Public transportation is a necessity for some, but should not be used as a pawn by transportation officials or anyone else. It certainly is unfortunate that RTA has to use the discriminatory card to grow its business. If it really did a good job of providing a safe and efficient service, it would be self-sufficient and not need to rely on the taxpayers for subsidies.
I would gladly pay higher taxes for road repair in order to keep RTA out. I have witnessed the decline in my community over the years with the addition of RTA.
I have used RTA in the past, but no longer feel safe riding the bus. MARY M. MOLNAR, VANDALIA
‘Refuse to let their city be defined by fear’
I walked with more than 100 persons on June 29 from Colonel Glenn Highway across the I-675 bridge to the Fairfield Commons Mall in Beavercreek to encourage the Beavercreek City Council to permit the Regional Transit Authority to provide public bus service to their city. Our walk along a dangerous highway with no sidewalks was in support of the placement of three bus stops in Beavercreek that would provide access to jobs and educational and medical facilities to people coming from Dayton by public transportation.
The walk to “Let the People Ride” came just a few days after the Federal Highway Administration found that Beavercreek was in violation of civil rights laws and that the city risked losing millions of dollars of federal funding for highway projects. While I walked to support the free access to Beavercreek by bus riders, I was also walking to support the many Beavercreek citizens who want an open community and refuse to let their city be defined by fear or by those with extreme political agendas.
In 50 years, have we gone from a time in our American history when restaurants and public accommodations in the South refused to serve people to a time when an entire city is seeking to close its doors to a group of people based on race and economic status? Let's hope the good people of Beavercreek will be successful in getting their city council to resolve this issue in a fair and efficient way without further embarrassment to everyone. WILLIAM J. MEERS, KETTERING
'All boys need positive role models'
Bellbrook United Methodist Church will continue to welcome all boys regardless of sexual orientation. We are willing to consider extending our sponsorship to other Scouts whose church sponsorship may exclude them because of the new ruling.
Further, the General Commission on United Methodist Men (www.gcumm.org) continues to support the Boy Scouts of America (BSA) because we support service to youth. The recent decision of BSA is very consistent with our United Methodist polity that says we do not discriminate.
Statistics show that 50 percent of the kids who come to Cub or Boy Scouts come from un-churched families. Many are from the neighborhood around the church and many are from homes without a male adult present. We continue to believe that Cub Scouts or Boy Scouts can have a positive influence on boys of all ages.
I am appalled that any church would discontinue sponsorship or support of Scouts because of sexual orientation. All boys need positive role models and leadership training that for generations has been provided through BSA. REV. TERRY HECK, BELLBROOK
Music and art are important subjects
Re “DAI interactive exhibit,” May 26: This article about “I See the Rhythm” at the Dayton Art Institute, which shows art and music’s relationship, is important.
Music and art at my Ohio public elementary and secondary schools were important subjects. They gave students an appreciation for them, and gave me encouragement to major in art education and fine arts at college.
I am proud to have been an early Picture Lady at Oakwood Smith Elementary School. We ladies tried to further students’ knowledge of artists’ works by playing music of their lifetimes and its possible effects.
The "I See the Rhythm" exhibit at DAI should give people a better knowledge of how music and art affect each other and our lives. ANN C. BELL, OAKWOOD
About the Author