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Letters to the Editor

Vance, Trump need to do more for EP residents

To the editor: The East Palestine train derailment and chemical disaster of February 2023 presents a critical opportunity for leadership, particularly for Vice President JD Vance and President Donald Trump. With their newfound or reinstated political influence, they can either fulfill their promises to Ohio and Pennsylvania or let the community continue to suffer. This crisis is about more than just cleanup; it’s about human reparation and ensuring the people exposed to dangerous chemicals receive the help they deserve. Our community has been living with uncertainty since that ...

Big Pharma’s agenda attacks families, free markets

To the editor: When it comes to the skyrocketing prices of prescription drugs, one thing is clear: Big Pharma is the root of the problem. For decades, the pharmaceutical industry has wielded its power to drive up costs, manipulate markets, and protect its profits—all at the expense of hardworking American families and businesses. Now, Big Pharma is pushing policies in Congress that would further entrench its dominance and profits by deepening the financial burden on employers and everyday Americans. A coordinated attack on the private healthcare market is at the heart of this ...

Words from outgoing parks commissioner

To the editor: My last day as a parks commissioner was Dec. 30th. It’s been 10 years as a parks commissioner and for the most part it was very rewarding. I did not resign. Mayor Dickey chose not to reappoint me. She advised one of the reasons was my letter to the editor opposing the new K-8 school levy. I was told being a parks commissioner that it was not appropriate. People who know me understand I am passionate about our city, schools and parks. I felt I had a right to give my opinion and it also included all the facts for people to make an informed decision. This should ...

A thanks to the dedicated public defenders

To the editor: A thank you to the attorneys who serve Columbiana County as public defenders. They are professionals who help to keep our local courts running smoothly. Without experienced and competent defense lawyers, our justice system suffers. Cases may be delayed and court dockets can become backlogged arguably resulting in a waste of scarce public resources. Public defenders not only contribute to efficiency, they aid in remedying situations leading to court involvement. Defense attorneys often are the ones who facilitate counseling or substance abuse treatment for ...

A gerrymandered law is not a solution

To the editor: This is in reference to your editorial (Nov. 8), “Ohio must renew attempts for fair constitutional maps.” A gerrymandered law can not fix a gerrymander problem. Perhaps it is better to have a computer draft a dozen maps, which are within legal parameters, and then have the selection commmitte choose one map for our representative districts. However, any such law must preserve judicial review for the programmers, for the program (or AI) and for the selection committee. Choosing our representatives is too important to leave them to the weathervane of ...

Passage of bill would impact peer-to-peer services

To the editor: Peer-to-peer services have grown in popularity in recent years. For consumers and many small businesses, cash has been replaced by the refrain of “I’ll Zelle/Venmo/CashApp you the money.” With platforms like Zelle, transfers can be done without fees, and funds are immediately available. For small businesses, the convenience and cost can’t be beat. Unfortunately, in Washington, DC, some senators have introduced legislation that would make these services a lot less convenient and, in some cases, more expensive. These Senators want to place burdensome new ...