Letters to the Editor

Sound off!

I am a proud parent of a child with a disability. What this administration is doing to this population is a disgrace. Whether you voted for Trump or not, as a parent of a child with a disability you should be outraged, too. Medicaid, Medicare and SNAP benefits have been dramatically cut. Now, the Education Department fired all employees of the Special Education Department, having a negative effect on our children to get an equal education. This fits right into Trump's record of showing little regard for people with disabilities.

-- Poland

The entire Trump campaign and administration has truly been a constitutional education for this country. Trump, with overwhelming Republican support, has pushed every law and constitutional boundary to its limit. The Republican Party is the greatest disappointment for its Supreme Court manipulation and its disregard to every constitutional limit of presidential power, all for political gain. No Kings shows Americans are waking up. It's also good to remember the first "Never Trumpers" were all Republicans.

-- Canfield

On Oct. 18, 7 million Americans protested against Trump's kingly actions, while he posted on X a kingly meme of himself wearing a crown, flying over the protesters and dropping excrement on them. If this doesn't send the message of what type of person he is, then what will? Will it be his masked ICE army snatching people off the streets? Will it be using the National Guard to arrest protesters? Will it be the doubling or tripling of Medicare premiums?

-- Campbell

What exactly are the allegations against Michael Ciccone that both the Republican and Democratic "leaders" would want him removed? It seems allegations are as bad or worse than convictions. The Vindicator's story didn't verify any criminal acts taking place or his lack of competency as clerk of courts. Let's dig a little, get the real story, and tell all the truth. Do our "leaders" have someone else in mind?

-- Columbiana

I hereby nominate Diane Less to the Mill Creek Metro Park Board of Commissioners. Any seconds? I still wonder how one judge gets to determine who sits on the board of a park that all Mahoning County taxpayers fund.

-- Columbiana

You know it's 47's AI when it makes a 300-pound bag of waste, fraud and abuse fit into a fighter jet cockpit. Plus, his air mask just covered his mouth. That couldn't happen. And, he had to shred / blend all the advice he has from little Stevie, Loomer, Heritage's 2026, Palmade Pete, and MAGA Mike and the big beautiful meadow muffin to make the disgusting load he dropped on citizen patriots.

-- Canfield

I do not know Michael Rulli nor am I an Italian. But I fully support Mr. Rulli's effort to keep Columbus Day as is. Pick another day for Indigenous Peoples' Day. Also, I have had two separate occasions to contact Mr.Rulli's office and both times I received an answer to my inquiries!

-- Boardman

There is no Antifa organization. However, so long as we have a criminal, fascist, grifter White House with a toady cadre of "hate America" mini-Mike Congress, l am proud to be an anti-fascist. I believe all the people l saw and spoke with at the 10/18/25 No Kings event will stand and proudly say the same as we peacefully rally to save our republic.

-- Canfield

As a former longtime resident of Youngstown, I thought I could see the recent debate live on Channel 21. But I could not. I watched the entire debate on my iPhone. To me the choice is clear, Derrick McDowell will bring new ideas,transparency,integrity and a breath of fresh air to Y-Town. Tito Brown has been a poor leader for eight years. We desperately need a positive change. Think about what is best for Youngstown and don't push the "D" button this election.

-- Boardman

How many of those vile, illegal immigrants have been deported from Springfield, Ohio? I cannot seem to find any info on that. How many dogs and cats do you think have been saved from the frying pan since January 20th? Just asking for a friend.

-- Canfield

Halloween is coming, people are decorating. This is an urgent plea not to use the spider web netting outside anywhere at your homes. It traps birds, butterflies, owls and insects looking for food. They get trapped and cannot get out. Do not paint your pumpkins or put any toxins in them. When you are done enjoying them, smash them and throw them in a wooded area for wildlife to enjoy. Keep your outdoor lights off at night so nocturnal animals are not disrupted by light scatter. Give wildlife a chance.

-- Poland

Letters to the Editor

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NPR and PBS shouldn't be getting any funding from the U.S. government. They should also have their 501(c)(3) status revoked. They are the most blatant of propagandists and a neo-Marxist arm of the Dem Party this side of Moscow. They give no apologies for even their most blatant lies when exposed; like promoting the Russian Hoax, nor for their saying, untruthfully and knowing better, that the Hunter laptop story was "debunked" before the election.

