LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

Murderer needs no reprieve

2/24/2014

Gov. John Kasich’s reprieve for death row inmate Gregory Lott apparently came because it took the last Ohio inmate to be executed, Dennis McGuire, 26 minutes to die. (“Gov. Kasich orders reprieve for next condemned killer,” Feb. 9).

Lott was convicted of setting 82-year-old John McGrath on fire and leaving him to die. How long does it take somebody to burn to death? The pain and agony Mr. McGrath went through were worse than if Lott would — as McGuire did — make snorting sounds and open and shut his mouth several times before he paid with his life for his heinous act.

The only other crime is that it’s taking 28 years for Lott to pay for this act.

KEN BOROWICZ
Holland

 

Any death is not easy to watch
McGuire’s children say his execution was painful to watch (“Family alleges Ohio execution unconstitutional; Inmate’s drawn-out death called cruel and unusual punishment,” Jan. 26).

Have they ever watched another loved one pass away? Unless the dying person is taking medication to help ease the pain, death is not easy.

I have watched more than one loved one die. It isn’t easy, ever. It isn’t like on TV or in the movies, where people just close their eyes and they are gone.

What misery did McGuire’s victim go through?

MARY POE
Primrose Avenue

 

Latta’s call session left him hanging
On Jan. 29, I received a call from U.S. Rep. Bob Latta (R., Bowling Green) saying that he was having a town meeting by telephone and was inviting questions.

I was put in contact with an aide. I told her that I would like Mr. Latta to state whether he intends to seek consensus with moderate Democrats to address the issues facing our nation.

I was not put on the line to ask my question. I hope the reason I did not get to ask my question was that I was too far down in the queue for Mr. Latta to address it during the time allotted and not that the question was outside his comfort zone.

However, the questions that were asked seemed to be in his comfort zone.

GARY NEWNHAM
Sylvania

 

Time to repaint fire hydrants red
Toledo firefighters could find hydrants better if they were repainted all red, as they were years ago (“Firefighters request hydrants be cleared,” Feb. 14).

MARGARET LONG
Dorchester Drive

Editor’s note: A city spokesman said Toledo’s 10,700 hydrants are red with a white top.