Editorials

Sound off!

I chuckle every time I read a Sound off! from the Campbell writer. Do they watch any news other than CNN or MSNBC? They repeat the same talking points of those far left news channels. I never saw a group of people , the Democrats, so afraid of one person. They know if Trump is elected again he'll expose their far left radical socialist agenda. I'm an independent, so I look to vote on policy, not personality.

Hubbard

Take U.S. Route 224 between state Route 11 and Interstate 680 and reduce it to one lane in both directions with a turn lane, and then take the right hand lanes and turn them into bike lanes. Meanwhile, make it a toll road, and then take pictures of all the traffic backed up, and say, "business is booming, just look at that traffic, and look at my bank account!" That's Brownomics! The guy who keeps checking "yes" behind the puppet for far too long.

Youngstown

The Mill Creek MetroParks board takes a lot of heat for killing deer and stealing peoples' property, but credit must be given that they haven't harvested any pets, children or hikers as guaranteed by their detractors. Keep up the tyrannical good work with our money!

Columbiana

We'd like to think the stated reasons of "responsibility and regulations" are at the core of the Austintown schools' bus driver shortage, but, could it also be bus driver abuse? Not just Austintown, but plenty of districts probably have the same predicament because of two reasons: (1) some parents not raising their children to respect others and (2) schools lacking discipline enforcement.

Hubbard

America is in moral decline and sinking fast as every possible decent trait in humans is tested and then negated by the Republican Party. This is not the true Republican Party, but a cult following the biggest cheater and loser in history. All semblance and normality in politics is gone and is being replaced by sycophants who have given up their souls to all that is wrong.

Liberty

I want to respond to an article by left wing liberal Robert Reich about Donald Trump's dementia. After reading it, the one who has dementia is Reich. Trump has never confused Biden with Obama as he stated and also said Trump warned supporters Biden will lead America into World War II. I think you mean World War III, sir. He asked the media why they weren't covering Trump's signs of dementia. It's because he doesn't have it.

Austintown

It is truly amazing and funny to watch cities like New York, Chicago, Denver, etc., morph so quickly from sanctuary cities into sanctimonious cities as soon as the chips are down. They all jumped so quickly onto the band wagon without realizing the wagon was headed for a cliff. Let that be a lesson to all of us.

Youngstown

soundoff@tribtoday.com

Letters to the Editor

Sound off!

195 deer killed since October. Park board commissioners reappointed without Judge Rusu following his own procedure to fill positions. Operating budget in the millions of dollars with a steady stream of donations and grant money. 15-year tax levy taxpayers provide. No accountability of the board. Petitions presented to remove the director. Toxic chemicals used on the golf course. Wildlife disappearing. What has happened to our park? Will it ever stop?

Youngstown

Oh, the sight of something beautiful, alluring, tempting. Now, let's call this thing Mill Creek Park. From the outside, this is what we see. A beautiful step back in time, right here, so close to home. However, as we all know, beauty is only skin deep. Beauty doesn't kill deer in a nature preserve or divide personal property indiscriminately. How long until you are held accountable? Together, we can make a change!

Canfield

I am a member of the William Holmes McGuffey Historical Society that purchased William Holmes McGuffey Homesite, a historical registered landmark donated to Mill Creek MetroParks. Like any public donation, it was required to maintain, preserve and continue restoration. However, the pond never was dredged and allowed to go back to nature. The dock rotted. Wouldn't more wildlife be protected with a viable pond rather than swamp? This is important to donors, not to slander leadership, as stated in the Vindicator article.

Lowellville

Now we know why Bill Johnson made so many visits to this area, usually a rarity, during the summer: State Bill 83. The bill will mandate what may or may not be taught in state colleges including civil rights, women's health and political action topics. Unless, of course, these topics lean so far to the right they fall on their faces as the attorney general of Texas is doing. Guess Bill favors indoctrination after all, provided it's MAGite.

