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Letters to the Editor

Trump ‘orchestrated’ removal of TV hosts

To the editor: Trump “orchestrated” the removal of Stephen Colbert and Jimmy Kimmel from television due to their disparaging remarks about him. Consequently, whenever anyone utters criticism of Trump that he finds objectionable, he will have his representatives eliminate them. I had presumed we resided in a nation that upheld the principle of free speech. As tensions escalate in the political landscape, the implications of such actions extend far beyond mere television programming. The unsettling notion that dissenting voices can be silenced under the auspices of a governing ...

Salem City/Perry Township annexation truths

To the editor: Ever wonder why Salem City Council has yet to void their annexation agreement ordinance scheme? I’ll tell you why. Because they plan on using it again after they and the Perry Trustees attempt to convince you to vote for the CEDA. Let’s go to the 10-10-23 meeting in city hall between city and township leaders with the Butchers. In spite of my previous letters, and which has shown them to be illegal penetration of a language created by the city which they cannot support by a legal annexation law in the Ohio Revised Code, this meeting brought yet another effort by ...

Praise for American Legion Post 290

To the editor: On behalf of the city council members and city officials of Columbiana, I want to congratulate the American Legion Post 290 on another successful street fair — the 138th. We especially recognize Jake Sevek, fair manager, for his leadership in promoting and managing what is now the second largest street fair in Ohio. This beautiful and historic event continues to be a cherished homecoming for everyone who has ever called Columbiana their home. Starting on Thursday with one of the best parades in Ohio, it continues on through Saturday night as thousands walk the midway ...

Writer cites troubling reality in Salem

To the editor: I am a passionate admirer of Salem’s history and its preservation. A recent interaction between a friend and some members of Salem has left me reflecting on the town as a whole. My friend, Heather Smith, was reportedly told to be cautious about what she says publicly because of her affiliation with a certain group and that they are not “activists”. This incident speaks volumes about a troubling reality: there appears to be a lack of support for those who are willing to speak up about difficult topics. To remain neutral in uncomfortable matters is not a passive act. ...

Carbon Capture and Sequestration Hub is risky

To the editor: I’ve lived in the Ohio River Valley for 70 years, in both Jefferson and Harrison Counties. For decades the residents of the Ohio Valley have been paying for the aftermath of extractive industries. That “beautiful clean coal” Trump refers to took lives, and left a legacy of mine shafts and acid mine run-off. Taxpayers continue to foot the bills to plug orphan oil and gas wells, and clean-up un-reclaimed strip mined lands. Recently, the Ohio River Valley was targeted to become a Carbon Capture and Sequestration (CCS) Hub. This CCS Hub will consist of a series ...

Smart housing policy builds strong rural communities

To the editor: Senator Moreno is right about one thing: expanding homeownership is essential for Ohio’s future, especially in rural communities. During my time on Wellsville’s City Council and Board of Education, I saw how a home provided more than shelter. Families who owned their homes put down roots, contributed to the community, and gave their children the stability they needed to succeed in school and beyond. But families can only build that kind of stability if the housing market itself is built on solid ground. We learned the consequences of weak foundations in 2008. ...