Letters: Sentencing an 'outrage' in Stone Foltz hazing case. Unseat 'disgrace' of a judge.
No justice for Stone Foltz
I am responding to the June 18 article, "Five of Foltz's former BGSU frat brothers sentenced in hazing case."
Wood County Common Pleas Judge Joel Kuhlman: Disgrace. As the person who was supposed to deliver justice, he failed miserably.
More:Stone Foltz's parents sue Bowling Green State University over his fraternity hazing death
A 28-day sentence for what should be first-degree premeditated murder is an outrage.
Joel Kuhlman does not deserve re-election.
William Steele, Ph.D., Correctional Psychologist, retired, Columbus
Vaccinations critical for children
A recent measles case in Ohio serves as stark reminder of the importance of vaccinations. The Ohio Department of Health recently confirmed a 17-month-old child is the first measles case in Ohio since 2019, raising concerns about the decrease in vaccination rates during the COVID-19 pandemic.
More:Franklin County toddler is Ohio's first measles case in state since 2019
This discovery serves as another harsh reminder that diseases continue to spread, underscoring how critical it is for children to stay up to date with vaccinations. Vaccination against infectious diseases remains one of the most successful health interventions in the past 100 years.
Measles is highly contagious and can cause serious injury and even death. Immunizations also help protect diseases from spreading to those who cannot receive vaccinations, such as those with a weakened immune system or undergoing cancer treatments.
More:WHO, UNICEF warn of 'perfect storm' of factors that could cause worldwide measles outbreak
The American Academy of Pediatrics works closely with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to make recommendations for vaccine use. The Ohio Chapter of the American Academy of Pediatrics and our member pediatricians understand that parents may have concerns about vaccinating their children and encourage families to discuss any questions with their pediatrician.
Vaccination is the foundation to building a healthy life for Ohio’s children and it is critical to ensure every child is protected from all vaccine-preventable diseases. If your child is behind on routine immunizations, now is the time to schedule an appointment to get caught up.
Melissa Wervey Arnold, Ohio Chapter of the American Academy of Pediatrics
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Nab stolen catalytic converter buyers
The catalytic converter in my wife's car was stolen — in broad daylight — from a church parking lot. Brazen.
More:Columbus thieves hitting catalytic converters again as precious metal prices skyrocket
Because the car was a 2003 model, the cost to repair may cause our insurance company to total it. While this is a financial hit to us, we will be OK. But what about the working poor for whom this might be the only means of transportation and who cannot afford to fix or replace their car? What do they do?
Public safety is an important part of livability in our great city and rightly should be an issue in the fall elections, or people will vote with their feet. This city cannot afford that and remain viable.
More:New Ohio bill seeks to crack down on catalytic converter theft
Recently, my wife and I were in Portland, Oregon, where private, armed guards are used to protect downtown stores — places like Voodoo Doughnuts and Powell’s Books. The sidewalks are blocked by people living in tents. I do not want to see that happen here.
I am not advocating for a specific candidate or party but I am advocating for holding our elected officials accountable.
Along these lines, I have spoken with Councilmember Emmanuel Remy (a personal friend from our days serving together on the Northland Community Council) and I know he shares our concerns. I encourage other residents to do the same.
More:Columbus man accused of running catalytic converter theft ring
One possible solution is to go after those people who buy the stolen converters. While most scrap dealers and recyclers are honest, some are not. It is difficult to stop “crimes of opportunity.” But if we reduce the demand by making it more difficult to sell the stolen material, there will be no reason for these items to be stolen.
Ken Gilbert, Columbus