LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

Sports venues benefit city

8/13/2014

Your Aug. 3 editorial “More lessons from Detroit” quoted a University of Chicago economist who concluded that money invested in downtown sports stadiums rarely yields economic benefits. It’s a good thing those who built the Huntington Center and Fifth Third Field didn’t follow that line of thinking.

Although it could be argued that the connection was a chicken-or-egg matter, it’s evident that these Toledo sports venues have had a tremendous hand in the influx of people coming downtown to eat, drink, play, and live.

DONALD MUNKACY
River Road

Column misses ‘Hobby’ point
The July 27 op-ed column by Benjamin G. Davis, “Workers’ consciences deserve protection too,” misses the point of the Hobby Lobby case. The owners maintained only that they should not have to pay for morning-after medications that by definition cause abortions. This does not violate the consciences of any employees.

Suppose a company owner does not believe that individuals have a right to own guns, while an employee believes otherwise. Would Mr. Davis suggest that the owner should pay for a National Rifle Association membership, let alone buy a gun, for the employee?

ANDREW BABULA
Sylvania Township

 

Hire apprentices to fix city’s pipes
I have an idea to help our region’s outdated water system (“EPA takeover of plant was being considered; State director cites slow response to water problems,” Aug. 10).

We have an excellent Local 50 plumbers and pipefitters school that could employ apprentice welders and pipefitters to fabricate and replace the existing piping system, which is no longer watertight, with stainless steel pipes.

The apprentices would be paid for their time, and be supervised by journeymen who would also be paid. This would save Toledo a lot of money and provide training for the apprentices.

DONALD E. SCHRICKEL
Whitechapel Drive 


Action needed on gang violence
The marches are a start, but where is the follow-up (“March to end gang violence hits streets; Toledoans recall slain friends, pray for safer future,” July 28)? The judicial system and the community need to create a partnership to bring change in our neighborhoods.

Attempts to decrease youth violence, such as mandatory curfews, have not worked. We need advice and direction from older reformed gang members. We also need parents to be accountable for their children’s actions. Let’s quit talking about it and be about it.

DORINE MOSLEY
Gawil Avenue