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Give kids a break with music lessons

The start of the 2008 school year brought with it an increase in our children's time commitment to homework and sports. We want our children to develop consistent study habits so they achieve high test scores and devote high quality practice time to their sport so they can contribute to their team, but sometimes the pressure to succeed can be overwhelming. With each success comes the challenge to do even better in the next round.

How can we give our children relief from the focus of study and sports, and the anxiety that they may feel about succeeding in these areas, while still encouraging them to be disciplined and reach their goals? I would ask you to consider music lessons.

Music lessons, especially in your own home, can enable your child to relax, change focus and work in a partnership with his or her teacher to achieve goals. Learning to play an instrument under the guidance of a mentor gives your child a break and an opportunity to express himself. Allowing a student to take time each day to play an instrument or sing has great emotional and disciplinary benefits. Music breaks allow the mind to stay focused. They also re-direct students to be conscious of how they move, strum, fret or breathe to enhance their tone.

Giving your child choices in the music he or she plays or sings can be an outlet for built up frustration. Allow your child to take a "music break" in the middle of homework time and then, after 15 to 30 minutes of practice, your child can return to studying refreshed, reinvigorated and with a feeling of success. Music lessons also have a profound effect on memory, self-motivation and follow-through on assignments.

Jennifer Patton

Liberty Twp.

Ringland the best candidate for judge

Judge Ringland first came to my attention as he was presiding over the Marcus Feisel case being tried in Clermont County. When he became a candidate for the 12th District Court of Appeals, I got to know him personally and became acquainted with his qualifications. There will be two seats open on this court for which Ringland seeks one, and I certainly think his more than 26 years as a trial judge qualifies him for this seat.

Ringland has been endorsed by the Fraternal Order of Police of Hamilton, Fairfield and Oxford as well as the FOP of Clermont County and Butler County including West Chester Twp. He also has the endorsement of the Republican Party as well as the UAW-CAP Council of Cincinnati, the Right to Life of Cincinnati and Family First.

I would suggest that those who really want to get acquainted with Judge Ringland visit his Web site, www.judgeringland.org, where retired Judge John Moser is quoted as saying, "Please, please do not miss this opportunity to bring one of the finest jurists in the state of Ohio to the 12th District Court of Appeals."

Jewel Baker

Fairfield

Jolivette: 'Jack's hit the bottom of the well'

Just 25 years ago, when I first successfully ran for Hamilton City Council, politics was a tough contact sport, but there was an unwritten rule — if you were going to attack your opponent, the attack had to have some basis of truth, and not just be a complete misrepresentation. My, how times have changed.

Jack Zettler's recent press release and mailing not only intentionally misled voters, but it also was an attack on my credibility. Even by the unfortunately low standards set by recent nasty campaign seasons, Jack's hit the bottom of the well.

It is disheartening. I am a former classmate of Jack's at Badin. I know and like his family, and their good reputation is well earned. But if Jack's desperation to win the job of auditor has gone so far to put that reputation on the line, I won't allow him to bring mine down with it.

Here are the documented and undisputed facts. Jack says that Auditor Roger Reynolds gave "a sweet deal" to me with my property valuation, which was lower than two of my neighbors' valuation. My neighbors' homes do not match mine in size, so comps are different. What Jack does not tell you is that my business, Jolly's Drive-in received a higher increase than my home received as a decrease. Jack also doesn't tell you that 27 of the 37 of the homes in my neighborhood also received a decrease, just like mine. Finally, Jack doesn't want you to know that the recent reappraisal was virtually complete when Reynolds took the office back in April, so Reynolds had no influence on the initial assigned valuations.

So, when Jack Zettler states that "Commissioner Jolivette got a deal," it is blatantly false. The facts not only fail to support Jack's claims, but they also actually demonstrate Jack's reckless and irresponsible lack of respect for truth.

I have worked hard over the past 25 years to keep my integrity intact. Jack Zettler has decided to sell out to the demons of negative politics. Now that Jack Zettler has proven he will say or do anything to get elected, he has given us a good idea of what kind of auditor he would be. Whether you are a Democrat, Republican or Independent, you should beware of any candidate willing to sell his soul to win.

Jack has the opportunity to restore his integrity by publicly apologizing to me and my family before Monday, Nov. 3.

