For full Letters to the Editor, please see our E-edition

8/27/10
Media is driving mosque outrage
Dear Editor,
Why is the mosque issue such a media circus? It's simple psychology really. Some folks are afraid. They are afraid that hiding behind the peaceful side of Islam is a jihadist-in-waiting, ready to awaken from his slumber and be activated to violent ends.
But, strangely enough, in the face of this real and underlying anxiety, 64 percent of New York voters say the developers have a constitutional right to build the mosque. Among those who oppose it, half of them agree the developers have a constitutional right to build it as well. As a Christian, I am pleased to hear that many people can separate their fears from what they know to be true of our Constitution. This gives me hope.
Christopher M Orecchio
Marysville
––––
Tutors were superb
Dear Editor,
As we prepared for another school year, and all the stress of school shopping, parent-teacher conferences, or new schools and schedules for our kids, I just wanted to say acknowledge a couple of very dedicated teachers for their assistance during Summer school.
Ashley Robinson and Tami Ryan gave of their time to tutor my son during summer school. He has a learning disability in math but was successfully able to pass his algebra course due to his hard work and these teacher’s dedication.
Rob Kissinger
White Oak Court

8/13/10
East School would make good police department
Dear Editor,
After talking to many citizens of Marysville, most agree that the East School complex would make a wonderful area to house their city police department.
After talking to some of the people who work in the city we were told that due to the building not meeting code regulations for a police department it would be cheaper to build a new structure. After hearing this I wondered how the village of Richwood was able to purchase Mills Chevrolet and turn that building into their police department.
William B. Bumgarner
Raymond Road
––––
Officers applauded
Dear editor
While I have noticed that most people have been very supportive and thankful to our local law enforcement during this very emotional and difficult time in our community, I have also heard the rumblings of the Monday morning quarterbacks questioning their actions.
I don’t much patience for those that set in the safety of their homes and cushy office jobs and have the audacity to question why so many rounds were fired or why they decided to pursue a suspect. Maybe when you have the bravery to look down the barrel of a shotgun and choose to stand and protect your community instead of running for cover, I might listen to what you have to say on the matter. Until then your opinions are meaningless to me.
I personally would like to Sara Winfield
Surviving spouse of deputy Brandy Winfield

7/23/10
Honesty prevails
Dear Editor,
In these days when cars and homes are being broken into for some quick cash, I want to remind you there are a lot of honest people left in this world. You don’t hear about the good things people do, always the negative.
I was in a local restaurant with my grandson enjoying a sub. I carried our drinks out to the car and away we went. The next day I was mowing the yard and realized I’d left my purse at the restaurant. I said a big prayer, “OK, God, it’s up to you.”  I called the restaurant. The young man who waited on us had found it and it was safe. I appreciate such honest employees. God is good, all the time.
Mary Howard
Marysville

7/16/10 - Feels wronged by the Humane Society
Dear Editor,
Don’t you hate it when you feel insulted and turned down because you disagreed with the opinions and convictions of a private organization?
Recently I filled out an application to adopt a border collie named Larry, with incontinence, from the Humane Society, and was promptly turned down. Unknown to me, pet applicants must follow veterinarian recommendations to the letter to be eligible to adopt a pet from the Humane Society and then kept indoors.
Ken Dobbin
Marysville
––––
Wants deputies rehired
Dear Editor,
As I was reading your newspaper, I noticed your statement that reads, “If it’s for the good of Marysville and Union County … we’re for it!”
It’s a solid statement, but it makes me wonder, where the support for our 10 laid off sheriff deputies is. We have a first class sheriff’s department, but when crime is up, and we see a new and dangerous drug (black tar heroin) flooding our county, which in turn results in more crime (break-ins, thieves) that are feeding their habits.
David Thomas
Marysville