Canfield

Bill Johnson claims he "expected … naysayers … I don't have a problem with that. I just wish they'd sit down and have a conversation with me." As a constituent in his congressional district, I reached out to Johnson's office numerous times. The only reply I received was canned auto response. Johnson demonstrated no desire to have a conversation with his own constituents to understand their viewpoints. To suggest he will now suddenly be open to discussion with his critics is disingenuous.

Canfield

Kudos to the electric company employees called out every time there is an auto accident or storm that takes out power to homes and businesses. Their swift actions keep us warm in the winter, as they fight the elements. The same for employees of local water companies. Lastly, firefighters put their lives on the line every day putting out fires, along with police officers fighting crime, saving lives. Do we think about their actions when bad things happen?

Youngstown

Americans must decide if we should support a politician who calls people vermin and states some poison the nation's blood. These are bigoted, racist statements made by power-hungry authoritarians to minimize minorities' lives. To believe a strong man will fight for your interest is folly. Let history be your guide; what did Hitler, Mussolini & Pol Pot do? Democracies are preferred by most.

Campbell

soundoff@tribtoday.com

Have something to say?

Have something you want to get off your chest? Share it here with other readers.

"Sound off!" publishes Saturdays to provide readers with a forum to applaud successes, discuss issues, point out local problems or review events of the day -- all in a constructive manner. Preference is given to local issues, but will not include local election issues. Selected "Sound off!" submissions are published. Names are not included, but residential community is.

Limit "Sound off!" comments to 80 words. Submit longer comments as "Letters to the Editor," a separate forum that publishes Sundays.

Submit via email to soundoff@tribtoday.com or via the Virtual Newsroom by going to www.vindy.com and clicking "Submit News" and then "Sound off."

Letters to the Editor

Sound off!

The Vindicator was correct in a recent editorial condemning the evidence-less challenge of the election results by Jennifer Ciccone in regard to the Struthers Municipal Court judgeship. However, it seems you walk right up to the edge, but then back away either inadvertently or purposefully, from the glaringly obvious reason for the Ciccone campaign misbehavior. Their actions were directly related to the bad example of Donald Trump and his big con. You all knew the truth.

Youngstown

On Jan. 6, before the insurrection, Bill Johnson voted to object to the Electoral College counts certifying that Biden won the election. Johnson continued unrepentantly, per the Salem News, supporting Trump for president in 2024. How can a university president who promotes "the big lie" be the appropriate leader of a university of higher learning, which devotes itself to knowing and teaching the truth? If given the role of University President, Johnson would normalize and legitimatize dangerous falsehood.

Poland

Judge Rusu reappointed two Mill Creek Park commissioners whose terms expire Dec. 31. This came after he carefully outlined steps of the application process to myself and others who had inquired. He accepted no applications, nor conducted any interviews of prospective new board members. He, therefore, missed an opportunity to appoint two new, very qualified people. Support Lauren McNally in her efforts to make these positions on the park board elected by taxpayers!

Boardman

An interesting article in The Week Magazine: "We Have Met The Enemy " (" And he is us.") I remember what former Russian President Nikita Khrushchev said while addressing the U.N. in 1960 in a comment to the USA: "You will bury yourself ... (It's) a matter of time." And the beat goes on.

Campbell

The Frenchko articles and antics are better comedy than the comics section.

Boardman

I want to warn about a scam I fell for, so that others may not. "Robert Williams" posed as an agent for BMA Foundation, giving money to help retirees, elderly and anyone who seeks a grant. It starts with them hacking into your Facebook friends with a message about how this foundation helped them. That person will send you a link for your access. It lists amounts of money you can apply for. Don't believe it.

Youngstown

Ohio Senate Bill 83 seeks to restrict teaching of controversial topics, such as climate change, immigration, abortion, in institutions of higher learning. I've heard the term "liberal indoctrination" used a lot. Free speech and the flow of ideas are not a threat to our young adults and society at large. Colleges and universities are exactly where these issues need to be discussed. I urge you to contact your Ohio House representative to ask him or her not to support SB 83.

