veterans. Many school children across the country are busy coloring hearts, writing poems, and sending good wishes to our nation’s bravest. These valentines can be found hanging in veterans’ outpatient clinics, hospitals, overseas barracks and on the front of refrigerators.

Valentine’s Day is celebrated throughout the world as a day of love with flowers, chocolates and little candy hearts that say “be mine”.

I invite you, along with the members of the American Legion Auxiliary Unit 737, to take a moment and remember the men and women who have served and continue to serve, by sending a valentine to one you know or one you appreciate at your local veterans post or medical facility. Don’t let the kids have all the fun.

Karen Shesko, Lake Milton

Shesko handles public relations for American Legion Auxiliary Unit 737.