7-9-10 - Doesn’t appreciate money spent on mailer
Dear Editor,
As many of you, I recently received a mailing from U.S. Representative Mary Jo Kilroy. It was an attractive tri-fold, glossy mailing that measured 11 inches by 17 inches when laid flat.
It contained claims about all the good things she has been doing for us and ways to contact her office. It was obviously very expensive to do this. This mailing contained the phrase, “This mailing was prepared, published and mailed at taxpayer expense.”
Daniel Fogt
Marysville
––––
Accosted by animal rights activist
Dear Editor,
What a “coincidence” that less than 48 hours after the sensational breaking news about alleged treatment of local dairy cows, I was accosted in the parking lot of a local store by a young man with a clipboard.
He asked me if I would sign a petition to get prevention of cruelty to animals in Ohio on the November ballot. Refusing, I told him that I knew what he was doing.
He replied, “Oh” and went back to wherever he had been in the lot. Unfortunately, I didn’t have time that day to go back into the store.
Liz Neds
Watkins Road
––––
Portrayal of farm untrue
Dear Editor,
This situation and accompanying harassment of the Conklin Farms is unbelievable.
They have been part of our farm experience since we bought our farm in 1961. The livestock-care standards they follow are those we all learned from 4-H to FFA to the OSU Ag College.
Eugene Neds
Watkins Road

6/25/10 - U-Co Has it right
Dear Editor,
As one of the rotarians in attendance at the presentation of the Honda 2009 Quality and Delivery Performance Award presentation June 18 at Karen’s Event Center, I was completely taken aback by what U-Co Industries has accomplished.
Faced with more than one challenge U-Co has not only overcome obstacles but has excelled in the face of challenges to performance levels that few Honda suppliers have achieved. If my notes are correct there are over 530 suppliers in America to Honda and only 13 have excelled to similar performance levels as U-Co Industries.
John Waite
Union County Rotarian
––––
Appreciated the care at MHUC
Dear Editor,
Skill and knowledge or kindness and openness, which is more important?  While driving across Ohio Sunday, June 20, I had to make use of the ER at Memorial Hospital of Union County. I found both sets of talents readily available plus a keen sense of humor. 
Don Williams
Holland, Michigan

6/4/10 - Rural atmosphere should be maintained
Dear Editor:
 What happened to the Marysville rural atmosphere?  I grew up in a small northern Ohio rural township and at the age of 18 I went off to military basic training in 1986. This was an adventure that exposed me to a whole new world outside of my comfort zone. That time in the dessert inspired me to return to that rural oasis. 
I came back, held my head high, and wanted to live that part of my life I helped preserve. After I got a good job, I traveled around looking for that rural atmosphere. Due to the closing of the Lorain Ford Assembly plant and Steel Mill the cities like Vermilion and Amherst struggled to survive.
Craig Hettel
902 Watkins Glen Boulevard
––––
Movement is one to repeal healthcare legislation
Dear Editor,
The latest Rasmussen poll shows 63 percent of voters want to repeal the Healthcare legislation passed by Congress. Only 32 percent want to keep it and 5 percent are undecided.
The Congressional Budget Office recently recalculated the costs for the next 10 years and it was found to cost $115 billion more than originally advertised. This includes hiring 16,000 new IRS employees to enforce it. Last week, our National Debt hit $13 trillion. It has increased by $2.37 billion in the past 18 months. It is time to stop the unsustainable spending spree.
Dan Fogt
Marysville
––––
Keep the flags flying
Dear Editor,
At the cemetery it is a glorious sight to see the flags waving over each veteran’s grave, but as soon as Memorial Day is over the flags come down. I contacted the Union County Veterans Service Office as to why the flags are taken down and was told they cannot afford to buy new ones each year.
This seems like a small price for what our veterans gave of their lives for us. If the county coffers are in such dire financial circumstances I would venture to say that the veteran’s organizations would be willing to donate some money to “keep the flags flying.”
Anna Jean Scott
Marysville

5/28/10 - Relay for Life was a success
Dear Editor,
As the accounting and registration chairperson of this year’s American Cancer Society Relay for Life of Union County, I would like to acknowledge the residents of Union County for their generosity and support. Twenty-seven teams participated in this year’s event, raising over $72,000 for the American Cancer Society’s research, education, advocacy and service programs. The outstanding support proves that the people of Union County are truly committed to the fight against cancer.
I want to applaud the 65 survivors that participated in the opening lap and the survivor recognition. These people are the reason we continue the fight because each year there can be more and more people living wonderful lives following a diagnosis of cancer.