-- Youngstown

Joe Biden trying to take credit for the peace deal President Trump made between Israel and Hamas is like an arsonist saying he helped put out the fire. Everything Biden did was the reason Israel was attacked in the first place. He didn't give Israel the military equipment it needed. He held their military back from destroying Hamas. This is typical of Democrats. They take credit for for what they didn't do and blame others for what they do.

-- Hubbard

U.S. Rep. Rulli's Bill to "punish" communities that do not celebrate Columbus Day or choose to celebrate Indigenous Peoples' Day is divisive and repressive. He is making the Italian explorer a symbol for censorship and political bullying. Since both holidays are official, communities should be able to exercise their citizens' right to free expression and choose if and how to celebrate. Citizens and taxpayers should not be threatened with having federal funding withheld because their community's choice differs from the party in power.

-- Youngstown

Prohibit funding for state locales recognizing Indigenous Peoples' Day? Congressman UN-Rulli should be helping to get our federal government running again. And don't give me that "It's the Democrats' fault!" Republicans control both the House and Senate, so what's the problem? We should prohibit funding of some of our legislative members' salaries by voting them out of office. Sounds like a plan to me!

-- Boardman

The right always preaches that Donny won a mandate in the last election. A mandate is defined as overwhelming support of an idea, person, etc. Donny won 49.8% of the popular vote. This means that Harris, write-ins, and independent candidates won 50.2% of the popular vote. How then can they claim they have a mandate??

-- Youngstown

Yes, congrats to Trump for being one "part" of the group who accomplished a ceasefire in the war in Gaza. He, along with Rubio and several other countries, accomplished the end to a horrific war that lost 68,000 Palestinians, and has left nothing but rubble throughout the region. Now Trump should call off his attacks against our country from his administration's ruthless tactics, those that do not earn Nobel Peace Prizes.

-- Liberty

I see Girard Board of Education is concerned for the budget projections. Glad to see finally someone is. Until they reduce the ridiculous amount spent on admin and support, little will change. An assistant superintendent in a tiny system is stupid and says the superintendent isn't doing much. Won't mention the 100k on an athletic trainer or the 500k on a sweetheart contract, but what's a few bucks among friends?

-- Girard

If you don't vote, don't complain.The truly educated voter is the minority. The wrongs / abuses in government have far outgrown the original intent of our constitution. Most Americans are complacent unless it directly affects them. It's all about money and it has been going on for some time. Trump just openly exposed it.

-- Campbell

Rep. Rulli has shown again he does not represent his constituents. This Columbus Day bill is merely to satisfy far right Republican leadership and earn foolish credibility.

-- Canfield

Once again Trump is using the Gaza ceasefire as a photo-op to satisfy his narcissism. This man flew halfway around the world to force a standing ovation for himself in Israel. He is an international embarrassment, but relishes in it.

-- Canfield

It appears our missing representative, Michael Rulli, came out of hiding long enough to introduce a bill, Italian Heroes and Heritage Act. This proposed bill would prohibit federal funds to local or state governments that have replaced Columbus Day with Indigenous Peoples' Day. Rulli is taking a page right out of Trump's playbook by blackmailing those who don't agree with him. As a first-generation Italian, this bill reminds me of why my family fled fascist Italy.

-- Austintown

I don't own a home so as not to pay taxes. That would be included in my rent obviously. Landlords do not lower the rent. They offer what the market will bear, not what the renter can bear. The writer from Hubbard says if the landlord is decent, the property tax reduction will be reflected in the rent. When can I stop laughing? Are you kidding me?

-- Youngstown

Sneering behind the Resolute desk, talking like an ill-educated gangster, sending federalized troops to multiple cities where they are unwelcome and unneeded except in 47's autocratic dreams, didn't win DJT the Nobel Peace Prize. It went to a 58-year-old organizer for democracy in Venezuela. Who will be our Maria Corina Machado?

-- Canfield

I see three residents (Mahoning County commissioners) out of 224,000 residents would like to preserve the Poland Library. I agree, just not with taxpayers' dollars! Another option would be to have a third party purchase the building and lease it back to the library. White elephants are not for tax payers dollars! See Oak Hill Place. Enough said!

-- Sebring

Trump wants a Nobel Peace prize because Obama got one. He wants to ruin "ACA" because Obama's administration helped millions of Americans obtain health care. His jealousy of Obama is obvious as he has neither the eloquence nor integrity of Obama. And, to beg for a Nobel Peace Prize is singularly tacky and juvenile.

-- Liberty

Only 10 years before "Celebrate Poland" came into existence, as referenced in the 10-8 -25 Vindy article by J.T. Whitehouse, the June 6, 16 fatal shooting of Doug Jones Jr. took place in Poland Village. Nothing celebratory about that.

