Housing efforts need to continue

The July 5 op-ed column by Hugh Grefe, senior executive director of the Local Initiatives Support Corp. of Toledo, is on point ("Fix, don't end, Toledo affordable-housing effort").

Recent stories outlining issues associated with organizations, departments, and squandered opportunities to help nurture neighborhood development cannot deter our community from the fact that neighborhood development is critical. Community development and economic development go hand in hand when we discuss how to revitalize Toledo.

Columbia Gas of Ohio is a long-time supporter of LISC. It is investing in neighborhoods in the city and state to lay the foundation for a safe community with the energy infrastructure to attract business.

LISC is working to help Toledo become somewhere people want to live.

Chris Kozak

Communications and Community Relations Manager Columbia Gas of Ohio East Manhattan Boulevard

Olympic uniform critique hypocritical

Is there no end to Washington hypocrisy? Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid (D., Nev.), House Speaker John Boehner (R., Ohio), and Sen. Sherrod Brown (D., Ohio) have condemned the U.S. Olympic Committee for purchasing uniforms made in China ("U.S. uniforms made in China criticized," July 13). Mr. Reid even wants the uniforms burned.

Politicians have aided in creating the economic troubles of the United States through deals with and borrowing money from China.

Instead of burning the uniforms, Mr. Reid should burn the massive tax bill known as the Affordable Care Act that he helped write. Mr. Brown decries not using an Ohio firm for the uniforms, while parts of Toledo have been sold to Chinese investors.

Lawmakers should quit trying to look patriotic to the media. They should do their jobs in Washington.

Robert Pflager

Wauseon

Work appreciated, but plan a bit off

I appreciate the fact that North Westwood Avenue is being fixed. It needed repair. I also appreciate the hard work of the construction workers, and I'm glad that they have jobs despite the poor economy.

However, I think the construction could be a bit more organized. Rather than work on one side of the road at a time, the entire street has been torn up. I live on that street and it is nearly impossible for me to get home.

Sometimes I have no choice but to drive through gravel and rocks as big as my fist. My small car is not built to go off-road.

Samantha Watson

North Westwood Avenue

Motorists thanked for their courtesy

I commend motorists on Monroe Street between Secor Road and Central Avenue for their courtesy throughout the recent construction and resurfacing of the road.

Never have I had to wait long for someone to let me in to turn into the side streets. The courtesy testifies to the kindness of the community.

Barbara Miller

Ottawa Hills