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Let’s keep libraries strong

Letters to the Editor

To the editor: Most members of the general population use libraries for various reasons. Some check out books for all ages including toddlers and older people. Some people visit a library for access to their internet resources. No matter how the public uses libraries in their area, it is important to keep these libraries open to the public. As a retired local history librarian at one of the branches of the Public Library of Steubenville and Jefferson County Ohio, I can attest to the importance of supporting the levy to keep libraries open to all people in Ohio and elsewhere. ...

Guest column/Some questions about city charter changes

Local Columns

I have read the proposed changes to the Steubenville City Charter mailed to registered voters in the city, not because none was mailed to me but only because my wife received hers, and certain parts have left me confused. The proposed amendment to Article II, Section 4 A 1 states that the mayor or members of council can, for certain reasons, be removed from office by “a majority vote of Four (4) members of council ...” as opposed to the existing language stating removal “by a majority vote of members of council ...” Does this change mean by a majority vote of all members of ...

Library levy earns support

Editorials

The system operated by the Public Library of Steubenville and Jefferson County is a true asset to residents across the region. One of the reasons it can provide the multitude of services it does is money generated from its 1-mill levy. The five-year issue, which generates approximately $1.5 million a year and represents one-third of the system’s revenue, is up for renewal on the Nov. 4 ballot, and voters should approve it. Libraries have traditionally been known as places where you can find books. Today’s libraries, however, offer much more. They are places where area residents ...

Always something to do

Local Columns

Many of the calls that have been coming into the newspaper’s office during the past several weeks have asked the same question: “Where did my business or the company I work for finish in the annual Best of the Best Reader’s Choice voting?” That’s a fair question, and it speaks to the interest the annual promotion attracts. This year’s process began in June, when the nomination process opened. In July, readers were asked to vote and narrow all of those nominees to the top five in each category. That led to the final voting, which concluded on Sept. 22. All that ...

Fame is a bully pulpit

Letters to the Editor

To the editor: In recent weeks, several artists have disappointed me deeply, while others have filled me with admiration. Among those who broke my heart: Liev Shreiber, Mayim Bialik, Debra Messing, Pete Davidson, Dave Chapell, Kevin Hart, and above all, Bill Burr. Among those making me proud: David Cross, Mark Ruffalo, Olivia Colman, Susan Sarandon, Carsie Blanton, Marc Maron, and — most surprisingly — Shane Gillis. Fame is a powerful gift, granted to a rare few who receive a platform and, with it, a moral duty to use their voices to better the world. Leaving the world ...

No one is perfect

Letters to the Editor

To the editor: The authors of the U.S. Constitution weren’t perfect, but they did understand that, broadly speaking, no one is perfect. I think that was what prompted them to construct a constitution that provides a wide latitude for speech. A tyrant would love to have an official government definition of patriotism or citizenship, to name two examples. A broad allowance for free speech and thought is messy and inconvenient, but it also makes it harder for devious leaders to construct a nice, neat reality that fits their plan for total control. Everywhere and every day, ...