Letters to the Editor: Call Vistula Lower Town

The historic Vistula area.

I found Tom Troy’s July 20 column about Vistula interesting (”Kiely housing a constant in Vistula”).  I am somewhat familiar how it played a part in Toledo’s history. But I feel there is another, rather unknown, story about that section of Toledo.

Many years ago, my mother was born and raised in the 1400 block of Ontario Street in North Toledo. My grandfather had a barber shop at the corner of Bush and Erie streets, and what I heard most of my growing up years was all that section was called Lower Town. It seems it covered an area from Summit Street to Champlain Street (or around there) and perhaps from Buckeye Street to near Cherry Street. I do recall some of the businesses/​buildings in that area.

I bring this up as it seems that with some of town spreading out in that direction, why not name it Lower Town to go along with Downtown and UpTown? It does sound more fitting than just Vistula. It does have a ring to it! I do know of one investor who had plans drawn up for his property and he calls the location Lower Town. Perhaps there are other investors or developers who might want to jump on the bandwagon and do the same. Give it thought!

JEAN OBERKISER

Oregon

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Firing not a tough call

It is a little hard to believe that with the stringent background checks that take place anytime an individual is hired into a new job (especially when working with students) that Ohio State University football coach Urban Meyer was not aware of details of Assistant Coach Zach Smith’s prior history of domestic violence.

“It was a young couple,” he stated. What does being young have to with circumstances surrounding spousal abuse? Domestic violence has a broad spectrum of victims and their abusers. There are no set parameters for victims or their abusers. Mr. Meyer further states, “He was an intern for us.” What does that mean? That if he was a “real employee” you would have taken his actions more seriously?

The fact that no charges were filed is irrelevant. Many victims do not file charges because they are afraid of retaliation. Mr. Meyer describes the firing as “a tough call,” but frankly this behavior is unacceptable no matter what the circumstances; especially if the victim is carrying a child.

Mr. Meyer stated, “There’s a difference between a mistake and core values. Mistakes are correctable.” Mr. Meyer never addressed the question directly regarding Mr. Smith and his answer was ludicrous. So was Mr. Smith abusing his wife a mistake or was his behavior part of his core values? Some mistakes are not correctable, coach Meyer.

Bruises heal and emotional scars don’t show, but they have long lasting effects on the victim. Mr. Smith has a history of domestic violence incidences, and Mr. Meyer chose to pass the buck to higher-ups to avoid having to make a “tough call.” eing Earl Bruce’s grandson probably didn’t hurt Mr. Smith either.

Mr. Meyer ended the interview by saying, “This is a very unique situation,” and that is where you are wrong coach Meyer. Domestic violence is not unique. Domestic violence happens every minute of every day in the United States and around the world. Coach Meyer’s lack of quick action, skirting of the issues and avoidance of answering questions truthfully and head on should award him a firm penalty kick in his conscience, which he obviously doesn’t possess. Complacency has no place regarding issues such as domestic violence whether the victim is a woman, man, child, or animal.

CHRISTINE SMALLMAN

Delta, Ohio