Sound off!
Sadly disturbed when I read The Vindicator to see trusted public officials taking plea bargains for bribery, tampering with records, “unlawful compensation.” This was a violation to the highest degree. They violated trust and misled. They should have gotten more prison time. Are there two sets of laws? One for minorities and one for upper class? This proves there is a system in place, a culture better said “Old Guard” in Youngstown clearly overlooked. We must do better.
• Youngstown
There is no excuse. David Bozanich, former city finance director, should be ashamed of himself for such childish greedy behavior. Dominic Marchionda should have been given prison time. Both men should have been made to pay higher fines, restitution. These guys are living much better lives than most of us here. Neither Bozanich nor Marchionda should be considered above the law! Their behavior is a matter of greed. There is no excuse for their behavior.
• Boardman
My children and I discuss things they are exposed to online. My biggest disappointment is the amount of raw racism spewed by high schoolers on social media. I now understand why we have been called “Klanfield” in surrounding cities. I challenge parents to look into your child’s posts. If you are proud of ugliness you see, America is doomed as a racist country. My hope is you have sincere conversations with your children about respect and understanding of all humankind.
• Canfield
I’ve read articles on new groups forming; holding conversations; marches and meetings. When do they start putting ideas into action? Who wants to start a small business in this pandemic? Existing businesses struggle. To educate, equip and empower, healing must start the process of improving the community mentally, physically, spiritually. Families are overwhelmed and who checks on the most vulnerable people? Let’s stop talking and begin the process of doing. Now is the time!
• Youngstown
Hopefully the FBI or Justice Department soon will discover who is funding riots in American cities. Some group or individual is paying for the violent rioters to be transported, sheltered, fed and, in some cases, armed. Those people are equally responsible for deaths and damages incurred during these riots and should be held accountable.
• Poland
Citizens having trouble accepting actions of our duly elected President Trump and Republican Senate majority to fill the Supreme Court vacancy must remember words of Barack Obama to opponents of his agenda: “Elections have consequences; you lost, get over it.” The Constitution allows current administration to replace the justice. Obama and Democrats would be doing the same given the opportunity, but alas, they lost; get over it!
• Canfield
While there is no herd immunity to COVID-19, a segment of the Republican Party, by its actions, is demonstrating herd immunity to truth, decency, respect for human life, any sign of a moral compass and commitment to common good. In keeping with their disdain for science, this immunity is being acquired through intimidation, harassment, threats and bribery. Sadly, these individuals may or may not realize they also are developing herd immunity to democracy.
• Youngstown
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.”
soundoff@tribtoday.com
Sound off!
Who is the unidentified woman who whined to the governor about Austintown’s open-air concerts? Is she one of the two women who messed with Peaberry’s in Boardman about masks? And more importantly, who made her boss? We don’t need a local Madalyn Murray O’Hair deciding who should be shut down. Dissent is fine. This is still a free society. But hiding behind anonymity sounds like cowardice. Troublemakers need to be identified — especially paid dissidents.
Austintown
It’s ironic that Mill Creek MetroParks wants to acquire more land from private owners for its bikeway, yet it can’t take care of East Newport Drive. No one can drive, walk, bike around Lake Newport because the park has closed some of East Newport Drive with no announced date for reopening. Could a similar problem occur on the bike trail? Now, they are giving fines to those walking in closed areas. This is not right.
Boardman
The news media has reported a rise in CCW permits here in Mahoning County. It’s time “We the people” came out in support of the Second Amendment, a right we should all honor and respect.
Beaver Township
Any day in Youngstown: No respect for safe and sane driving; high grass; lousy roads; shooting sprees; killing sprees; low morale and dissension in our first responders. Abolish CIRV and use that money to give city workers a bonus. Where is your fiddle Mayor Tito? Youngstown is burning!
Youngstown
EZ Pass toll system users should check their statements. The system is easy to use, but it makes mistakes like bumping a vehicle up one class and charging more. Most users wouldn’t notice a small thing like that. Done often enough, it could amount to millions in overcharges. Upon noticing an overcharge, good luck trying to get refunds. The Pennsylvania Turnpike system creates hurdles too high to make it worth pursuing. Perhaps that is the intent?
Austintown
Contradictory terms appearing in conjunction are oxymorons. Here are some new ones: “Republicans for Biden.” One cannot be a Republican unless one believes in Republican values, low taxes, less regulation, strong borders to name a few. Biden is the antithesis of these values, as is the Democratic Party. “Catholics for abortion” seems contradictory. “Unplanned Parenthood” would be a more accurate
name. “Peaceful Riots,” is an oxymoron the media is pushing.