5/21/10 - Appreciates efforts of doctor
Dear editor,
“Bedside manner is essential in affecting the doctor-patient relationship. A good bedside manner is typically one that reassures and comforts the patient”-Wikepedia
Bedside Manner?  After 20 years and countless visits to specialists between San Diego, Calif., and Columbus I have found what I didn't think existed....good bedside manner. Coupled with excellent diagnostic and genuine concern, I have found “the one” right here in Marysville - my physician, Dr. Nagah Elarossi, M.D.  Her bedside manner in comparison to all of my other many medical experiences, makes me feel as though my “bed” is a down-filled feather bed, rather than a cold steel paper covered waiting place. 
Melissa Peckens
Springwood Lane

5/14/10 - Country must learn from the troubles of Greece
Dear Editor,
The financial problems that Greece and other European countries have recently experienced should be a serious warning and a wake up call to us in the United States of America.
Perpetual debt is a terminal situation. No family city, county, state or federal government can long survive without fiscal responsibility. It is very unfortunate that our governing bodies in Washington D.C. have lost sight of doing what is right for the long term good of this country. It appears that political party gain or loss is the first consideration while developing legislation to guide this nation. Gone are the statesmen that were dedicated to the long term good of our country. Where are the leaders that stood up for principle and what they considered to be right for the country, even when they knew that such a position would end their political future?
Norman Renner
Irwin
––––
Writers did not like column
Dear Editor:
 The editorial by Ryan Horns in the Friday, May 7 edition of the Journal-Tribune provides an excellent opportunity to clear up some of the myths of tea parties and the folks who attend them. Instead of getting your information from the old guard media and pseudo-media editorialists, I thought it would be refreshing to hear from someone who is an actual real life tea partier. I helped to write the Declaration of the Ohio Liberty Council, an organization dedicated to the mission of uniting, informing, and empowering various and independent freedom loving groups and citizens in Ohio to affect policy in favor of liberty.
Christopher M. Orecchio
17620 W. Darby Road
––––
Dear Editor,
After reading Ryan Horns’ column on May 7 (Tea Party Misguided) I have come to the conclusion that Mr. Horns is either misguided himself, misinformed, or just a good ol’ Liberal.
He states the Tea Partiers “are apparently against big government, tax increases and the growing deficit” then asks “Who isn’t?”
Jerry Moore
Richwood
––––
Cemetery in sad shape
Dear Editor,
After my recent stop at Oakdale Cemetery this week I have to ask the question: Is Marysville planning on canceling the annual Memorial Day service at the cemetery that we have all grown accustomed to? Certainly, they cannot have visitors, especially out-of-town visitors, see such a neglected, deplorable piece of property. An area that has always been a well-cared for place is nothing short of disgusting. Those of us who have family members laid to rest there, feel nothing but shame.
Carol Sexton
Ostrander
––––
Doesn’t like tax money used for pool
Dear Editor,
I think it’s time our city leaders start prioritizing when it comes to spending my tax dollars.
I would have voted for the tax levy if it would have been directed to our police and fire departments. But in last Wednesday’s paper, the first things that’s mentioned is opening the pool in June. Maybe council should have normal people who work hard for a minimal living, who can choose between a new outfit or paying a utility bill.
Mary Taylor
Watkins Glen Court