People say, "Oh it's just politics," but to me it's very personal. And if this were the 18th century, Zettler would be challenged like Hamilton/Burr.

I also am disappointed with the JournalNews and their endorsement of Mr. Zettler, even after they were made aware of the facts. They want a watchdog, but in my opinion their watchdog has rabies.

Greg Jolivette

Butler County Commissioner

Klimek: I'm ready to address issues

The 55th District deserves a legislator who will represent the community and will provide leadership to address the issues facing our families, schools and businesses. We should not re-elect a legislator who is connected to lobbyists and has not addressed the issues facing our District. It is time to elect a new representative who understands government should work for the people, not special interests.

Government must live within budgets and spend money wisely; legislators should work with municipalities and school districts to find equitable ways to fund essential services such as education and public safety. Recent tax system changes in Columbus have diverted funding from municipalities and school districts and have simply shifted the burden; it is time for all governments to work together for the common good.

Ohio cannot prosper when we graduate less than 75 percent of students from high school. An educated work force with strong technical and professional skills will provide the basis for prosperity. Education systems that are not working should be changed; simply throwing money at a problem is not a solution. We should implement proven methods and try innovative approaches to enhance education in Ohio. The K-12 school funding system must be reformed; college and post-secondary technical education should be affordable and available throughout Ohio.

Legislators should not work for companies that sell lobbying services. The incumbent legislator from the 55th District works for a law firm that sells lobbying services and advertises "immediate access to government officials." Our country's current financial crisis is the result of lobbyist influence on the federal government and putting greed and special interests above the general welfare of our country. Prohibiting state legislators from working for companies that sell lobbying services, or voting them out of office, will prevent similar disasters at the state level. I am not employed by, nor will I work for, a company that sells lobbying services.

I am an active member of the community. I understand the issues facing the 55th District and will provide the leadership to move our District and Ohio forward. I respectfully request your vote on Nov. 4.

Tony Klimek

Candidate for the Ohio House of Representatives

West Chester Twp.

Cates' credibility proven in results

I am voting for State Sen. Gary Cates for our 4th District (Butler County). Why? Results.

I'm a businessman, and throughout my career I have done an extensive amount of recruiting. I developed a skill at looking through hundreds of resumes and filtering out candidates based on results. It is easy to list experiences and responsibilities; it is much more challenging, however, and indicative of performance, to list results. And that is how I look at supporting a candidate for political office.

Sen. Cates has an outstanding resume with a long list of results representing our district. He has a proven track record getting around Butler County, listening to his constituents, and understanding their priorities. Recently, for example, Sen. Cates pushed the PUCO to have Duke Energy conduct one of its public hearings in Butler County on the proposed electric rate increase. Especially with the effects of the latest power outages in our county, Sen. Cates wanted to ensure the people of his district had an opportunity to express their views and concerns.

The other day, my daughter brought home the school newspaper in which a young man had written an article about Cates "teaching" about the political process in the local schools — helping our young people understand, at an early age, how important it is for every citizen to be involved with government. Cates has dedicated his political career to making government accessible to his constituents.

You can review the senator's results for your self at his senate Web site — five senate committees including Vice Chair of Education and Chair of Veteran Affairs, and the primary sponsor of 25 senate bills. It's true these are not ordinary times, and we need extraordinary leaders. Sen. Cates has proven himself as such a leader. One thing I won't be changing this November is my vote for Sen. Gary Cates.

Todd Dockum

Oxford

Turf a wonderful opportunity for Lakota

Does the Lakota School Board have the opportunity to install a synthetic surface on the high school football fields without the use of taxpayer money? This is a great opportunity. One quick question, if the teachers strike, will we still have student athletes (the athlete must be in school to be eligible to play athletics)? If our "Excellent" rated teachers are not educating our children, will the children realize that three yards per carry does not equal six points? Message to the school board: focus on the priorities and secure our "Excellent" educators to a contract for the betterment of all the students.

Jerald Rosenston

West Chester Twp.

Cates delivers what our community needs

On Nov. 4, I will be voting for Gary Cates to be our State Senator, and I encourage you to do the same. Gary has been a public servant representing West Chester Twp. for almost two decades.

Gary knows how to get results. When we needed assistance with the Voice of America facility, Gary was able to put aside petty partisan politics and work with the governor's office to deliver what West Chester Twp. needed.

