Letters to the Editor: May 18, 2023

Nine years ago, we were inspired by a young child from Tyler, Texas. She saw a wrong and wanted to make it right. 

She took her entire winter school break to diligently hand-craft close to 1,000 construction paper “thank you” notes and then, with the help of her dedicated parents, personally delivered those same expressions of compassionate appreciation to the very police prescient in NYC where just a few weeks before, two of her personal heroes were slain just sitting in their patrol car while eating their lunch. She did not live in that environment of hate and knew only that her local heroes had helped save her mom’s life during a medical emergency a few years earlier. 

We saw that report on the TV news and asked ourselves, “What are we doing to show the appreciation we all feel for the depth of character, dedication  and professionalism in our local First Responders we are so lucky to have right here in our local communities.?”

Thus began the last nine years’ journey and passion to express our appreciation and that of so many of our local residents that we had forgotten we needed to physically express. 

What is true today as it was nine years ago, yesterday, and will be tomorrow is the fact that 24/7/365, highly trained men and women in uniform will be there to answer our  9-1-1  cries for help. 

We need them, and we appreciate their  personal sacrifices to be always there when we call. 

So join us on May 24  - Ohio’s official FIRST RESPONDERS APPRECIATION DAY  in showing our  thank you and support as we gather in Triangle Park at 5 p.m.

Together we’ll say, “Well done, good and faithful public servants. We appreciate YOU 24/7/365.”

Bob and Jo  Royers

South Russell

Disappointment with Bainbridge trustees’ handling of EMS levy

I was disappointed with how the recent Bainbridge EMS levy was handled by our Trustees. I have already lost trust with our federal officials on both sides of the aisle. Now I’m not sure I can trust our local officials to always do what is best for residents of our township.

I believe we have Trustees for a reason. We “trust” that they will do what is both right, and best, for our community. I believe that a trustee is responsible for managing Township Services, Assets and Funding, while planning for Future Services, Assets and Financing.

I have several problems with how this EMS / Fire Levy was handled.

1) Before going to ballot, I’d have thought the Trustees would have had a well-publicized open forum for comment and possibly alternative funding ideas rather than just jumping on the tax bandwagon for a service that is both needed and appreciated. Should I attend their meetings? Sure, but I can’t attend every one of them.

2) A recent article I read contained important and pertinent details regarding how much both Township Costs and EM Services have increased since the last levy was approved. One thing they failed to mention, which I think is very pertinent to this discussion, is that the Township did not have S. Franklin Circle, with its almost 250 residences, to contend with about 10-12 years ago.

3) Checking online I found that between January and March 2023, there were around 600 EMS / Fire runs, and about half appeared to be EMS-related. I dropped a note to our Fire Chief asking how many of these runs were to South Franklin Circle. So far, no reply. I hope they are paying their fair share.

4) I checked with Medicare and found that it will cover EMS expenses in many situations. Some communities charge for EMS runs and there are many private EMS providers. How are they paid? I found that the Fire Department has a conference room available but for a fee. How about charging a minimal fee for an EMS run? Maybe some of these questions could have been addressed in an open forum.

I appreciate that our Trustees are willing to spend their time managing township services and funding. I just hope that in the future they will ask for public comment, in an open forum, on significant issues and not blend them into “current business.” When they do that, they will earn back my Trust.

James Kadunc

Bainbridge Township

Defending Donald Trump 

In my opinion, Mr. Kadunc, you accurately listed concerns of most Americans (“Letters,” Trump policies, May 4).  

I appreciate your response, Mr. Kadunc, as you saved me from having to write a “Dear Barbie” letter.

You and I and many other patriots who are paying attention know that Mr. Trump had addressed those issues during his term in office and put into place numerous policies which followed our rule of law while supporting our Constitution.  

Any diligent citizen can research and find said policies without too much effort.

It is totally baffling to me how anyone cannot or will not see Mr. Trump’s accomplishments.

By the way, Ms. Knauer, your May 4 letter in support of a recent editorial is certainly judgmental, particularly the last paragraph (my opinion). 

 You opine so authoritatively that I am wondering: do you know these things to be a fact? 

Are you personally privy to Mr. Trump’s interactions with family or friends?  I don’t believe Mr. Trump is looking for or needs your or Barbie’s sympathy.

Patricia Peters

Chardon

Don Lawrence began Murphy party

I am writing regarding the feature story on the Murphy family. 

Although the article was very well written, there is one aspect that failed to align with my perspective. 

When mentioning the cherished party around Memorial Day, the narrative overlooked the originator behind the party tradition, the late Don Lawrence. 

The article stated some of the history behind the Chagrin traditions, but did not include the name of the originator, which seemed misleading. 

It is true that they have been so kindly honoring the tradition, as well as taking it in their own direction, but I feel that the inclusion of the true creator would not only honor his legacy, but also remind the town of the kind intentions behind his work. 

Allow me to express that my intention is no way meant to be derogatory towards the Murphy family; instead I feel it necessary to acknowledge and give credit when credit is warranted. 

Thank you. 

Amy Rotenbor

South Russell