4/30/10 -Support tax levy
Dear Editor:
 I am writing this letter to express my opinion regarding the upcoming income tax increase. I have lived in Marysville since 1952 and graduated from Marysville High School.
In 1968 when the first income tax was voted on, I was not sure how it would affect my family personally. I was thinking about the loss of part of my income. It did affect me much more than the 1 percent less I was taking home.
Anne M. Daniel
Longwood Place
––––
Dear Editor:
While taking a tour of the police station, municipal court and fire station recently, I learned some things and I was reminded of other things. The tour reaffirmed my desire to provide better security at the municipal court and better equipment and facilities for police and fire.
If the income tax increase passes, the city will be able to provide adequate staff and adequate safety equipment to protect our citizens and to provide daily services the way our citizens expect and deserve. The city administration has outlined cuts that will be made if the income tax increase is not passed.
Daniel Fogt
Member of Marysville City Council
––––
Dear editor,
On May 4 residents of Marysville will have the opportunity to affirm their commitment to quality services affecting every individual in the municipality. The stakes are high, the potential outcomes are dramatic!
We are now at a major crossroads that tears at the very fabric of our expected lifestyle. Now is the time that we need to “step up to the plate” and make our voices heard.
Pete Emmons
Marysville
––––
Dear Editor,
On May 4, the city of Marysville is proposing a one-half of a percent increase to its city income tax in order to maintain its current level of services and to provide resources to its safety services divisions. The Union County Chamber of Commerce Board of Trustees supports this income tax levy.
The city has not increased its income tax of one percent (1 percent) in over 40 years, while its population has increased from 7,414 in 1980 to nearly 19,000 in 2009. The new one-half percent increase will generate approximately $4,100,000 in annual revenue which will be used to provide funding for basic services, such as street paving, timely snow removal, street lights, a public pool and maintained parks. It will also include an investment to provide safety services – police, fire and municipal court – with basic resources they need to adequately protect citizens.
Chip Hubbs, president of the Union County Chamber of Commerce Board of Trustees on behalf of the full board of trustees
––––
Writer opposes city issue
Dear Editor,
Do you know what the first indication that someone is trying to sell you a big load of something you don’t want is? When they break it down into the smallest increment possible to make it sound like it is not as bad or expensive as it really is. Just a can of pop per day … really?
And if you want someone to vote for an issue that is unpopular, you send out a boatload of flyers telling you things are worse than they really are and if you don’t vote for their issue it will get even worse.
Ray Clifford
Marysville
––––
Urge approval of Jerome Twp. fire levy
Dear Editor,
I would like to take a moment to address a recent letter to the editor concerning the proposed 5.9-mill Jerome Township fire levy. The letter expressed support for the fire department but not for the proposed fire levy. Though the support for our service is appreciated, a “vote of confidence” will not solve the financial dilemma facing the Jerome Township Fire Department.
The fire chief, fiscal officer and trustees have studied the facts and numbers associated with the proposed levy. The list of outdated equipment still in service grows by the day with the rescue truck at 26 years old being the most glaring example. Current staffing levels are below national standards and are not adequately meeting the needs of the community. The proposed 5.9-mill levy responsibly addresses these needs.
Justin D. French
President, IAFF Local 3555
––––
Dear Editor,
It is obvious that we are once again approaching another election period. Recently there have been signs appearing in yards and along roadways regarding the office of auditor and the request by the fire department for a fire levy.
My reason for responding is the fire levy. I have been associated with the fire service for 40 years and had the privilege of serving the city of Upper Arlington for 31 years as a career firefighter. During that time we experienced times of plenty and times of need. Since I live in New California I have had the opportunity to spend time around the Jerome Township Fire House, because of that I would like to offer my view regarding their situation.
Michael K. Gibbons, Fire Chief (Ret.)
Upper Arlington Fire Division
––––
Incident showed the bad and good in people
Dear Editor,
On Monday evening, the Marysville Mitts 9U baseball team hosted a fundraiser event at our local Pizza Hut restaurant. As a mother, I was so proud of the hardwork and honest effort these boys put into everything they did that evening.
Multiple guests commented on how courteous, professional and organized the boys were in their approach. Their efforts were rewarded as the tip jar soon filled….the boys were in awe of the tips and the talk of their upcoming summer ball trips, including a chance to play at the Youth Dream Park in Morehead, Kentucky filled the air.
Teri Heard
Mitts Mom
––––
Company proud of its bus drivers
Dear Editor,
May 3 marks School Bus Drivers Appreciation Day in Ohio. This annual celebration is designed to recognize the hard work and dedication of the drivers across the state who safely transport students to and from school each day.
We at First Student would like to take this opportunity to thank our local drivers for their commitment to providing safe and reliable transportation to the students of the Union County Board of Developmental Disabilities every day.
Driving a school bus is a challenging task as drivers must focus on operating the bus safely while at the same time, monitoring the students who are aboard. It is a responsibility we do not take lightly.
All First Student drivers rMike Gill
First Student
––––
Writer feels old station should be used
Dear Editor,
 I learned recently that Marysville has a second fire station on the north side of town. The building is named Singer Station and it was built in 1962, so the plaque reads on the front of the building, facing north Main Street. 
I also learned that in the 1960’s and early 1970’s the building housed a fire engine, rescue squad and water rescue boat.
 The literature being distrib Stephen P. Simms
Garden Drive

