Well here we go again. A new petition is being circulated to get a ballot for voters to vote for or against the Marting's renovation.

I don't know about anyone else, but my husband and I do not like our tax money wasted on special elections.

What is wrong with having the former Marting's building as a city building? The current building is not adequate for the needs of the city. It is falling down around all who work there. If it were renovated, it would cost more than the city could afford for a building that would still not be big enough.

It seems that some citizens believe that some big retail outfit will come into town and decide that the building would be just what they need. Well, hello, this is 2005 not 1955. Very few towns, especially the size of Portsmouth, have downtown shopping centers. The shoppers go to malls now.

Downtown shopping is supported by government buildings and small shops. Portsmouth needs shops catering to SSU students. We need more quality gift shops. We really need a book store. Wake up Portsmouth and come into the 21st century. Stop the fighting. Let City Council do the job they were elected to do.

Debrah Lindner

Portsmouth

Citizen supports Goins for Valley Local Schools

Valley Local Schools have a long tradition of educating students and helping them succeed as adults. Kathy Hawk Goins is one of these former students who graduated from Valley in 1978. She attended The Ohio State University and graduated in 1983, received her master's degree from Xavier University in 1986, and she has had a successful career in education. She is a certified teacher and guidance counselor and has had 23 years of successful interaction with students, parents and colleagues. She wants to use the expertise she has to further the educational goals of the students of Valley Local Schools.

The time is now for an educator, mother of two children in the school system, a visionary and a good listener to help lead the Valley Schools forward. A vote for Kathy Hawk Goins is a vote for children, curricular improvement and the total education needs of the students in the Valley school district.

Dwight Goins

Lucasville

Lee Scott endorses Jim Kalb for mayor

The upcoming election for mayor clearly is a most important decision the voters must make. I hope that voters will understand what a difference their choice will make to our local, independent citizens who are investing their dollars into our downtown area.

It has been a real pleasure having Mayor Kalb as our city administrator for the last 18 months. Although I may not agree with all the decisions that have come from the mayor's office, it must be understood that Kalb inherited some really negative situations from his predecessor and some really unpopular decisions had to be made in order to make the best of an already bad situation. Many are unhappy with rate increases, but please bear in mind, everything has gone up, and we must pay in order to keep these services going. There has been no threat of layoff under Kalb and the city's bank accounts are solid again. Since Kalb has taken office our city has been so much cleaner, and the animosity that his administration took on has tempered off tremendously. Although the mayor's office is officially non-partisan, I believe that keeping a working man who is also a Democrat in office at this time is very important to our city.

Please go to the polls and keep Jim Kalb as mayor.

Lee Scott

Portsmouth

Children Services' costs continue to increase

I am writing in support of the Scioto County Children Services levy, Issue 7. This is a 1 mill replacement levy that Scioto Countians supported in 1985 and 1995.

I work for the Scioto County Family and Children First Council, a collaborative organization with 36 member agencies, organizations and programs that provide coordinated services to best meet the needs of children and their families. Scioto County Children Services is an important partner in this effort. We work together to prevent the out-of-home placement of children whenever possible. When a child is at risk of harm from abuse or neglect or is dependent, Children Services works with the family to provide a safe, protective environment. If that is not possible, Children Services maintains a group of trained, licensed, foster homes to provide care for these children when their families are not able.

In the past 18 months, Children Services provided services to more than 500 children every month and more than 600 in August 2005. The majority of these children live with their families/relatives and receive services to improve their home conditions so children can stay with their families, as long as it is safe. In 1985, Children Services provided foster care to a total of 47 children; in July of 2005, children in foster care increased to 123. The increase in use of methamphetamines, alcohol and other substances has led to an increasing number of children who need foster care. Issue 7 will provide funds to pay for the cost of foster care. In 2003, out-of-home placements cost the county $1.1 million. In 2004, $1.7 million. Social service agencies have experienced deep fiscal cuts from governments while providing services to an increasing number of clients. Children requiring out of home placements are more complicated and require skilled care. This levy is vital to providing safe, nurturing environments to victims of child abuse.

Support the Scioto County Children Services levy. Vote yes in support of Issue 7.

Rebecca Wheelersburg

Lucasville

Reader encourages votes for Yates for Valley schools

Nov. 8 is fast approaching and the residents of the Valley Local School District have the opportunity on Election Day to make a difference.

I have known and worked with Rusty Yates at the Atomic Plant for several years. Rusty is a, “say what you do, do what you say” type of individual who prides himself in achieving optimal levels of personal performance and accomplishments.

Rusty is an active member of the local community, who understands the importance of a viable and solid educational system. He recognizes the responsibility that comes with educating our children and endorses the concepts of teamwork and accountability.

His diverse background and leadership qualities enable him to not only recognize problems but also develop and implement effective solutions. Based on the above criteria, I strongly endorse the candidacy of Rusty Yates.

Vern Blaine

Lucasville