Canfield
I am an Army veteran, age 93, and I have lived through many presidents. I have never been so disillusioned and disappointed as I am with Donald Trump. His use of public profanity and the countless times that he publicly uses the term “son of a b–” is abhorrent. I never thought I would feel such disdain towards the person who is president.
Campbell
All active military, veterans and families, before you vote, consider a commander-in-chief who: refuses to investigate reports by his own
intelligence agencies that
bounties were placed on
American soldiers; dishonors and disrespects decorated career military heroes because they disagree with him; sides with autocrats and dictators who are enemies of democracy, and alienates our allies.
Austintown
On D-Day, when the front of the landing craft opened, men poured out knowing they could die.These men didn’t die for us to be Republicans or Democrats, or sport stars. They died for our freedom, including freedom to protest (nonviolent), to compete in sports and to contact our elected representatives. Shame on athletes who
cannot stand and respect our flag and national anthem. I will boycott them.
Hubbard
Erick Erickson’s recent column trying to stoke flames that “Left-wing violence is not new,” does not help to stop the divide in our country. There are two sides to this issue. Why does he highlight only one? Instead of conservative advocates adding to the divide, let’s all try to bring our country together again. That’s what this country needs, and it can only happen after we get a change in the administration this Nov. 3.
Poland
∫ Where, oh where, has our Democratic party gone? Does our party believe in mob rule? Do we really want this “third-world mentality”? Where is our common sense support for law and order in our once beautiful cities? Why protect rioters, but not citizens? Our Democratic party has so much hate for Donald Trump that they are totally blinded to what is right for America. Is Joe Biden even healthy enough to be president? I don’t want a socialist government!
Austintown
∫ Recently, our president suggested to vote via mail and then go to the polling place and vote again if you can. If you mail in your ballot, trust the postal system. We have the greatest mail delivery in the world. If you are planning to vote by mail and then go to the polling place, just go to the polling place and vote. This way you know your vote will be counted. Don’t forget to wear your mask.
Canfield
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.”
soundoff@tribtoday.com
soundoff@tribtoday.com
Sound off!
I expected none of the three involved in the Youngstown corruption case would receive prison time. That’s how it’s been here for too many years. I agree with council members who said Bozanich’s one-year term is insufficient. However, I take issue with Samantha Turner using the “race card.” McNally, Sciortino and Yavorchik also received lenient sentences. This all occurred under Democratic officials. The last Republican mayor in Youngstown was 1977. Think about that when you vote. Don’t just hit “D.”
• Boardman
I am watching NFL football. Cleveland Indians also are playing. The U.S. Open tennis being played. The NBA is playing and getting close to championship games. Thank you, Jesus. High schools are playing, colleges are playing. Now, let the Ohio State Buckeyes play, hopefully in October.
• Boardman
Winston Churchill helped lead Great Britain through World War II. He praised courage of England’s military as his oft quoted “never have so many owed so much to so few.” Now as we fight a great enemy in this pandemic, we have no such leadership. Our president mocks sacrifices, medical professionals and essential employees, favoring wacky conspiracies over science. He denigrates veteran lives given. On 9/11, he dares public praise for those he disparages in private. Where’s our Churchill?
• Canfield
Remember, the reason for the lockdown was to flatten the curve and prevent hospitals from being overrun with too many individuals sick with the virus. The hospitals were never overwhelmed, and cases and hospitalizations have been in steady decline. Why are we still in a partial lockdown? Epidemics run their course, and nothing will stop them. We are just delaying the inevitable. We took the Chinese model instead of the Swedish way. I think the politicians here liked their power.
• Boardman
Joe Biden claimed he earned three college degrees; he has only one. Joe Biden said he went to school on a full scholarship; he had a half scholarship. Joe Biden said he was in the top half of his class; he was 76th of 85. Joe Biden said he was named the Outstanding Political Science Student; he was not. Joe Biden plagiarized a college paper and several speeches. Joe Biden supporters ignore documented lies. That’s just Joe, they say.
• Canfield
The USA has 4 percent of the world’s population, yet 25 percent of COVID-19 deaths. Donald Trump cannot deny recordings about his knowledge of this virus in January and February. He withheld data and misled the public to protect his re-election bid. On tape, Trump said in February the virus travels through air, yet he belittled experts supporting masks. For the sake of God and our country, I ask Trump supporters to wake up, examine their conscience, study the facts.
