LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

Higher tax on fracking not the issue

1/18/2014

A higher tax on fracking seems like a compromise between public and corporate interests: gas and oil corporations pay a tax on what they sell, and the state receives a financial boost (“Ohio oil, gas group opposes higher tax; Leader: Drillers may avoid state,” Jan. 9).

However, increasing the tax could not address the true costs of fracking. Fracking is inherently destructive to the environment and human health. It contaminates fresh water, air, and soil with toxic chemicals and radioactivity.

Exposure to water and air tainted by fracking can cause cancer, birth defects, and lower birth weight, endocrine disruption, and more. And fracking has caused earthquakes in northeast Ohio.

No tax put on the gas and oil industry could begin to cover the damage done by fracking. But if Ohio is not ready to put a ban on fracking, the state should invest all the fracking tax revenue in clean, renewable energy.

LAUREN KOHLER

Sylvania

 

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BCSN reflects area positively

Ten years ago, BCSN made its first broadcast at Owens Community College. The support from the Toledo community has been fantastic.

All of us at BCSN receive plaudits for the programs. But BCSN is a mirror that is held up to the Toledo community showing 24 hours a day, seven days a week just how outstanding our student-athletes, teachers, and coaches are and the positive impact they have in our community.

BCSN is not just games on TV; it illustrates the attributes of hard work, dedication, and teamwork.

The BCSN staff thanks the Toledo community for allowing us to come into your homes for the past 10 years. And thanks to the coaches, teachers, principals, superintendents, and student-athletes who have let us work so closely with them.

TOM COLE

Community Coordinator and TV host Buckeye Cable Sports Network South Reynolds Road

Editor’s note: BCSN is part of Block Communications, Inc., parent company of The Blade.

 

Hickman center parking an issue

At a recent doctor’s appointment at the Hickman Cancer Center at Flower Hospital, I was shocked to discover I now must pay $3 for valet parking, or try to find an available parking space.

It was also obvious that a number of handicapped parking spaces have been eliminated. It is a no-brainer to know that all of this puts more pressure and pain on the patients, some of whom can barely walk.

Thank God the people who donated enough money to have Hickman built were of a mind-set to give, rather than take. Otherwise, the center never would have been built, and that would have been sad.

SHIRLEY DOUGE

Woodfox Drive

 

Generosity over holidays a plus

Since I moved to Toledo in 1976, one of the most outstanding features of the Toledo community I have seen is the generosity by individuals and businesses throughout the year. This Christmas season it was highlighted by the gifts to many local nonprofit organizations (“Salvation Army gives toys to 3,000 kids,” Dec. 19).

The Salvation Army and the impact The Andersons’ challenge had on their donations emphasized the generosity of this community.

CHRIS AMATO

Springfield Township