-- Poland

David Skolnick might want to have U.S. Rep. Mike Rulli, R-Salem, comment on the Italian Mafia Americans on their contributions to shaping the United States as a follow-up to his weekend Vindy article: "U.S. Rep. Rulli: Don't mess with Columbus Day." I support Indigenous People's Day!

-- Poland

Letters to the Editor

Sound off!

A recent Sound Off writer complained that the proposed legislation to reduce property taxes for homeowners was unfair to nonhomeowners. That person stated that they purposely didn't own a home so as.to not pay taxes. If so -- unless that individual is homeless -- they'd be paying rent to some landlord. If that landlord were decent, the property-tax reduction amount should be reflected in the rent. Here's a suggestion: get a job, pay taxes, get the reduction. Maybe it's time to dump the Dumpster.

-- Hubbard

Trump has declared war on Americans. It's what he calls "the enemy within." Have you ever heard of such a thing? With the government closed, instead of negotiating with Democrats he is trying to cut funds to those states. He is sending the National Guard to those states. Clearly he believes that everyone who doesn't bow to his will is his enemy. He can't convince people that his plans are right so he is trying to force them to bow to his will.

-- Campbell

Thanks to the Youngstown writer who called out the Un-American activities of Trump and GOP. Too bad less than 40% of registered voters are expected to vote thereby empowering the blight of state and federal Trumpocracy to continue. If not voting is your protest, you must believe Portland is "burning to the ground" and only Trump can fix it. Don't vote and get the autocracy the clueless deserve.

-- Canfield

Mill Creek MetroParks has received a permit to kill 50 deer on the golf course this month. Their request to kill 100 was obviously excessive since the count of 14 deer per square mile cannot support that. The deer will be baited with feed and shot at night by paid sharpshooters. This is the third year. If 50 deer aren't killed, the sharpshooters will return until they reach their number. The park's intent is to continue this unnecessary killing indefinitely.

-- Poland

Many of us from an older generation remember with a smile the comedy antics of Flip Wilson. In a memorable skit he assumes the character of Geraldine, a "bad" girl who makes some bad decisions. When confronted with her misdeeds, she replies, "The Devil made me do it!" Fast forward to today, and we have our modern-day comic, Trump, after firing 700,000+ federal workers, saying "The Democrats made me do it!" Sad irony!

-- Struthers

In 60 years of living, I never thought I would see one person bully and threaten this country into submission. Americans used to pride themselves on respect, honesty, decency, concern for the vulnerable, and fairness. How did those values get tossed aside? We have 535 elected officials in Washington, D.C., and more in state offices. Why are so few speaking up and taking action to protect the foundations of America? Does anyone care that future generations will be silenced and oppressed?

-- Youngstown

The time, logistics and cost of assembling the top military 'brass' from all over the world to be instructed to ignore the Geneva Convention and Rules of Engagement, to basically ignore their code of ethics by the inept Hegseth prancing back and forth on the stage, would be laughable if it wasn't absolutely frightening. One new rule, they are to train the US military in the streets of Democratic cities! Authoritarian government in action. God help us.

-- Liberty

I think it is time for all of us, no matter what your spiritual inclination, to listen to what Pope Leo recently said, and I quote "Someone who says "I am against abortion but says they are in favor of the death penalty" is not really pro-life. Someone who says they are against abortion but is in agreement with the inhumane treatment of immigrants in the U.S. -- I don't know if that's pro-life." Now think long and hard what the President is currently doing.

-- Poland

It's not news that we need a new location for the Mahoning County Board of Elections and other offices currently in the Oakhill complex. May I suggest the old Dillard's store at the Southern Park Mall? The store is owned by DeBartolo, not the owners of the mall. Bus service available, plenty of parking, should be ample room for everyone. Central location for the entire county. For staff and patrons, plenty of food services nearby.

-- Poland

How about this idea? When the government shuts down and sends "unessential" employees home, they start with Congress and White House staff? Or they could cut off paying them during the shutdown. That might get their attention and make them do their jobs instead of playing politics.

-- Youngstown

Letters to the Editor

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It's great to note the healthy growth of student enrollment at YSU. The good things happening at Youngstown State seem to have started around the time President Bill Johnson took the helm. Looks like he's making good on his promise to make our university the envy of higher education in the great state of Ohio. Thanks to the Board of Trustees for its wisdom in bringing this determined leader to YSU.

