Letters to the Editor 02-09-17 – The Courier

MAKE DORNEY A GATHERING SPOT Although national concerns have recently occupied everyones minds, we cannot forget what is locally occurring. In regard to the $600,000 planned renovation of Dorney Plaza, I believe the intent of a community plaza is being entirely lost in the process of downscaling for the sake of money and security. There are many flaws noted in the most recent plans. Most glaringly, omitted are benches and an area for our community to gather, as the late Mr. Dorney had envisioned originally. If security was such an issue (earlier articles stated concerns about the courthouse lower windows, with the anticipated cost of window replacement as a possibility), why is the north sidewalk exactly next to this concerned area? And, why does it appear that the private owners of the newly renovated townhouses will benefit the most from this newest plan? How will the grass area be maintained, and what about the cherry tree debris? As Marathon has completed the lovely new green-spaced gathering area for their employees on Main Street, one could only hope for something similar for the common citizens as well. As Findlay studies reasons why it is difficult to find employees and retain youth, we need to explore what attracts people to up-and-coming cities. Walkable, inviting downtown spaces where people can gather are part of this equation. As planners proceed with downtown Main Street ideas of bumping out curbs, more medians and crosswalks, to entice more foot traffic to the wonderful array of restaurants, art galleries and entertainment, is it not short-sighted to be removing gathering areas in an already established public area? And yes, even workers peacefully gathering during strike negotiations is an integral necessity within our community. In a safe area, rightfully placed next to our courthouse, where rights have been established. The Day of Prayer space needs to be maintained and areas for other various community opinions and events as well. Are we really removing gathering spaces and benches because of the budget constraints? Our community deserves to have a gathering spot that is aesthetically pleasing, safe and open to all. Cathy M. Weygandt Findlay

RADICALS PUSHING THEIR AGENDA Anne Heche, Jessie J, Sen. Bob Dixon, Julie Cypher, and Gillian Anderson are a few of the celebrities who were in homosexual relationships who are now heterosexuals. A simple internet search will reveal many more. Jim Flechtner (letter, Feb. 1) now knows of homosexuals who have decided theyre straight. In my last letter (Jan. 24), I was referring to my own personal experience of homosexuals who turned straight. It would be extremely insensitive to name those who may be embarrassed by their past. Flechtner mentions epigenetic factors may cause inane homosexuality, but scientists admit this would be difficult to test. A four-year study by Dr. Neil Whitehead showed If an identical twin has same-sex attraction the chances the co-twin has it are only about 11 percent for men and 14 percent for women. Twins share the same DNA and the same womb; how can Flechtner explain this? He also asks, How can you possibly believe that anybody would voluntarily choose a lifestyle which would lead to the hatred, insults, mistreatment and even violence that gays must contend with every day? How does anyone become an alcoholic, porn or drug addict? Perhaps in a stressful or confused state, wanting to be accepted, wanting to be loved (sounds kind of like adolescence), they find comfort in a drug or behavior that allows them to escape their troubles. Or perhaps it is forced upon them. Even if we allow for some predisposition, we cannot deny the power of environment and choice. The 2016 fall issue of The New Atlantis contains an article by Lawrence S. Mayer and Paul R. McHugh, which concludes, Some of the most widely held views about sexual orientation, such as the born that way hypothesis, simply are not supported by science. They also found the majority of children who identify as the gender opposite their biological sex will not continue to do so as adults. The radicals among us insist we accept their views of sexuality as they push their agenda upon our children; as our public schools and the Boy Scouts become child abuse enablers. Don E. Waaland Findlay

ARE SPAS A WISE INVESTMENT? Apparently, all the medical needs of our community have been met. At least thats what I assume now that Blanchard Valley Health System announced that they are investing our health care dollars in not one but two med spas for vital services like Botox and hair removal. Is the emergency room so overstaffed that no one has to wait more than a few minutes for care? Is everyone in our community getting 100 percent of their health care needs met? Will they be offering a sliding scale fee for those they serve who cannot afford these expensive services but still want better cheekbones? The answer to these questions must be yes. Otherwise, how does the board of trustees justify spending hundreds of thousands of dollars on spas that only provide elective cosmetic procedures? The BVH website states, You are the fabric of this community, and we are truly honored to have been entrusted with serving your health care needs. Is this the health care need you thought you were entrusting them with? What I see is a health care system that has lost sight of its purpose in our community and a board of trustees that should be ashamed of its irresponsible financial oversight. Dennis Armstrong Findlay

ONE SIDE OF STORY A contributor to Readers Views recently wrote: When only one side of the story is told, it is called fake news. Since there are two sides to every story, I dont think I would call that fake news; I would just call it one side of the story. Dave Uitto New Riegel

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Letters to the Editor 02-09-17 - The Courier