4/24/10- Feels tax increase would be premature
Dear Editor,
A proposed 50 percent income tax increase by the city of Marysville is in direct opposition to the sound economic concept of not raising taxes during a major recession. In other words, we should wait until a recovery filters down to Main Street from Wall Street.
In Marysville alone, the recent sales tax increase, school funding, high water and other utility bills, plus increased trash collection fees, along with basic necessities are making a simple existence a challenge for many. Remember that after a recession is over, income tax revenue once again will increase.
David Creviston
Marysville

Vote no on Jerome Township fire levy
Dear editor,
In our opinion, Jerome Township has great fire protection service and we do support the fire department. Both the residents and the department can be very proud of the service provided.
The residents and businesses of Jerome Township currently support the department with almost $1.5 million in receipts per year. That does not include $150,000 that goes to the PSO program which has an EMT fire protection piece. As residents, we understand the need for reliable equipment. There is an economic time when maintenance costs become high enough to justify replacement, but the numbers must be carefully studied..
Jim Mitchell, Former Union County Commissioner and
Bob Fry, Republican Central Committee Person

Employee made selfless act
Dear editor,
If your employer gave you a lump sum of cash award for a project you did well, what would you do with it? Melissa Bond chose to give hers away – to the Marysville Food Pantry. Melissa was kind enough to selflessly donate her award check, in addition to previously coordinating and donating food to “The Pantry” through her employer, The Scott’s Miracle-Gro Company.
Melissa would help sort the different vegetables each week, making it easier for the Food Pantry volunteers to distribute them. We acknowledge Melissa, and all of the other Scotts employees who donated their time and effort in making the “Pantry” a success for the less fortunate.
Joe Stritmatter
Marysville

Supports city tax issue
Dear editor,
 I recently had a conversation with my township fire chief discussing how public safety officials are often unduly classified as heroes in the community just by being in that occupation.
Not to discredit the professions, obviously I feel law enforcement is one of the noblest callings, however we are the ones given the training, experience and resources to accomplish the tasks at hand.
Glenn A. Nicol
Asst. Chief
Marysville Police Division
––––
Dear editor,
On May 4, please think about this:
If your house is on fire, you want the fire department immediately – not delayed by train tracks and/or short staffing.
If you need police assistance, you want an officer responding as soon as possible – not delayed by a police force spread too thin to meet your needs.
Marilyn Raines
East Fourth Street
––––
Dear Editor,
I am writing on behalf of our police and fire. You know we don’t think of our police and fire until something comes up that we cannot handle, then we remember and call our police and fire, saying “we need help.” And guess what, they are there when we call.
You know some 15 years ago our community needed help with starting a Community Block Watch. Again, we called for help from our police department and again they were there.
Emily Headlee
Marysville

4/9/10 - Parkinson’s support group available
Dear Editor,
Most people have heard the name of Michael J. Fox often enough to identity the disease he represents in the broad fight for its cure. Michael is the “name” presently used to help with giving public awareness to the progress of the army of persons, both professional and volunteer, who work toward eliminating Parkinson’s Disease from medical charts.
Every year in America there are 50,000 new diagnoses of this progressive neurological disease. To date there is no cure and the cause is not yet known. The Michael J. Fox Foundation works unceasingly to make aware the thousands of research laboratories over the world which is in pursuit of its relief.
Debbie Ranney, facilitator
Marysville