Poland residents work to beautify the village

DEAR EDITOR:

In June 2025, I stopped to talk with a woman tending the flowers on the bridge over Yellow Creek along South Main Street in Poland. During our conversation, I learned that for many years two dedicated volunteers — both named Laura — have quietly created and maintained the beautiful flower boxes that greet residents and visitors crossing our bridges.

A few days later, I met Hugh Braham while he was walking across the same bridge. We began discussing ways to enhance the beauty of Poland Village in preparation for America’s 250th anniversary. That conversation sparked the beginning of a small volunteer effort that soon grew with the addition of Diane Replogle, Kurt Hilderbrand and Ohio Master Gardener Jim Merva.

Together, we began planning projects that would celebrate our community’s history while making Poland Village even more welcoming and inspire others to undertake their own planting, cleanup or beautification projects at their homes and businesses. We hope every planter serves as a reminder that small acts of volunteerism can make a lasting difference.

KATHY MILLER

Poland

Veterinary medicine becomes big business

DEAR EDITOR:

Many veterinary practices in our area and across the nation have gone from private clinics to corporate enterprises. If you’re nearing retirement, any of the large veterinary corporations can give you a very appealing sales pitch. You can even stay on for an agreed-upon period during the “transition.” Most of these veterinary corporations own hundreds of practices, but some own thousands, and many of those are specialized referral hospitals.

The plus part of the pitch is that these corporations have lots of money to spend; buying most modern equipment for the practice, providing needed building improvements, advertising, recruitment, etc. The downside is that the overall expenses are the same, utilities, rent or mortgage, salaries, insurance, staff benefits. But now they have to raise prices because the corporation needs a piece of the pie. And, you have to pay for all that new stuff by using it and charging for it.

So if you get new equipment, often $30,000 or more for one item, you have to find a way to pay for it. That means use it often, even if it isn’t truly warranted. Regardless, it’s called, “Good medicine.” More than one practice only wants “A” clients, the kind who never ask, “How much is that?” But this area is mostly “C.” Some will offer various levels of diagnostics or care; silver, gold, or platinum. “You want what’s best for your pet, don’t you?” Caveat emptor. It’s a business, and the bottom line is all important. You can’t lose money every month and keep your doors open.

When I moved to Youngstown from Illinois I signed on with a local, multi-vet practice. I was relieved, however, before the first year was up. Wasn’t bringing in the profits. The boss stressed, “Recheck, recheck, recheck,” but I didn’t think it was always necessary. At the end of every month your productivity was reviewed, and you were reminded if it wasn’t up to snuff. That was private practice, not corporate; but it’s corporate now.

The profession has changed. The camaraderie is gone; now it’s dog-eat-dog, so to speak. But I love what I do, and that includes being my own boss. No pressure to produce.

DONALD ALLEN

Boardman

Foregone revenue from data centers not a cost

DEAR EDITOR:

Your May 23/24 Vindicator headline “Data centers drain billions in revenue” was alarming. Undoubtedly it was meant to be so. Unfortunately, like the flames of hell, the headline generated more heat than light.

The article claimed that the 2025 cost in revenue to the state was a whopping $1.6 billion. But that was not money actually paid by Ohio taxpayers. Rather, it was the amount which Ohio chose not to collect from data centers in sales tax. In return for Ohio’s not squeezing that tax revenue from the data centers, they contributed $3.7 billion to the state’s gross domestic product.

We may hypothesize that, had Ohio not waived those taxes, the state would have collected that $1.6 billion. The competition among states argues against that hypothesis. There are close to 40 other states that offer similar tax relief to data centers. If Ohio did not offer this tax relief, there is no reason to think that the data centers would not simply have made the wise business decision to locate elsewhere.

Then Ohio would have had neither the tax revenue nor the data centers’ contribution to the state’s GDP.

ERIC CHEVLEN, MD

Liberty

Trump isn’t worried about 2026 midterms

DEAR EDITOR:

When Donald Trump proclaims to all of us he is not worried about the midterms I believe him. He may be the dirtiest and most prolific liar ever displayed by a President of the United States, but on this point he is telling the truth. The reason he has not a care in the world doing the most confounding things like endorsing the criminal Ken Paxton in Texas, suing E.Jean Carroll, prolonging the war in Iran, holding gas prices at such high levels to the detriment of all Americans is because he will proclaim a national emergency and suspend the midterm elections. If this does not work he will “release the Kraken” ( in the words of Ginni Thomas, Justice Clarence Thomas’s wife and 2020 election denier).

We must always remember Trump incited and allowed thugs to lay siege to our nation’s Capitol. We must never forget that those people who stormed and destroyed the Capitol and most of all brutalized and caused the death of law enforcement trying to protect the Capitol can never be called patriots. We must remember Trump pardoned every one of those criminals. He will never admit he lost the election fair and square.

Trump has been able to consolidate power in the executive office, give billionaires unlimited control over our elections and lives, control our Supreme Court and Congress. OF COURSE HE IS NOT WORRIED ABOUT THE MIDTERMS.

