Letters to the Editor 04-22-2004
July 28, 2016 at 4:25 p.m.
By -
- School Board Meeting - Cardinal Says Thanks - Right To Vote - Supports Smith - Religion Irrelevant - Placing Blame
School Board Meeting
Editor, Times-Union:Once again the WCS board meeting proved very interesting. The school board offered no discussion about the options presented to them at the public hearing last Friday. When asked by the public for comment, all Dr. McGuire would say was, "No Comment." I attempted to talk to Mark Minatel after the meeting, to simply remind him that the school board is there to represent the people and therefore they should allow the people to decide what they want through a referendum. The moment I began to speak, Mr. Minatel walked away from me and walked right out the door, saying, "Thank you," interrupting me mid-sentence. Mr. Minatel, since you could not stay to actually hear what I had to say, I'm writing this letter to now let everyone know what you didn't want to take the time to hear. As board members, you are elected by the taxpayers to do the bidding of the taxpayers. Mr. Minatel, I realize you were appointed and not elected, but your oath is the same.
All along, the five members who voted to close the schools have said that their districts are behind them. If that is true, then why are you afraid to let the public decide? Is it because your patrons aren't behind you or you haven't listened to what they are really saying? I know several taxpayers who have left messages for their board members and received no response. Perhaps board members are afraid to hear what their constituents have to say. That should be the first clue that something is very wrong Mr. Minatel and other WCS board members, put your faith in the public to do what is right for our children. Let a referendum decide.
Vallerie Rowland
Claypool
via e-mail
Cardinal Says Thanks
Editor, Times-Union:We want to thank the many people who have given of their time and talents to fulfill our mission. Cardinal Center's mission is to join with families and others to challenge and support both adults and children with disabilities and other needs to be active members of their community. Whether you were reading to the children in the Head Start program, playing the piano during a lunch hour, helping with fund-raising events, working one on one with someone, serving as a board member or using your time and talents in various ways throughout the organization, you were playing a key role in helping 2,700 people we serve on an annual basis move toward greater independence.
To everyone who has made an investment in the lives of the people we serve, thank you. You are truly a vital part of our organization and we appreciate you very much!
Sheena Whitaker
Volunteer Manager
Cardinal Center Inc.
via e-mail
Right To Vote
Editor, Times-Union:Everyone that is a citizen of the United States has a right to vote.
What does voting mean to the people of the United States? It means we the people have the power to elect whomever we want, for those who will run our government.
This is one of our greatest freedoms in electing our government.
People who say: "My vote is just one vote, so why should I vote?" are wrong. Each vote is very important.
Everyone who is qualified to vote should be registered to vote.
No one in the United States should ever take their freedom for granted, it is too precious.
We must always remember that all votes count.
How we vote is very important, do we vote with our heart or with a party?
Joyce Phaneuf
North Webster
Supports Smith
Editor, Times-Union:As I am sure all of you are aware, the primaries are right around the corner. I hope that all of you have had the chance to get to know the candidates running in the upcoming elections. It is very important for us as American citizens and residents of this county to be involved. Your vote does count, and you should consider that as May 4th draws near.
I want to take a few moments of your time to tell you about Rebecca (Becky) Smith, who is running for the Kosciusko County Treasurer. Becky is a professional woman, having been in the Treasurer's Office for more than a decade. I am sure that anyone that knows Becky or who has been assisted by her in that office will be able to tell you that she does her job very well with professionalism, dedication, honesty, integrity and a personality that just beams.
She has gained her much needed knowledge during her eight years as our Chief Deputy Treasurer. When our state had the state-mandated reassessment, Becky was there to see our local office through its changes with her determination and knowledge. Her leadership, knowledge and familiarity with the job are what this county needs. Becky believes in a job well done and will settle for no less. Let's continue on with the excellence that our county deserves. Join me in support of Rebecca Smith. She is the best candidate and we as the taxpayers of this county deserve the best.