-- Poland

Bill Johnson's guest column was the height of hypocrisy, while his president and Republican Party threaten American universities with lawsuits and funding cuts because they don't follow his world view. Typical Trump sycophants, play the victim and blame someone else.

-- Canfield

I watched parts of Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth's pacing and insulting speech to flag officers and didn't realize that, despite the whole idea being foolish and expensive, the worst was yet to come. Fifteen minutes into 47's braggadocious word salad, whispered in his best conspiratorial tone, I tuned out. The spectacle of Don bone spurs or Palmaid Pete lecturing military personnel on patriotism was too sickening to see.

-- Canfield

Trump is a dictator. Such is the nature of a person who lacks negotiating skills, empathy and is only concerned with what he wants. As we faced a government shutdown, he's in a golf cart playing golf with his granddaughter. He's up in the middle of the night posting tweets that marijuana can cure everything in the elderly, firing the head of the FCC, a racist tweet of Schumer and Jeffries, and that Communism has been around for 4,000 years.

-- Campbell

Donald Trump threatens to send the National Guard to Chicago due to high crime and terrible living conditions. However, in this month's issue of Reader's Digest it was voted as one of the Nicest Places in America. So who do you believe? Reader's Digest or a pathological liar who has been documented in over 30,000 lies?

-- Canfield

I'm wondering if I need to inquire about the political affiliation of my doctors? With all the RFK / 47 madness occurring, there is 60+% chance that doctors will NOT be advising the use of treatments that are supported by scientific evidence, risking the health and lives of their patients!

-- Boardman

Are nursing homes a sacred cow in Ohio? I have asked several politicians if there is a regulation as to the ratio of aides to patients. Not one of them has answered. Why? I have heard of one aide to 20 patients. How is this quality care?

-- Boardman

If the government is going to shut down by sending "unessential" workers home, how about starting with Congress!

-- Youngstown

Will the Poland Historical Society (September Vindy article by J.T. Whitehouse) chronicle as a significant event the June 6, 1996, fatal shooting of Doug Jones Jr. in Poland Village, as the PHS makes preparations for our nation's 250th anniversary?

-- Poland

A great big, thank you to the person or persons who tend to the beautification of the bridges In Poland. If you also have spots of beauty in your community, take time to appreciate the splendor.

-- Poland

In a previous SoundOff, I lamented the honest mass of U.S. citizens' powerlessness. But I suppose I was speaking about political power. Because I was reminded recently about the real power of the people -- the power of the purse strings. Just watch the ruling-class oligarchical corporation Disney cower to the power of the people and say to hell with the current dictatorship. Cancel all your Disney-Plus subscriptions and Jimmy Kimmel is back! Voila! Power to the people!!! Just say no!!!

-- Boardman

This past weekend Youngstown hosted two days of YLive. Everyone was happy about this decision and the downtown businesses loved it. The restaurants and bars were packed. YLive brought in two very well-liked entertainers. Why not hold these kinds of concerts that can, and will accommodate large crowds three or four times a month, throughout the summer? I'm sure it would benefit many. Tell me, am I missing something?

-- Boardman

Michael Rulli recently announced that his bill, the National Coal Council Reestablishment Act, passed the House. Rulli believes more coal production to support our nation's growing energy needs is essential to our health, welfare and prosperity. At the same time he applauds the defunding and dismemberment of programs advancing wind and solar energy technologies, jobs and climate mediation. I find myself constantly banging my head on my desk wondering how it is even possible for anyone with more than two functioning brain cells to continue supporting this man? It just doesn't make any sense. He's a 21st-century Luddite!

-- Canfield

I do not own a home purposely, so as not to pay taxes. People who own homes can cash out equity at any time, yet you want ME to help pay for their land taxes so they can cash out? How messed up is that? Their homes are just that, their homes, and they ought to pay taxes for owning them. Just like a car, you pay insurance for it. It's your responsibility, not the next guy's. Just lower the value of these homes and taxes will fall in line. All this overvalued property is what is causing this.

-- Youngstown

When Donald Trump claims to have saved money by withdrawing funding from universities, health care programs, food assistance programs and the soft influence of U.S. Aid, where does the money go? He claims he has stopped seven wars and is making the nation wealthy with tariffs and says his progress is the greatest in a single quarter ever, that it's incredible. If he means it's without credibility, I agree.

-- Canfield

What medical degree does RFK have to be dictating all these decisions??? He had a special-needs sister, and she died long before any of his theories existed. And Trump listens!

-- Boardman