All of us law-abiding citizens will need to use everything legally at our disposal to thwart his evil plans so we can preserve our democracy.

We the people have more power when used in unity.

We Americans who love our country of 250 years are remembering the very foundation of living in a country where ALL are created equal.

JEANNE McDERMOTT

LIberty

James as Butler Art director a great choice

DEAR EDITOR:

After more than four decades of stellar leadership by Dr. Louis Zona, the Butler Institute of American Art had a serious challenge in finding an equally capable director. I believe they succeeded by naming Anastasia James, not as his replacement (he is irreplaceable), but as his successor.

As a native of the Pittsburgh area, even now after more than 35 years in Youngstown, I maintain a strong connection with the cultural and artistic venues of Western Pennsylvania. I make very frequent visits to attend events, see family and friends, and to showcase the outstanding historical, entertainment and noteworthy opportunities for many others who view Pittsburgh as a limited, uninspired place to engage one’s broader interests. One of the greatest attractions for me is the many outstanding, imaginative and uplifting sights and activities presented by the Pittsburgh Cultural Trust, of which Anastasia James was an integral part.

As I jokingly tell many people, you do not need a visa or passport to cross the state line into Pennsylvania. Sadly, so few of my local acquaintances venture to the Three Rivers area, except maybe the casino, that they are unaware of the vibrant venues created in the Pittsburgh Cultural District. As one of the primary forces in creating and expanding what is now an internationally recognized destination, I believe Director James can truly spark the same interest and energy here. Youngstown has many remarkable treasures, of which the Butler is a prime example,

Dr. Zona established a solid foundation on which to build. Carrying us into the future, Ms. James has a formidable task, but, given her background and notable achievements, it is one I feel confident she is well able to accomplish. I anticipate many wonderful things from her.

Welcome to Youngstown and the Butler Institute of American Art, Director James. We are fortunate to have you join us.

T. L. WAGNER

Youngstown

Democrats should not blow this opportunity

DEAR EDITOR:

I believe the historic corruption and ineptitude of the current national administration provides a great opportunity for Democrat nominees to return America to rational government and global prominence — provided DNC campaign leadership doesn’t blow it.

Local, state and national campaigns for office must offer specific, measurable plans and timelines (other than by the last year of a term of office) if broader objectives are to attract voters of every age, racial, economic and religious persuasion. Hack yak like “Fighting for you…” or “I will bring transparency…” or we must get dark money out …” or “the cost of living is too high…” or “Trump is a disaster and threat …” just will not work. These are generally as predictable, immeasurable, less provable or valuable than any statement a candidate might make regarding the condition of their underwear.

Instead, try: “I will introduce a measure to simplify IRS forms and provide a scale for taxing unearned income, In excess of 75% of total income by”… or “I will reveal any attempt to add on unrelated measures, such as freedom from future prosecution, to infrastructure, or other crucial funding…”or “I will introduce a bill to repeal or at least modify misleading laws like Citizens United, which enable unlimited and anonymous donations by billionaires and corporations to political action campaigns and legislative activities…” or “I will raise questions and encourage debate of any attempt to govern by fiat, executive order or social media” … Politicians who want to be elected to a representative office of democracy should ensure they represent the interests of their constituents.

A young man, whose high craftsmanship and diligent work ethic I admire, refused to be drawn into a conversation about 47 while doing work at my home. He said he didn’t care about Trump or any politician as he wouldn’t trust any of them. Candidates should note he’s far from alone. You will do well to pay attention and make certain your promises square up.

JIM CARTWRIGHT

Canfield

I respected my grandfather’s wisdom

DEAR EDITOR:

My grandfather’s wisdom carried heavy weight. A month before my discharge from the military, I called home.

From the orderly room I made a long-distance call back home. With my grandfather on the phone, I gave him my recent thoughts. I would refer to my grandfather as my father; he raised me.

“Hello Dad, it’s Paul. I’m thinking of re-enlisting; I carry rank, authority and privilege. Also, the pay is good.”

For a moment there was silence; then he spoke.

“Paul, do you realize how many soldiers are in Walter Reed Hospital without arms and legs?”

Silence.

“Do you realize how many soldiers are in Arlington Cemetery?

Silence.

“Paul, get the heck out.”

My humble response was, “OK.”

“To all our military service men and women, our veterans. We thank you.”

The Statler Brothers’ 1989 song, “More Than a Name on a Wall,” pays you tribute.

“I saw her from a distance as she walked up to the wall; in her hand she held some flowers as her tears began to fall.

And she took out pen and paper, as to trace her memories. She looked up to heaven and the words she said were these:

She said, ‘Lord, my boy was special and he meant so much to me, and oh, I’d love to see him just one more time, you see.

All I have are the memories and the moments to recall, so Lord, could you tell him he’s more than a name on a wall?’

She said he recently missed the family and being home on Christmas Day, and he died for God and country in a place so far away.

I remember just a little boy playing war since he was three, but Lord, this time I know he’s not coming home to me.