Gary is committed to business, both large and small. The huge economic development that West Chester Twp. has enjoyed was possible in part by Gary's efforts at the state level. Not only has he helped us in attracting and maintaining large corporations, but more importantly he also gets involved in helping small businesses. His work with Anthony's Cigar Bar is one example of many where Gary has rolled up his sleeves and worked tirelessly on behalf of his constituents.

Gary regularly attends our trustee meetings as well as our school board meetings. He is the only elected official that does this. He does this to stay informed and to fight for us while in Columbus. When our school board needed help at the state level, he facilitated a meeting with Gov. Strickland and Lakota officials to get things accomplished.

And remember, West Chester Twp. would not be West Chester Twp. if Gary had not changed the law to allow that to occur (we would still be Union Twp.). Because of his commitment to us, I ask you, join me in re-electing State Sen. Gary Cates.

George Lang

President, West Chester Twp. Board of Trustees

Why some don?t visit downtown Cincinnati

Are you interested in why suburban people do not go to downtown Cincinnati? My husband and I went to a Cincinnati Bengals game for my birthday. I thought it would be a great time. We have not been to downtown since the new football stadium was built. When we went to park at a garage on Third Street, across from the stadium, we paid $25 to park. That?s crazy, but we paid the fee. We left at half time and even then, the parking lot was maybe half full. There were no problems finding a space. When we left, the car next to us was so close I could not get into the car. My husband had to back up to get room just to open the door. The car parked next to us was that close even though there were plenty of spaces. I can only assume the owner of the car felt that the closeness of the spacing was our fault, because he must have decided to key my car.

Why would someone do this? Just because he thought it was funny? Not me.

This is just one of many reasons people do not want to go to the city — not to mention a losing professional football team. I?m thankful that we stopped for a good dinner, but that was on our way back home outside the city limits.

Laurie Huey

Liberty Twp.

Furmon puts effort into shelter project

I would like to acknowledge Commissioner Chuck Furmon for his hard work, dedication and commitment for the new Butler County animal shelter. Construction is under way and moving quickly. Thank you Commissioner Furmon for your tireless efforts in moving this project forward.

Gail Gaston

West Chester Twp.

Klimek a chance for change in House

Great news ... this year there is a choice for State Representative in the 55th District. Tony Klimek represents a chance for change in the Ohio House. Klimek, an articulate and intelligent local engineer and businessman is running a fresh campaign to represent the people of this district. Klimek understands the economic issues we all face. He has raised a family in West Chester Twp. His kids have been in the band in the Lakota Local School District, and he knows the financial struggle of having kids in college.

Klimek is a part of this community and knows the people here. He understands the importance of education as both social and economic issues. He knows that an educated workforce is vital to keeping Ohio competitive. Klimek will work to put an end to the continuing need to approve school levies to fund our schools. He will bring a change to the State House at a time when the status quo is not working. Please join me in supporting a new voice for our community, a voice that will listen to the local citizens, a voice that will work to end partisan gridlock, a voice that will work for us.

Vote for Tony Klimek for State Representative.

Steven Ferris

West Chester Twp.

Vote 'no? on Issue 5

As if accepting a nomination for the Nobel Prize, Gov. Ted Strickland proclaimed, ?The bipartisan legislation signed today (House Bill 545) takes a major step toward protecting Ohio consumers who are already struggling with debt by strictly regulating payday lenders and lowering the maximum interest rate for short-term loans.?

The last time I felt this much ire from a mere 33 words, they were screamed from a decorated podium following a chorus of the national anthem — of Germany. House Bill 545 doesn?t seek to ?regulate? an industry. It seeks to eliminate it. While not every law that aims to eliminate something is necessarily evil, one that slashes any industry?s fee structure by 90 percent and pretends to be anything else, is bald-faced perjury from the start. But the payday loan industry wasn?t about to take it lying down. In what can only be described as a modern-day David/Goliath story, Ohio?s payday lenders amassed more than 800,000 signatures on a petition to put HB 545 on the November ballot —— more than triple the number of signatures needed to qualify. It will now appear on that ballot as Issue 5, and a ?no? vote will be like a blast of Raid on a pesky cockroach. It?ll kill it then and there, just as it should be.

People can either manage their money or they can?t. Eliminating an entire industry and 6,000 Ohio jobs in an already strained economy isn?t likely to magically change that reality for the better.