Marc L. Powell
Warsaw
Religion Irrelevant
Editor, Times-Union:I have read the letters in here and there is something that I want to say. Doesn't anyone realize that it doesn't matter what religion you are. To be a Christian means you accept Jesus Christ as your savior and that you will live a "Christ-like" life. That you have faith in him, you trust him and you lift your burdens to him. God created each and every one of us for a reason! And it wasn't to sit in judgment of everyone around us. I have sinned, I am not perfect, I never will be. I was born and raised Anglican Catholic. Do I consider myself that now? No. I consider myself a Christian. Religion is a way to celebrate what you believe. Faith is the way you celebrate your belief in God. Not what you believe happened thousands of years ago, or who you think is to blame for his crucifixion. Because we all are to blame. He died for all of us! We have the freedom to practice whatever religion we believe and that is great! But don't judge people for not believing in your "religion." Do you realize that when (and if we are blessed enough to get there) we get heaven, we could very well see the Jeffery Dahmers of the world there? People that I myself have a hard time forgiving could very well ask for forgiveness, accept Jesus Christ as their savior, and be right there with you! God loves us all so much that he will forgive us for our sins. I think that everyone should take a step in that direction and just try to have a little faith and whatever bothers you about another's life, know that there very well may be something about your life that he might not agree with. No one is perfect, and we should all be thanking God every day for creating us!
Show some compassion and love the way he did for us!
Tara Crater
Warsaw
via e-mail
Placing Blame
Editor, Times-Union:The current rhetoric from the presidenial candidates is getting very boring, and if it continues there will be many people so sick and tired of it they will not take the time to vote. This is very sad. We have a great country and every person should show their appreciation by registering and voting. Part of the rhetoric is trying to lay the blame for Sept. 11 on the government officials in office at that time. This is ridiculous. I do not for one minute believe that any person in a responsible position would sit back and do nothing if the plans of the enemy were known. General threats without specifics provide no way for defending what actually happened. The expected candidate for the Democratic Party keeps generally saying he has solutions to all our problems. He has been a senator for many years, so why do we have to wait for them? We need to know the current solutions, his proposed solutions, so we can make an intelligent decision. They are trying to blame the current administration for jobs being sent overseas. This is not a dictatorship. Industry does the hiring, firing and placement of employees. Jobs going overseas goes against our economy, so it makes no sense to believe the government would encourage this.
Fred R. Yohey
Warsaw
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- School Board Meeting - Cardinal Says Thanks - Right To Vote - Supports Smith - Religion Irrelevant - Placing Blame
School Board Meeting
Editor, Times-Union:Once again the WCS board meeting proved very interesting. The school board offered no discussion about the options presented to them at the public hearing last Friday. When asked by the public for comment, all Dr. McGuire would say was, "No Comment." I attempted to talk to Mark Minatel after the meeting, to simply remind him that the school board is there to represent the people and therefore they should allow the people to decide what they want through a referendum. The moment I began to speak, Mr. Minatel walked away from me and walked right out the door, saying, "Thank you," interrupting me mid-sentence. Mr. Minatel, since you could not stay to actually hear what I had to say, I'm writing this letter to now let everyone know what you didn't want to take the time to hear. As board members, you are elected by the taxpayers to do the bidding of the taxpayers. Mr. Minatel, I realize you were appointed and not elected, but your oath is the same.
All along, the five members who voted to close the schools have said that their districts are behind them. If that is true, then why are you afraid to let the public decide? Is it because your patrons aren't behind you or you haven't listened to what they are really saying? I know several taxpayers who have left messages for their board members and received no response. Perhaps board members are afraid to hear what their constituents have to say. That should be the first clue that something is very wrong Mr. Minatel and other WCS board members, put your faith in the public to do what is right for our children. Let a referendum decide.
Vallerie Rowland
Claypool
via e-mail
Cardinal Says Thanks
Editor, Times-Union:We want to thank the many people who have given of their time and talents to fulfill our mission. Cardinal Center's mission is to join with families and others to challenge and support both adults and children with disabilities and other needs to be active members of their community. Whether you were reading to the children in the Head Start program, playing the piano during a lunch hour, helping with fund-raising events, working one on one with someone, serving as a board member or using your time and talents in various ways throughout the organization, you were playing a key role in helping 2,700 people we serve on an annual basis move toward greater independence.
To everyone who has made an investment in the lives of the people we serve, thank you. You are truly a vital part of our organization and we appreciate you very much!