Canfield

This week inflation came out at 3.1%; good news compared to 9% rate last year. But it doesn't mean prices go down. They just don't go up as fast. I went to the grocery store to buy Pepperidge Farms cookies. They used to be $1.99. They were $6.89! No matter what you hear on the news or what Joe Biden says, things aren't better. I hope people vote on policy, not personality next November.

Hubbard

When Kevin McCarthy says he will support Donald Trump, it's his best idea since running for Speaker of the House. As Speaker, he traded the power of that office for the approval of a radical gang of nine. Now, he tries to remain relevant by offering his embarrassingly weak support to help a would-be dictator. I hope he is as successful as his speakership.

Canfield

soundoff@tribtoday.com

Have something to say?

Have something you want to get off your chest? Share it here with other readers.

"Sound off!" publishes Saturdays to provide readers with a forum to applaud successes, discuss issues, point out local problems or review events of the day -- all in a constructive manner. Preference is given to local issues, but will not include local election issues. Selected "Sound off!" submissions are published. Names are not included, but residential community is.

Limit "Sound off!" comments to 80 words. Submit via email to soundoff@tribtoday.com or via the Virtual Newsroom by going to www.vindy.com and clicking "Submit News" and then "Sound off."

Letters to the Editor

Sound Off!

The new property assessment in Mahoning and Trumbull counties will cause many people to lose their homes. It goes into effect in January 2024, without much verification or justification. One person in Trumbull County has had his or her home reassessed 70% higher! People, we better question this now before it is too late for many of us.

Youngstown

There seems to be a parallel with major donors pulling their money from YSU in light of Bill Johnson being appointed president of the university, and major advertisers pulling their money from X (formerly Twitter) based on Elon Musk responding to an antisemitic tweet. As Mr. Musk said in a recent interview, he was not going to be held hostage by these companies and told them they should not advertise. Stay strong YSU. Don't be bullied by your decision.

Poland

It seems conservatives are afraid of liberals. Voter rights are being weakened and restricted all over the country. The Republican-controlled Ohio Legislature is trying to find a way around the passage of Issue 1. And YSU has hired Bill Johnson -- an election denier -- after no public input. It's a sad time.

Canfield

What loud, squeaking wheels come from the Youngstown area! Is leaning left a qualification for president? I met Bill Johnson before he was elected. He is a fine, highly qualified man who will do a great job leading YSU. As a former YSU student, I'm pleased to see someone selected who fulfills qualities expressed in questionnaire replies asking for community input. Yes, there was input. Differing political views are part of diversity. The uproar about his selection is shameful and intolerant!

Diamond

It's interesting how Bill Johnson, next president of YSU, keeps using the term indoctrination. He's going to root out liberal indoctrination in the educational system. I think he means he's not open to opposing ideas. Given his stance on many issues, I wonder how enrollment will be affected at YSU. There are several other options for higher learning within an easy drive from Youngstown.

Canfield

As a YSU Alumnus, and longtime YSU Foundation contributor and supporter, the YSU Board of Trustees and President-elect Bill Johnson should know they have many supporters. Unlike the vocal minority opposed to the hiring of Mr. Johnson, there are many more of us "silent majority" supporting this decision. I'm sure many people opposed to Mr. Johnson's selection would be perfectly fine if he were Tim Ryan or some other progressive, liberal politician of their liking. Welcome President Johnson!

Boardman

I suggest all YSU scholarship donors withhold the donations until trustees withdraw their offer to Bill Johnson or until he withdraws. The process used to select Mr. Johnson puts him at odds with the university stakeholders. So, he will begin with conflict. To believe a clearly uncompromising politician and someone not inexperienced in education will all the sudden develop these skills is laughable. This selection will hurt the university for years.

Campbell

I would like to see some balance in the Vindicator regarding Rep. Bill Johnson's selection as YSU president. You devoted a full page of negative letters and opinion and nothing supportive of the decision. Rep. Johnson has been elected by voters in this area seven times over the last 13 years. I am satisfied the YSU trustees selected the best candidate, and as a YSU graduate, I support President Bill Johnson.

Poland Township

soundoff@tribtoday.com