Were any of the dam projects you mention even comparable to the Mahoning River dams? Did they have the same amount of contamination behind the dams that required removal and remediation, because that is the source of much of the cost. Compare apples to apples before condemning the project. The people of this community should rejoice that someone actually cares and is working toward making things better.
For everyone who says they will stop donating until Juanita Sherba (who is a dedicated volunteer) is gone, I must ask how many of you have had the privilege to serve along side her at the soup kitchen? She is a passionate advocate for social justice in this community and serves at the soup kitchen, along with other volunteers, to make sure those less fortunate are able to have a good breakfast. Juanita doesn't just talk the talk; she walks the walk. I challenge you detractors to get up from your warm beds on a bitterly cold winter morning and go serve along side Juanita and the other volunteers. Donating to a charity is admirable and necessary for the survival of the charity; but, working hands get the job done.
The anger here should be directed toward those who use charitable organizations for personal/political points; not toward those who serve day in and day out to help those who are truly in need.
The biggest problem in the Mahoning Valley is the continuing negative attitude of the residents. It's time to embrace change and progress and new ways of thinking. Take a trip to some of the other cities that have, or are in the process of, reinventing themselves, like Akron or Pittsburgh. See what can be done when a city is not stuck in the past, griping about bad luck.
It seems that the devil had some time to spend with you as well Mr. Pappagallo. While I agree that noises and other distractions can be disruptive during worship, children in church are a joyful noise. Many church congregations die because of attitudes that make families with children feel unwelcome. I'm sure there is some middle ground that can be reached by involving the priest.
JME - Mike Bell lost his job before collective bargaining laws took effect, so I'm not quite sure how that connection can be made. Mike Bell consistently uses the threat of layoffs to force his will on the public employees of Toledo. Mike is no saint out to save public dollars. He has been double- and triple-dipping on pensions for years. The folks who support SB5 and Issue 2 count on people like you to believe their commercials and to look no further for the truth. It's funny how the people the Repubs hold up as beacons of light and truth in this issue are the ones making the most money - not the union employees. Creativity in Repub advertising some might say. In fact, it's just more Repub lies designed to scare voters. VOTE NO ON ISSUE 2!!!
Since the IRS reimbursement rate is currently at 51 cents per mile, it is my guess that the legislators are claiming the difference on their income taxes as an unreimbursed work expense. It seems unnecessary to pay any additional monies to them for their travel. They are in session in Columbus 3 days per week and are paid very well. Remember, times are tough and we can't afford it - at least that's the song they sing to US.
I'm sorry that you did not read (or will not acknowledge reading) Mr. Seitz's comments. I watched as he and Senator Grendell (also an "R") made their comments prior to the SB5 vote concerning their issues with the bill and its constitutionality. Neither of these men is a friend of organized labor, but they were of strong enough character to stand up for what is right and against what is wrong.
I don't know, nor do I care, what your issue is with Mr. Betras. I am also not one of his biggest fans. This issue is larger than the so-called union thugs that you like to dismiss. In the bigger picture, it is about limiting the rights of all the people of this state.
I'm sorry that you have such a low opinion of teachers and think they are so lazy. I live near a school; I see teachers headed to their classroom at 7 a.m. and their classes don't begin until 8:30 a.m. I see their cars in the parking lot sometimes as late as 6 p.m. That's a long day for any one of us, especially after a day in the classrom with 25-30 young kids. Teachers are required to get continuing education credits; they don't get time off during the day to do that, so it must be that they are taking classes at night or during the summer. So much for that cushy 9 month job. Teachers are not lazy. It is that type of demeaning attitude that inspires the disrespect we see in today's children.
Lowellville to get state funds to clean up contaminated soil
Were any of the dam projects you mention even comparable to the Mahoning River dams? Did they have the same amount of contamination behind the dams that required removal and remediation, because that is the source of much of the cost. Compare apples to apples before condemning the project. The people of this community should rejoice that someone actually cares and is working toward making things better.
February 19, 2013 at 1:48 p.m. permalink suggest removal
Soup kitchen visit by Ryan stirs anger
For everyone who says they will stop donating until Juanita Sherba (who is a dedicated volunteer) is gone, I must ask how many of you have had the privilege to serve along side her at the soup kitchen? She is a passionate advocate for social justice in this community and serves at the soup kitchen, along with other volunteers, to make sure those less fortunate are able to have a good breakfast. Juanita doesn't just talk the talk; she walks the walk. I challenge you detractors to get up from your warm beds on a bitterly cold winter morning and go serve along side Juanita and the other volunteers. Donating to a charity is admirable and necessary for the survival of the charity; but, working hands get the job done.