Sheena Whitaker
Volunteer Manager
Cardinal Center Inc.
via e-mail
Right To Vote
Editor, Times-Union:Everyone that is a citizen of the United States has a right to vote.
What does voting mean to the people of the United States? It means we the people have the power to elect whomever we want, for those who will run our government.
This is one of our greatest freedoms in electing our government.
People who say: "My vote is just one vote, so why should I vote?" are wrong. Each vote is very important.
Everyone who is qualified to vote should be registered to vote.
No one in the United States should ever take their freedom for granted, it is too precious.
We must always remember that all votes count.
How we vote is very important, do we vote with our heart or with a party?
Joyce Phaneuf
North Webster
Supports Smith
Editor, Times-Union:As I am sure all of you are aware, the primaries are right around the corner. I hope that all of you have had the chance to get to know the candidates running in the upcoming elections. It is very important for us as American citizens and residents of this county to be involved. Your vote does count, and you should consider that as May 4th draws near.
I want to take a few moments of your time to tell you about Rebecca (Becky) Smith, who is running for the Kosciusko County Treasurer. Becky is a professional woman, having been in the Treasurer's Office for more than a decade. I am sure that anyone that knows Becky or who has been assisted by her in that office will be able to tell you that she does her job very well with professionalism, dedication, honesty, integrity and a personality that just beams.
She has gained her much needed knowledge during her eight years as our Chief Deputy Treasurer. When our state had the state-mandated reassessment, Becky was there to see our local office through its changes with her determination and knowledge. Her leadership, knowledge and familiarity with the job are what this county needs. Becky believes in a job well done and will settle for no less. Let's continue on with the excellence that our county deserves. Join me in support of Rebecca Smith. She is the best candidate and we as the taxpayers of this county deserve the best.
Marc L. Powell
Warsaw
Religion Irrelevant
Editor, Times-Union:I have read the letters in here and there is something that I want to say. Doesn't anyone realize that it doesn't matter what religion you are. To be a Christian means you accept Jesus Christ as your savior and that you will live a "Christ-like" life. That you have faith in him, you trust him and you lift your burdens to him. God created each and every one of us for a reason! And it wasn't to sit in judgment of everyone around us. I have sinned, I am not perfect, I never will be. I was born and raised Anglican Catholic. Do I consider myself that now? No. I consider myself a Christian. Religion is a way to celebrate what you believe. Faith is the way you celebrate your belief in God. Not what you believe happened thousands of years ago, or who you think is to blame for his crucifixion. Because we all are to blame. He died for all of us! We have the freedom to practice whatever religion we believe and that is great! But don't judge people for not believing in your "religion." Do you realize that when (and if we are blessed enough to get there) we get heaven, we could very well see the Jeffery Dahmers of the world there? People that I myself have a hard time forgiving could very well ask for forgiveness, accept Jesus Christ as their savior, and be right there with you! God loves us all so much that he will forgive us for our sins. I think that everyone should take a step in that direction and just try to have a little faith and whatever bothers you about another's life, know that there very well may be something about your life that he might not agree with. No one is perfect, and we should all be thanking God every day for creating us!
Show some compassion and love the way he did for us!
Tara Crater
Warsaw
via e-mail
Placing Blame
Editor, Times-Union:The current rhetoric from the presidenial candidates is getting very boring, and if it continues there will be many people so sick and tired of it they will not take the time to vote. This is very sad. We have a great country and every person should show their appreciation by registering and voting. Part of the rhetoric is trying to lay the blame for Sept. 11 on the government officials in office at that time. This is ridiculous. I do not for one minute believe that any person in a responsible position would sit back and do nothing if the plans of the enemy were known. General threats without specifics provide no way for defending what actually happened. The expected candidate for the Democratic Party keeps generally saying he has solutions to all our problems. He has been a senator for many years, so why do we have to wait for them? We need to know the current solutions, his proposed solutions, so we can make an intelligent decision. They are trying to blame the current administration for jobs being sent overseas. This is not a dictatorship. Industry does the hiring, firing and placement of employees. Jobs going overseas goes against our economy, so it makes no sense to believe the government would encourage this.
Fred R. Yohey
Warsaw
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