Letters: Choose Rita Darrow for addressing gun violence; focus on Akron's good qualities
How to honor our police force
I recently received a friendly newsletter from state Rep. Bill Roemer. He reminded me of the tax holiday for school supplies and shared his exciting trip in a helicopter with the Youngstown SWAT team which he said “reinforced his confidence in the work law enforcement does every day.”
It left me wondering why Roemer failed to mention his votes to amend Ohio’s concealed carry law and to allow teachers to carry arms in schools with minimal training despite strong objections from the Fraternal Order of Police.
On Sunday, there was another mass shooting and nine people were wounded in Cincinnati. If elected leaders like Roemer truly appreciated our police force, they’d be doing everything possible to enact reform measures that would cut down on gun violence so everyone could go about their lives without fear that their next trip to the grocery store or local bar might be their last. That’s why I’ll be voting for Rita Darrow for 31st District state representative this November. She is committed to sensible gun reforms and recommendations supported by law enforcement and the public that will make us safer.
Barbara Kaplan, Peninsula
Remember positive things about our community
Akron, where do we go from here? I think our public leaders don’t do enough to spin a positive light on what a great community we have here. I don’t know of any community of this size that can boast all the great elements offered here. We have access to all major league sports, world class symphonies, national parks, water sports and destinations like the Pro Football Hall of Fame, Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, and a rich history built on tire and rubber. Then we have our location. We haven’t experienced any hurricanes, earthquakes or forest fires that have plagued other parts of this country. We’re only half day drive from Chicago, Buffalo and other large metropolises and we have some of the most affordable housing in the country. And best of all, we have the people. Does anyone remember, following 9/11 we raised $1.4 million and bought New York City a firetruck, two ambulances and three police cars? That’s the true spirit of this community. We’ve made the national news over the Jayland Walker thing. Now let’s use that limelight to boast about all the good things this city has to offer.
Bill Melver, Akron
This article originally appeared on Akron Beacon Journal: Rita Darrow gun policies mean she is best for state House