The anger here should be directed toward those who use charitable organizations for personal/political points; not toward those who serve day in and day out to help those who are truly in need.
October 16, 2012 at 2:06 p.m. permalink suggest removal
$70M Youngstown hub to spur manufacturing across U.S.
The biggest problem in the Mahoning Valley is the continuing negative attitude of the residents. It's time to embrace change and progress and new ways of thinking. Take a trip to some of the other cities that have, or are in the process of, reinventing themselves, like Akron or Pittsburgh. See what can be done when a city is not stuck in the past, griping about bad luck.
August 17, 2012 at 10:06 a.m. permalink suggest removal
What’s happening in church
It seems that the devil had some time to spend with you as well Mr. Pappagallo. While I agree that noises and other distractions can be disruptive during worship, children in church are a joyful noise. Many church congregations die because of attitudes that make families with children feel unwelcome. I'm sure there is some middle ground that can be reached by involving the priest.
January 31, 2012 at 11:16 a.m. permalink suggest removal
70 turn out at Youngstown rally to reject Issue 2
dodge: It's a workday - public employees are ON THE JOB!!!!!!!
VOTE NO ON ISSUE 2!
October 6, 2011 at 2:46 p.m. permalink suggest removal
Gutting Consumers’ Counsel will cost Ohioans in long run
The Ohio Consumers Counsel cost Ohio households $1 per year through the special assessment. This is public information available on the web.
Isn't having a voice against mega-utilities worth $1 per year?
My mistake - the assessment was on the utility companies.
September 26, 2011 at 3:23 p.m. permalink suggest removal
Gutting Consumers’ Counsel will cost Ohioans in long run
The Ohio Consumers Counsel cost Ohio households $1 per year through the special assessment. This is public information available on the web.
Isn't having a voice against mega-utilities worth $1 per year?
September 26, 2011 at 3:21 p.m. permalink suggest removal
SB 5: It’s all about the money
JME - Mike Bell lost his job before collective bargaining laws took effect, so I'm not quite sure how that connection can be made. Mike Bell consistently uses the threat of layoffs to force his will on the public employees of Toledo. Mike is no saint out to save public dollars. He has been double- and triple-dipping on pensions for years. The folks who support SB5 and Issue 2 count on people like you to believe their commercials and to look no further for the truth. It's funny how the people the Repubs hold up as beacons of light and truth in this issue are the ones making the most money - not the union employees. Creativity in Repub advertising some might say. In fact, it's just more Repub lies designed to scare voters. VOTE NO ON ISSUE 2!!!
September 8, 2011 at 12:10 p.m. permalink suggest removal
Ohio lawmakers seek more money for mileage
Since the IRS reimbursement rate is currently at 51 cents per mile, it is my guess that the legislators are claiming the difference on their income taxes as an unreimbursed work expense. It seems unnecessary to pay any additional monies to them for their travel. They are in session in Columbus 3 days per week and are paid very well. Remember, times are tough and we can't afford it - at least that's the song they sing to US.
June 23, 2011 at 12:17 p.m. permalink suggest removal
Ohio’s Senate Bill 5 has scary implications for future teachers
Jessiedavid:
I'm sorry that you did not read (or will not acknowledge reading) Mr. Seitz's comments. I watched as he and Senator Grendell (also an "R") made their comments prior to the SB5 vote concerning their issues with the bill and its constitutionality. Neither of these men is a friend of organized labor, but they were of strong enough character to stand up for what is right and against what is wrong.
I don't know, nor do I care, what your issue is with Mr. Betras. I am also not one of his biggest fans. This issue is larger than the so-called union thugs that you like to dismiss. In the bigger picture, it is about limiting the rights of all the people of this state.
I'm sorry that you have such a low opinion of teachers and think they are so lazy. I live near a school; I see teachers headed to their classroom at 7 a.m. and their classes don't begin until 8:30 a.m. I see their cars in the parking lot sometimes as late as 6 p.m. That's a long day for any one of us, especially after a day in the classrom with 25-30 young kids. Teachers are required to get continuing education credits; they don't get time off during the day to do that, so it must be that they are taking classes at night or during the summer. So much for that cushy 9 month job. Teachers are not lazy. It is that type of demeaning attitude that inspires the disrespect we see in today's children.
May 13, 2011 at 2:01 p.m. permalink suggest removal