Letters to Editor
Never Touched Her
I sat here trying to figure out what to do. Do I write a letter to the editor or not. Finally after reading the last fantasy story Judy Spotts wrote to the editor (of another newspaper) I felt if I didn’t respond people may think I am guilty.
First, let me get one thing perfectly clear. I did not at any time do any of the things Spotts claimed I did. She picked on the wrong person.
I did not touch her in any way. I sure don’t think I am in any physical shape to attack anyone, and that is not the way I operate.
You know the saying about how mighty the pen is, well, I am counting on that. No physical involvement whatsoever. Please believe me when I say I did not ever touch Spotts.
Let me ask you this and this really gets me. If you heard some one yelling and screaming for help as Spotts says she did, would no one come to help this poor woman? I know that if I personally heard some one screaming for help I would do my best to help that person. There isn’t any one I know who would stand there and watch some one get beat up.
If she was yelling, where was the park ranger who watches over every meeting of the park commissioners? By the way, to this date the ranger has never had to remove any of the so called rowdy people from the meetings.
I know they say “free speech,” well, I guess do to the fact I do write my opinion in the letters to the editor some one is trying to stop my writing by scaring me off. Well, I am not guilty of touching Spotts and I am also not going to stop my honest opinion in my letters.
Those of you who know me personally know I would never touch this woman and for those who believe me, thank you.
Joy Keco
Bainbridge Township
Forward Momentum
It seems everywhere I go these days someone is talking about West Geauga in one topic or another.
I have to say, a lot of it just doesn’t make sense. I live in this lovely community because I want what’s best for my family. So far, I’m happy right where I am.
But things are happening and there are so many questions. My brief newspaper experience taught me an invaluable lesson: Make a list and go to the source.
So, I made a list. What is an emergency levy? How is it different from a permanent improvement levy? What is our current budget? What are the budget projections? What about the technology and advanced educational opportunities for the students? Where does West Geauga stand in comparison to our neighboring school districts?
And just why should It’ssue 3 be renewed on May 5?
Then, I went to the source.
The good news is, if you were at the Community Information Night last week, you have concise answers to those questions and many others.
The not so good news is, you probably weren’t there. I’ll tell you, as your neighbor . . . I missed you.
We have an opportunity to foster forward momentum when It’ssue 3 is renewed on May 5.
Kim Pacifico
Chester Township
Little Tiff
It is a sad day when the people lose their jobs due to economic considerations.
According to Judge Grendell, that is what recently happened to five court positions (one other position is a vacancy and one staff member has been reassigned) effective May 8.
As it was stated in the press release from Judge Grendell’s court, “not only are we saddened by the culling of our staff, but we also anticipate this will create a hardship on the court and the necessary services to Geauga residents.”
Besides the loss of court staffing, it seems the hardship to Geauga residents will include the discontinuation of financial assistance to third party charities who help recruit and train guardians to protect wards of the court, and who provide assistance to parents and children in crisis.
Judge Grendell will also discontinue marriage ceremonies.
The reason for these eliminations of jobs and services seems to be the little tiff Judge Grendell has with the three Geauga County Commissioners. Not satisfied with his court budget that up to now has been able to handle staffing and services, Judge Grendell demands a 70 percent increase in his budget.
The county commissioners can’t print money, so they must make the decision on whether to grant such an extreme increase and, if so, which other county departments will see a decrease in budgets.
At this time the county commissioners have not granted Judge Grendell’s request.
Before we start wringing our hands, let us remember that Judge Grendell has actually added positions to his court. There is his $60,000-a-year constable and his $45,000-a-year budget director/county liaison. Both positions were never needed before and both were handed out to friends without a candidate search.
Plus, Judge Grendell has used his court budget for questionable political/park purposes. So, instead of getting rid of unnecessary staff and limiting his public relations fliers, Judge Grendell has decided to remove valuable court staff plus necessary services for children and families in need.
By the way, isn’t “culling” a hunting term? No matter.
Katherine Malmquist
South Russell Village