HB 545 had nothing to do with protecting the middle class. It had everything to do with protecting the interests of wealthy bankers and credit card moguls, bent on getting richer by — with my apologies to Tony Soprano — whacking the competition. So what do we do about it? We vote ?no? on Issue 5. We say no to 6,000 lost jobs overnight; no to government taking control of our financial choices; no to our names and loan business being added to yet another government database (a security risk as well as an intrusion);  no to mandatory ?financial literacy? classes for which we ourselves would have to pay.

Vote ?no? on Issue 5.

Roderick J. Senter Jr.

Middletown

State Sen. Cates puts education first

State Sen. Gary Cates is good for our public schools. We need an experienced veteran for this district and that is why I encourage you to cast your vote to re-elect Gary Cates. Education is one of his top priorities, and he has the experience and knowledge to propose the kind of legislation that this school district needs.

Here are some of his beliefs. He believes that Ohio needs a well educated workforce to be competitive in a global economy, especially during these very difficult times. He encourages private and corporate investment in public school programs. He has sponsored a bill (SB 363) called ?Rapid growth transitional aid? that will give added funding to fast growing school districts, such as Lakota and 18 other districts in the state. A school district that experiences more that 100 students in population growth will be eligible for additional funding under this bill. Lakota could realize hundreds of thousands of additional dollars each year and it will results in millions of additional dollars over time. He is in favor of accountability within the school districts and is a strong supporter of statewide achievement standards for all Ohio public schools. He has expressed concerns over the concept know as Adequate Yearly Progress and is acutely aware that every school in the state will run into problems meeting this goal in the future because, as the says, how do you make gains against a ceiling.

Gary has facilitated face to face meetings with Lakota officials and the governor?s office to address concerns that are unique to our school district. Now is not the time to have a Senator in need of on-the-job-training. We need a leader with knowledge, experience and a record. That is why I urge you to return Gary Cates to the State Senate.

Ray Murray

Liberty Twp.

McCain is the man to lead the country

Every four years we have the privilege to vote for the next president of the United States. This year, more than any, we have heard about nearly every issue a dozen times while making our decision. I would like to bring up one overlooked and important issue: early childhood education.

Senator Obama, how to you plan to pay for universal preschool? I live in one of the best run school districts in the country, Lakota, and we can?t even keep up with the building construction cost. I can?t imagine how our government could absorb the costs to pay for universal preschool. Does that mean we have to buy buses with car seats? How about entire new buildings to meet the increased attendance? We can?t even fit our K-12 students in the buildings, where does he think we will squeeze an additional five years worth of students. All the while, he plans to lower taxes for 95 percent of America. According to the Ohio Department of Education, they provide preschool for children ages 3-4 to low income students, a great program, but it carries a price tag of $36.5 million. What will that price tag total if we expand preschool to an additional three years and for people of all incomes? Your taxes will have to go up. Your property taxes currently fund 12 years of education. Adding 42 percent more students means at least 42 percent more tax money must come from somewhere.

I beg you — please look over the plans for yourself. There is no way Sen. Obama can accomplish these goals and lower our taxes. On Nov. 4, I hope you join me in putting our country first and vote for John McCain as the next president of the United States.

Jennifer Umberg

West Chester Twp.

Zettler the best choice for county auditor

I am writing to discuss the candidacy of Jack Zettler. I have known Jack since 1976, and there is no better person to be our County Auditor. Jack not only has the supreme qualifications for the office, but he has the conscience and character to do what is right for the citizens of Butler County.

Jack would be the tireless watchdog over county spending and would make sure that fair property value appraisals are done. It is time for us to elect someone who truly believes that the citizens of Butler County are the boss. Let?s hire him to get the job done.

Donna Nicol

West Chester Twp.

Haughey the right choice for court judge seat

I am writing this letter in support of Dan Haughey for Butler County Court Judge. Dan has the experience necessary for the job. He has worked as a prosecutor, a defense attorney and a magistrate in the county and municipal courts. He knows the job. Many in the know have endorsed Dan Haughey for judge. He has the support of law enforcement. Dan Haughey is a family man with strong values and has the endorsement of the Butler County Republican Party.

Please join me in voting for Dan Haughey for County Court Judge. He is the right choice for Butler County.

Bea Lyons

West Chester Twp.