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Letters to the Editor

Judicial etiquette

Editor: It is generally expected that there be at least some level of decorum and, yes, some honor on the part of a sitting judge’s campaign for election. Not so, apparently, in the case of the recent letter to the editor by the vengeful ex-wife of Judge C. Ashley Pike. More recently, there are now even threats of reprisal for those daring to call into question the judge’s public record. This is shocking. Yet none of this changes the central issues in this year’s hotly contested race for common pleas judge in Columbiana County. Frankly, it only serves to heighten the ...

Lofty standards

Editor: I am very disappointed in the front page story of “Man goes on trial for rape of a child,” and the disgusting lurid details used by your reporter. The vivid details of what happened was not necessary for all of us to read in your family paper. Are we lowering our standards to match what we have to watch on television these days that passes as entertainment? Freedom of the press is such an important part of our democracy and the responsibility of editors and reporters is second to none in protecting it. Keep your standards high, and certainly report the news without ...

He’s no Piker

Editor: One of the oldest political tricks in the book is the “bait and switch” personal attack. This campaign tactic is designed to take your mind away from the central issues of a campaign by assassinating the character of one’s opponent. Or, that of the political party backing an opponent. It’s best that “others” wage such an attack, though. This way there is at least the appearance that nothing underhanded and/or wretched would come from the mouth or the pen of the beloved candidate. Rather, let the attack come from some innocuous soul perhaps residing in another ...

Animal instincts

Editor: For over 25 years, I had a ringside seat in the Columbiana County Republican “big top.” Chairman David Johnson acted as ringmaster. Commonly in a bow tie and saddle shoes he “barked” instructions to the wide eyed attendees who paid the price of admission. Instead of popcorn and peanuts, excited men, women and children got hors-d’oeuvres, cocktails, coffee and soft drinks to consume as they awaited the main attraction. The Johnson family owned Spread Eagle Tavern was often the hosting venue where attendees could upgrade their experience by picking up the tab for ...

All that glitters is not Goldberg

Editor: Jonah Goldberg’s column published in your March 22 issue is downright frustrating to read. Goldberg has nearly always hit the nail on its head in his reporting. But this column made me a bit upset at his recently divergent and prejudicial style. Do we really believe that not objecting to something sends as clear a signal as objecting does? That’s news to me and I would say to any thoughtful American. He goes on to say, “It’s fun to listen to Republicans vent off the record.” Yes, “Draining the Swamp” is certain to upset the status quo which also includes the ...

Lisbon schools are doing it right

Editor: Our children are our greatest treasure and deserve to attend a school in which they feel safe and their families feel that they are provided with the most secure environment possible. As a grandparent of children who attend Lisbon schools, I am so grateful that the board and administration are willing to conduct open discussions with the community about safety and security. The recent security meeting held on March 14 demonstrates that the Lisbon school board and administration value the community’s input on a topic of such huge importance. I am well aware of the need ...