Letters: Pay for substitute teachers is offensive

Before the pandemic, I saw a sign at my grandson's school looking for substitute teachers. I am retired. A graduate in chemical engineering and law school. I thought it would be interesting and fun. I went through the application process, criminal background check and training. I became licensed as a substitute. Never asked about pay. At the first orientation pay was discussed. I learned that after deductions it would pay about $75 per day. At first, it did not bother me, but after thinking about the pay for school administrators and at McDonald's I could not get up in the morning and get dressed to spend my day for $75. It was not the pay but how it offended me that administrators thought so little of the people willing to perform that job.

Peter Ulbrich, Union Township, Clermont County

Support levy so more seniors can maintain their independence

I hope all Hamilton County voters understand the importance of renewing the Senior Services Levy (Issue 10) this November. I am 86 and I don’t get around as easily as I used to. If it weren’t for the levy-funded help I receive, I probably would have to move to assisted living. After working hard all my life, it means the world to me to be able to stay in the home where I raised my family. I hope you will vote "yes" to help me and other seniors remain safe at home, where we want to be.

Marilyn Love, Blue Ash

Clifton Town Meeting hasn't taken a position on dog park

On Oct. 30, the Enquirer published a letter to the editor stating that "Clifton Town Meeting opposes" construction of a dog park in Burnet Woods. This does not accurately represent CTM's position. CTM has not voted on this topic since August 2021 when we considered several sites and asked the Park Board to respond to concerns about "potential of environmental impact and loss of greenspace" if a Burnet Woods site would be used.

In August 2021, the site we reviewed was larger, but it did include the current proposed footprint. CTM has not voted on the revised dog park plans, but we understand that some Clifton residents support the project, some residents oppose it, and some are neutral.

Gerald Checco, Clifton Town Meeting President, Clifton

Setting the record straight about Clifton dog park

Regarding, "Clifton neighbors fighting to save green space," (Oct. 30): The Enquirer published a letter to the editor about a dog park in Clifton. The letter stated that "for years PUPP has met with community opposition to their ambitions." This does not accurately represent the PUPP (Pop Up Puppy Party) interest in creating a dog park in Clifton. Additionally, PUPP has not "turned their sights on Burnet Woods green space." Cincinnati Parks evaluated several sites independent of PUPP, and they landed on Burnet Woods.

I founded PUPP as a way for my family to do something good for our neighborhood. I have an adult son with Angelman Syndrome who needs a lot of support. Social isolation is a fact for many adults with disabilities as well as the elderly. Working on a project with neighbors enriches the lives of all involved. In 2017, a group of Clifton residents came up with the idea for PUPP. With Clifton Town Meeting’s approval, volunteers construct temporary fencing once a month at Clifton Plaza for off-leash fun for dogs and so that neighbors can meet each other and gather around the common interest of their love of dogs.

PUPP participants have always wanted a dog park in Clifton. In 2019, some Clifton residents not associated with PUPP contacted Cincinnati Parks about developing a dog park at Dunore Park. Clifton PUPP did not get involved. We were, however, excited about the opportunity to work with Parks and CTM and the residents interested in the Dunore location in order to develop a design for a dog park there.

Dunore residents were worried about what they were hearing about a dog park and approached CTM saying so. No design was reviewed and rumors of fencing in the entire park with chain link were used to characterize the proposal. Understandably, obliterating the play field and playground to be fenced in for a dog park is a very undesirable use for that park. I live five houses away and would not want that near me. Perhaps if planning sessions were allowed, then neighbors could come together and truly discuss whether a small dog park could occupy less than a tenth of Dunore Park.

Neither PUPP founders nor participants chose the Burnet Woods location for a community dog park. I personally prefer a dog park at Dunore, but I as well as PUPP participants will embrace a dog park in Clifton as long as it is small like the dog parks at Westwood or Washington Park.

The location of the dog park must be within a walkable distance to the business district so that it supports the backbone of our community. The design must include attractive fencing, seating areas and a sustainable material other than grass so that the small area is not muddy. The dog park must be planned around principles of universal design so that it will be fully accessible.

