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Letters to the Editor

Ohio needs statewide fiber buildout

To the editor: Some Congressmen have recently introduced legislation that could limit households and businesses in rural areas of our state to satellite internet service while other areas have access to reliable fiber internet. The SPEED for BEAD bill would also make it easier for companies to use low-road contractors when building fiber connections and cause delays in broadband build by forcing states to revisit their plans. As a telecommunications worker, I know what reliable, long-lasting internet service looks like. Unlike fiber, which is a one-time infrastructure investment with ...

We need to trust the actions of Trump

To the editor: I’m not a politician and I don’t pretend to be, but I figure I have a good idea when I’m being handled by someone. I’m pretty sure that I know the rest of the world is handling this country. In the past years our politicians always said we have to level the playing field, but none of them had the nerve to level it. More like they didn’t want to lose money coming into their pockets. This country is almost broke. Can you imagine what it would be like to have some other countries telling us what to do. We are 30-plus trillion dollars in debt. If we don’t ...

Funds should be released to Division of Wildlife

To the editor: Recent legislation to permit oil and gas drilling under Ohio’s public lands will be very lucrative for our state. It’s projected to generate millions of dollars in revenue. Locally, Zepernick Wildlife Area is one of several locations approved for fracking. Leasing rights have been awarded to Encino Energy Partners to drill under the wildlife area. Under the provisions of the Pittman Robertson and Dingell Johnson Federal Aid for Wildlife Acts, leasing proceeds from these activities should be allocated to the Division of Wildlife where they will be invested to provide ...

Disappointed with State Senator Cutrona

To the editor: On a Friday night in February, State Senator Al Cutrona stood me up for a date at La Pizzaria. To be clear, it wasn’t just me; it was a group of educators from the ECOEA (East Central Ohio Education Association) at our annual Legislative Dinner. We invite all legislators who represent public schools in our district for a dinner and panel discussion. Senator Cutrona RSVP’d that he would be there. As a constituent who has called his office numerous times and not once received a call back, I sat at his table next to his reserved seat name tag and eagerly anticipated a ...

Voters should support proposed “Sales and Use Tax” (Renewal)

To the editor: Columbiana County residents, once again the “Sales and Use Tax” is being introduced on the ballot for the May 6, 2025 Primary Election. There was much controversy over the ballot language, which I believe was the reason for its’ failure. Many residents mistakenly understood it to be a new or an additional tax. Had the ballot language been clearly identified as a (Renewal) I firmly believe the “Sales and Use Tax” would have passed. The revenue from the “Sales and Use Tax” supports our county in numerous ways and the loss of these funds would be ...

Unity Council in EP disbanding

To the editor: It is with great regret that I announce The Unity Council for the East Palestine Train Derailment is disbanding. The Unity Council was meant to bring the fighters in our communities, from Ohio and PA, together after the derailment. The council was designed to have our voices heard, information share, divide workload, and find answers. It was never meant to be a voice for every community member, as not all were impacted in the same ways. It was meant to be a voice for the concerned. However, as time has gone on, it has been made evident that what our concerns are, ...