LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

GOP snub of Obama was wrong

2/25/2014

Blade columnist Jack Lessenberry said in his Feb. 14 op-ed column, “Snub of Obama pains long-time Mich. GOP lawmaker,” that 24 Republican congressmen did not show up for the signing of the farm bill in East Lansing, Mich. That was irresponsible.

The farm bill is important to me because I grew up on a farm. My family still has the farm, which is rented by two capable gentlemen. Watching the rows of beans and corn grow is one of my favorite things. Those who truly love the land and care for it are not given the respect they deserve.

It is ridiculous that it took Congress so long to pass the farm bill.

GLORIA GILCHER
Kunkle, Ohio

Macomber’s role should be revived
I am a 1945 graduate of Macomber High School and am happy that some other people think it was a mistake to close that school (“Time is right to revive Macomber,” commentary, Feb. 7). I served an apprenticeship as a tool and die maker, moved on to manufacturing engineering, and retired as foreman of a machine shop.

In today’s world, if you do not have a skill, you will have a hard time finding a good job.

I am happy that Toledo Public Schools Superintendent Romules Durant is interested in vocational education. Perhaps he can find a way to start a vocational school that would supply skilled workers to local businesses.

ED BRAKER
Monclova Township

 

Skilled trades still in demand
I have been retired for five years, but I have been offered two jobs in the past month. This is because I am a skilled tradesman.

Because college graduates are having a hard time finding jobs, maybe Toledo Public Schools should think about reopening Macomber and its vocational program.

Not everyone wants to go to college. There is a growing need for apprentices to fill the widening void in all the trades.

No matter how advanced technology gets, it will never advance without skilled tradespeople to build and maintain machinery.

TERRY SEEMAN
Maumee

 

Unspecified hike in cost not right
I received a notice from my water company, South County Water System of Temperance, Mich., that my water bill will be coming with a rate increase in 2014. The notice said I will know how much the increase amounts to when I receive the bill. How sophomoric and unprofessional.

I worked for an automotive supplier before I retired. Can you imagine what our customers would have said if we sent them a letter stating that their parts were going to go up in price, and that they would see how much when they got the bill for the shipment?

RICHARD ALLEN
Lambertville, Mich.