• Campbell
Here is a challenge. Let’s all see, by setting aside Sunday to praise our creator, if that will drop COVID-19 cases. As we have heard before: what do we got to lose? Praising our Lord can happen anywhere, any time. The Bible specifies this happens Sundays. If you aren’t a church member, then worship anywhere. If you are a church member and your church is open, try attending with precautions of face masks and social distancing.
• Lowellville
How can anyone vote for someone who: denies climate change; mishandles the pandemic; degrades women; separates terrified immigrant children from their parents for months; calls white supremacists “very fine people”; uses militarized police to break up peaceful protests; declares mail fraud while removing sorting machines and mailboxes; wants to rob Social Security and Medicare; calls BLM a hate group; and wants to yank health care from millions. Plus, Donald Trump inherited a great Obama /Biden economy! Check Politifact.com.
• North Lima
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.”
soundoff@tribtoday.com
Sound off!
Kudos to Austintown Township for resuming summer concerts in the township park. We attended this week, and there was plenty of room to practice social distancing. The concert provided by the Jim Frank Combo was well attended and very enjoyable. Too bad Boardman, Mill Creek and others did not follow suit.
• Youngstown
I heard about the sad situation where a Canfield boy was shot by a stray bullet. Thank God he will heal physically, but what about mental issues? Investigators should have looked to neighboring townships. Austintown, at times, sounds like war zones. Usually, police know who it is. Trustees’ only answer is to grandfather laws that exist from when the township was farmland. Our township has growth, and we still allow gunfire. Trustees need to wake up and change this before tragedy occurs.
• Austintown
We learned freedom and democracy in grade school. But that was propaganda because USA was always an aristocracy. Aristocracy, at first, denoted government of a state by its best citizens, later by rich, well-born. Electoral college ensures aristocrats govern because true vote ends their rule. Today, we get what brilliant, yet hypocritical, slave-owning founding fathers deserved: government dishonesty; crime in politics. Which aristocrat is worse? Trump or Biden? Who will make you less free? The choice is yours.
• Poland
The stock market has been good to me; however, I cannot condone, respect or vote for our amoral administration. Money is not everything. I did not vote for Trump before because he appeared rude, self-centered and nocuous. As predicted, Trump has poisoned and manipulated our world to feed his self interests. You cannot run a democracy like a private business. I cannot believe current election polls. Shame on us if this circus continues for four more years
• Youngstown
I worked for the post office for 30 years, and mass mailing for voting isn’t a good idea. When the post office gets mass mailings, mail is addressed to vacant houses, to people who moved and to people who died. These ballots could be used by others to have more than one vote. Ohio has absentee voting, which is much safer. Also, if you can stand in line at the grocery store, restaurants and other places, why can’t you stand in line to vote?
• Hubbard
Interesting to see Pat Buchanan’s Aug. 31 syndicated political column spin Joe Biden as anti-law and order. Biden clearly stated he felt police reform would help correct racial iniquities in policing. He will not defund police. But that does not fit the Buchanan / Trump playbook. Get facts right, Pat. He didn’t mention Trump 2020 cruise rally went to Portland to stir up trouble so it could be spun as riots still being out of control, but that’s OK with them.
• Poland
Given the quirkiness of human nature, one can only wonder if people were told there is a virus killing millions upon millions of American citizens, and people worldwide, and is highly contagious, that if they were told, “Sorry, no masks allowed anywhere,” if they would claim their civil rights were being abused and then break the law and wear masks anyhow. I wonder.
• Youngstown
As a septuagenarian myself, I hope to be as sharp as Joe Biden is at 78. I hope to skip the middle decade years of idiocy exemplified, today in Wilmington, N.C., by Biden’s opponent. Battling a lifelong stutter, and in full campaign mode, Joe communicated with great force, clarity, common sense, cohesiveness, hope, empathy and practical plans. Never thought I’d say it, but I miss the days when we had real politicians — like Biden.
• Canfield
In 2015 when illegal immigration was at a 50-year low, our president created a boogie man of violent rapists flooding our southern border. The fake problem scared everyone and took our eyes off his negatives. Now he’s doing it with BLM protests. His goal? To make us ignore COVID-19 failures of more than 6 million cases and over 190,000 dead. Thousands of small businesses will close and millions will be unemployed by Election Day. Fool me twice, shame on me.
• Campbell
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.”