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Letters to the Editor

Our cry to save the Poland Library

DEAR EDITOR: By now, so many residents from the Mahoning Valley have heard the cries from the citizens’ group that has taken on the task of saving our Poland Library. As a member of the group, I am proud to say that not only have the people heard from us, you can practically hear the collective heartbeat from this dedicated association of citizens. On Sept. 11 past, I was one of the members that had the privilege of speaking to the library board at its meeting. Although, I was there in person as a councilman representing the Village of Poland, I wanted to make it clear then, as I ...

Ohio voters are set to be silenced

DEAR EDITOR: In the early 1990s, Ohio was allotted 21 U.S. congressional seats and with the decline in population, Ohio now has 15 seats. The current congressional district map has 10 Republican and five Democrat seats. Democrats are proposing an 8-7 map. In my opinion, Republicans are shooting for a 13-2 map in the final stage of the process. Ohio’s redistricting rules, established by constitutional amendments in 2015 and 2018, govern the redrawing of state legislative and U.S. congressional districts. The rules prioritize BIPARTISAN support and should closely reflect the ...

Sound off!

NEXSTAR station WYTV won’t broadcast the returning Jimmy Kimmel show. They also own WKBN. I wonder what other items NEXSTAR is forcing these local channels to suppress? Makes you think, aye? — Boardman As a frequent patron of Mahoning County libraries primarily the Poland location. I disagree with keeping the same building. Historical rhetoric aside. All other branches are easily accessed on just one floor and should be the same for all and often the elevator is not working. Time for a change. — Boardman You would think Trump voters would be outraged that they were being ...

Stop using toxic substances on roads

DEAR EDITOR: For nearly 40 years, Ohio has allowed oil and gas waste — containing toxic and radioactive elements — to be spread on our roads as a de-icer and dust suppressant. This is one type of “brine.” Despite mounting evidence of environmental and health risks, this archaic practice continues in many communities. In a 2019 study, the Ohio Department of Natural Resources found that all samples coming from vertical oil wells exceeded legal limits for discharge into the environment for radioactive elements like radium-226 and radium-228. An oil and gas waste de-icer, marketed ...

Gun violence shouldn’t be a political football

DEAR EDITOR: The recent assassination of a well-followed young husband and father, a political activist, was distressing, uncalled for and another unfortunate example of violence in the U.S. It’s news that appears to be daily, like the weather forecast. We expect it. As always, the response to the tragedy was quick and expected from our elected officials, those who, during such incidents, are often sought after for guidance and, more so, support, providing some actions that seek to remedy such occurrences. Such guidance, such support is necessary if we as a nation seek to ...

Is history repeating on Trump’s watch?

DEAR EDITOR: History tells us about the rise and fall of the Roman Empire. The Roman army was not allowed in Rome. The police force was the Praetorian guard. So why does President Donald Trump have U.S. Marines and the National Guard in Washington, D.C.? The National Guard should have been in D.C. on Jan. 6, 2021. Are we looking at the rise and fall of America under Trump? DAVID P. GAIBIS SR. Edinburg, Pa.