Lucas County doesn't need this reform

The Better Lucas County committee is asking voters to voluntarily give up their constitutional right to vote for the people charged with running county offices ("Reform backers seek more petition signers; Spot on Nov. 6 ballot is goal," June 23).

We no longer would be able to vote for sheriff, auditor, or treasurer. Those positions would be filled for us by an elected county executive. This push is done in the guise of "county reform."

I am capable of voting for people who run for county offices. Despite what Bob Reinbolt, one of the campaign's leaders, says, all Lucas County residents are not receptive to the idea.

The opportunity for political cronyism under this proposed system is beyond imagination. I hope Lucas County voters realize what is at stake and what they are potentially giving up: their right to vote.

Don Decker

Springfield Township

Catching speeders put others at risk

I work near Matzinger and Benore roads. On my route home, I use the Ottawa River Road ramp to enter I-75 southbound.

On June 6 and 7, the Toledo Police Department was on a mission to stop speeders from Michigan entering Ohio by lining up on that entrance ramp. Both days, I counted at least 12 police cars or motorcycles that either had stopped a vehicle or were sitting on the side of the entrance ramp, waiting for a call that a speeder had just entered Ohio.

The officers showed no regard for other traffic. They cut in front of cars to get the speeders.

Although I see the need to stop speeding motorists, officers must show regard for the safety of other drivers.

Pam Appelhans

Rossford

Speed ticket sours him on buying local

I moved to Columbus from Detroit six years ago and have made the drive back and forth countless times. I recently drove straight into the I-75/Ottawa River Road speed trap.

I'd been traveling with the flow of traffic, but apparently we all missed the speed limit change, because the Toledo police cruisers lined up at the entrance ramp stopped as many of us as they could. I received my first speeding ticket in almost 20 years.

The actions of Toledo police cost at least one local merchant -- a gasoline station -- my business.

Maybe the proceeds from my $143 fine will help Toledo close a budget gap or improve public safety. But this heavy hand of the law comes with a price. I will spend some of my dollars in Ohio; I just won't leave any of them in Toledo.

Michael Rehfus

Columbus

Motorists need to be courteous

In my seventh decade, I still am amazed at how people drive in Toledo: speeding, tailgating, changing lanes without signaling, and not allowing traffic to merge.

Turn signals show a driver's intentions; the driver is not asking or begging for permission to get in front.

A driver must allow vehicles to merge from access ramps. Yielding to the right occurs at four-way stops and on expressways. Courtesy saves lives.

Ron Marshall

Islington Street