I am very, very, saddened by the people willing to fight to save a blown-out building and leave 173 tenants displaced next door with all their belongings left behind, too. Does anyone think these residents took their apartments to a nursing home bed or hotel room? Not once have I heard compassion for them from the mouths of those trying to save blown-out bricks.

• Youngstown

As a retired professional civil engineer, I believe the Realty Tower building could be saved if the steel columns were not compromised. However, the city and the owner are determined to demolish this historical building. Hopefully, it will not become a parking lot. To serve residents who live downtown, the footprint is large enough to build a grocery store, pharmacy and restaurants. Apartments and offices could be built above. Also, a large bronze plaque commemorating where Realty Building once stood should be erected.

• Canfield

Between now and November, there will be no viable third-party candidate. Nor will the Democratic National Committee find a more viable candidate than Biden. Trump will continue to lie and convince Republicans to join the MAGA extremists. What to do? Stop whining; praise the accomplishments of Biden’s presidency; rebuke every lie from Trump; support policies with more depth than bumper stickers; trust that Biden will have competent help; and urge others to vote with you for freedom from the authoritarian 2025 nightmare.

• Canfield

Memo to all leaders of all countries: Please don’t do anything of importance after 8 p.m. (U.S. time). Mr. Biden needs his sleep and will be incapacitated after that hour. Really? Give it up, Joe. Think of the country instead of yourself.

• Warren

Does anyone else feel like they can no longer enjoy a pleasant summer evening outside without being overwhelmed by the smell of smoke everywhere? Worst thing Ohioans did was legalize marijuana and not petitioning communities to put restrictions on using fire pits. Between the two, evenings sitting on my porch are no longer enjoyable. I have to shut the doors and close the windows (or turn off the AC) after dinner because Boardman smells like a chimney.

• Boardman

Recently, our former congressman, who also fled his former constituents, has come out in the national media stating that Kamala Harris is more than qualified to hold the office of president. Really? Thank goodness we dodged a bullet when the awake residents of Ohio elected J.D. Vance over Tim Ryan for the U.S. Senate.

• Niles

Our government was quick to take care of our illegal visitors from the south, setting them up in hotels and giving them food and whatever else. The unfortunate citizens of Youngstown displaced due to the explosion of the Realty Tower did not get any government assistance as they struggled to get other housing options. Seems like priorities are a bit confusing and certainly not acceptable.

• Boardman

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