Cassandra Clement, Founder Clifton PUPP, Pop Up Puppy Party

Inflation is temporary, abortion ban could be permanent

The popular opinion is that the economy and, specifically inflation, are the major factors in the upcoming midterm elections. We’ve all heard "It’s the economy, stupid" and it’s easy to see the reasoning behind this issue. Inflation hits everyone. But we need to pause for a moment and ask ourselves, "will a vote for Republicans be the answer to inflation? Can the GOP solve U.S. economy problems?"

Our best weapon against inflation is the Federal Reserve Open Market Committee’s raising of interest rates; and they are certainly responding to that challenge. Unfortunately, the GOP has not said how they would deal with inflation. Keep in mind that the chairman of the Federal Open Market Committee was originally appointed by former President Donald Trump. Chairman Powell also served in key economic roles under the Bush Administration.

My point is that both Democrats and Republicans have shown continuing confidence in Mr. Powell to do the job of controlling inflation. Conclusion: Both political parties support the individual in charge of controlling inflation. Said another way, whatever could be done by either party is being done now. In the absence of a specific GOP strategy, we see no real support for the belief that a vote for Republicans will effect a solution to inflation. Contrast that with the abortion issue. If the GOP gains control of Congress, the right to an abortion (especially with the current composition of the Supreme Court) will forever disappear from the American landscape.

Inflation is a temporary economic system disturbance and is being addressed, but banishing abortion rights is a forever decision. I urge you to weigh the temporary nature of an economic inconvenience against the complete surrender of all American women of their reproductive rights. Your vote will reveal your answer to which priority you value most.

Mike Hauer, Villa Hills

Want things to be better? Don't vote for those who make them worse

If you haven't voted yet, here's some food for thought from the Politics Girl on social media.

The Democrats passed a law to forgive $10,000 in student loan debt. The Republicans passed a law that offered $10,000 bounties on women who might have had an abortion.

Democrats just raised Social Security payments by 8%. Republicans want to cut Social Security entirely.

Democrats just signed a bill that makes prescription drugs more affordable. Republicans want to repeal the bill, making prescription drugs more expensive.

Democrats say they want to sign a bill codifying Roe v. Wade. Republicans have promised that they will sign a national abortion ban.

Democrats have just lowered the deficit by $1.4 trillion. Republicans have raised the deficit every year they've been in office.

Democrats want commonsense regulations to keep our citizens safe. Republicans want no regulations on any weapons at any time for any reason.

Democrats just signed the biggest climate bill in history to attempt to start saving our dying planet. Republicans don't care about saving the planet, as long as the corporations who fund them continue to make money.

Democrats support Ukraine as they fight the battle between democracy and autocracy on the world stage. Republicans think we should pull back on supporting Ukraine and capitulate to the country that's committing genocide.

I could go on and on. Just example after example about that unless you're a billionaire who has off-world or subterranean plans for your future, you should be voting for Democrats. If you want things to be better, you can't choose the party that makes them worse. Side by side, the contrast is so stark, the decision should be easy.

This is no longer a choice between left and right, it's a choice between right and wrong. Don't let anyone tell you different. It's your future you're voting for, after all.

Mel Shuller, Montgomery

Vote for experience on the bench. Reelect Judge Winkler

I am writing to encourage the citizens of Hamilton County to reelect Judge Robert Winkler. Judge Winkler is a person of integrity who has faithfully and honorably served Hamilton County throughout his career. As a prosecutor, trial judge and appellate judge, Judge Winkler is uniquely qualified for the First District Court of Appeals.

Judge Winkler has presided over thousands of cases, hundreds of trials and has the experience and knowledge required for an appellate judge. His opponent, on the other hand, has no judicial experience. We have seen the devastating effects that neophyte judges and their poor decision-making have had on our community. One need only pick up the Enquirer to witness this firsthand.

The people of Hamilton County deserve experienced judges on the bench. I am voting for Judge Winkler, and I encourage you to do the same.

Jill Cole, Blue Ash

This article originally appeared on Cincinnati Enquirer: Letters: Pay for substitute teachers is offensive