And she said, ‘Lord, my boy was special and he meant so much to me, and oh, I’d love to see him, but I know it just can’t be. So I thank you for my memories and the moments to recall. But Lord, could you tell him he’s more than a name on a wall?

Lord, could you tell him he’s more than a name on a wall?”

PAUL LAWSON

McDonald

YCS board’s decision was a bit lacking

DEAR EDITOR:

The Youngstown city school board’s decision on May 28 to privatize the district’s transportation department was not only rushed and lacking transparency — it was a complete disservice to the students and families they were elected to serve.

In a matter of days, the board went from tabling the issue for “further research” on Tuesday to approving a multi-million-dollar contract Thursday night with a Cincinnati-based company recently purchased by a national corporation. Apparently, less than 48 hours was enough time to fully investigate the future of student transportation in Youngstown.

Most taxpayers and parents had little notice that this vote was even taking place. Those who did attend the meeting were denied the opportunity to speak or ask questions before the board acted. Instead, the Board and Superintendent disappeared into executive session for nearly an hour before returning to question the company themselves –while the public sat silently, shut out of the process entirely.

What followed should concern every family in this district.

The company seeking control of our transportation department failed to provide concrete answers about how it would solve the district’s busing problems, how taxpayer dollars would be spent, or how students would actually benefit from privatization. Their responses were vague, generic, and lacking detail. At several points, it became obvious they did not have a real grasp on the operational failures they were supposedly being hired to fix.

Even more troubling, it became clear during the meeting that the company expected to take over as early as Friday morning. That revelation raises serious concerns about whether this decision had already been made behind closed doors long before the public knew anything about it.

And who pays the price for this chaos? Students.

When transportation fails, students miss instructional time. Families are left scrambling for child care and rides. Children are stranded, stressed, late to class, or unable to participate in after-school activities. Stability and consistency matter for kids, especially in a district where many students already face enough barriers outside the classroom.

Instead of confronting these challenges head-on and doing the difficult work of fixing the department, the adults in the room chose the easy way out: outsource the problem and hope someone else handles it.

That is not leadership.

The district already employs a superintendent and administrative team whose responsibility is to solve operational issues like transportation. Rather than rolling up their sleeves, supporting workers, and rebuilding trust with families, this Board handed local jobs and public dollars over to a private company with no demonstrated connection or commitment to Youngstown.

This decision is particularly painful because the community fought so hard to regain local control of our schools after years of a hostile state takeover. Legislators, parents, educators, and residents worked tirelessly to restore the public’s voice in district decisions. Yet Thursday night, the community’s voice was ignored entirely.

Youngstown students deserve adults willing to solve problems — not pass them off behind closed doors. Families deserve transparency and accountability. Taxpayers deserve honest answers before millions of public dollars are handed to outside corporations.

Most importantly, our children deserve better than another failure by the adults entrusted with their future.

DEBORHA BINDAS

Regional Director

AFSCME Ohio Council 8, AFL-CIO

Youngstown

Empowering educators helps young Ohioans

DEAR EDITOR:

As Ohio navigates an evolving economic landscape, one of our greatest challenges remains the retention of our bright, young professionals. To keep the next generation working, living, and thriving right here in Ohio, we have to build a direct bridge between our classrooms and one of our state’s most vital economic engines: natural gas and oil.

The foundation of a sustained workforce begins with education. If we want young Ohioans to envision long-term and lucrative careers within our natural energy sector, we first need to empower the educators who guide them.

Through programs, like the Ohio Natural Energy Institute’s (ONEi) annual STEM & Geology Teacher Workshops, our educators are equipped with first-hand insights into the history, science, geology, and diverse career pathways of the natural energy industry that they can bring back to the classroom.

Exposing students to real-world applications of geology and STEM can open their eyes to the opportunities that are in their backyard. By supporting our teachers and fostering energy literacy among our youth, we create a well-informed generation that understands the importance of Ohio’s resources.

Investing in energy education is a direct investment in our youth and ensuring that Ohio’s natural gas and oil industry continues to be powered by homegrown talent.

BRUCE TAGUE

executive director,

Ohio Natural Energy Institute

Pataskala

Outrageously lenient sentence in child rape

DEAR EDITOR:

The Vindicator reported on May 27 a local man has been sentenced to 6 to 9 years imprisonment, plus five years of parole, for raping a child under 13 years old.

This is outrageously lenient, considering the fact that pedophiles like this have repeatedly been proven to be practically incurable. Their urges to rape children are deeply ingrained in their personalities and do not just go away. The only safe and sure way to deal with them is life imprisonment without the possibility of parole.

This ridiculously lenient sentence was made possible by Ohio law, passed by the Ohio Legislature. This can be expected from a state that is controlled by the GOP, “Guardians Of Pedophiles.” For some strange reason the Republican Party actually excuses and protects these disgusting perverted pedophiles.

They actually nominated and elected a president who partied with the serial pedophile child rapist Jeffrey Epstein on “Epstein’s Island of Perverted Pedophile Pleasures!”

JAMES J. PIRKO

Youngstown