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Letters to the Editor

Vote no on Issue One

To the editor: Ohio’s 111-year tradition of direct access to the ballot through a citizen-led initiative is in serious jeopardy if state Issue One in the Aug. 8 special election passes. That program became state law in 1912 in an attempt to rein in an arrogant and crooked Statehouse. Sadly, that situation is raising its ugly head in 2023, this time on steroids by a Statehouse stupefied by arrogance and power. For example, if a citizen idea for any new law goes through the state legislative process, it will pass with a majority plus one vote, but if they don’t like our idea ...

Thanks for great bee experience

To the editor: It has been more than a week since I competed in the Scripps National Spelling Bee, and I will never forget the many memories I experienced along the way. The reason I was able to go in the first place was because I won the Jefferson/Harrison Regional Spelling Bee, which was sponsored by the Herald-Star. It took a lot of time and effort to study, but the end result was worth it. I am very grateful to the Herald-Star and all of the sponsors, because the National Spelling Bee is a truly incredible experience. I had fun, learned a lot, made new friends and, overall, ...

EPA proposal would do harm

To the editor: I am disappointed with the current proposal by the Environmental Protection Agency to tighten air quality rules on particulate matter. We are at a difficult time in our economy. The rising cost of living, threat of recession and endless news cycle about the national debt do little to keep businesses calm about the current climate. Federal agencies like the EPA should consider these economic circumstances before proposing regulation changes. The air quality particulate regulation change would be immediate and could be especially harsh to our business and those like ...

There is a heaven

To the editor: Yes, there’s a heaven. Come, let me tell you there once was a bang. The universe started expanding with millions of stars and planets. It’s come to the end of its time. The big crunch — life is receding, and everything is coming back to the center of creation. With such great force it will spew matter in reverse. It will take a little time — millions of years. The old human race will be back in place on the universe reverse as God has promised. Steve Kopa Weirton

Protect majority rule on Aug. 8

To the editor: We have entered a period in Ohio politics in this heavily gerrymandered state where the Republican Party no longer acts in a way that is favorable to the voters, but rather has become so tainted that it changes rules midstream for its own personal interests. Hence, we have a special election coming up on Aug. 8. Just last December, Ohio Secretary of State Frank LaRose, before changing his mind, wanted to eliminate August elections. He once argued “that special elections generally exist to let tax levies slip through without the support of anywhere near the ...

Volunteers needed

To the editor: I am writing to urge the citizens of Jefferson County to get involved in the efforts to get out the vote in our area. We are currently facing a critical fight that will determine the future of our democracy, starting with a special election on Aug. 8. This election is particularly significant as Republicans are attempting to undermine the fundamental principle of “one person, one vote.” The proposed measure on the ballot aims to increase the threshold for a citizen-led constitutional amendment to become law, requiring a 60 percent majority of votes. Such a change ...