The Times Recorder from Zanesville, Ohio • 7

Opinion Zanesville Times Recorder Friday, April 28, 20067A Times First Amendment, United States Constitution congress shaii make no iaw respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances. Recorder www.zanesyilletimesrecorder.com Editorial board Tom Claybaugh, President Publisher Len LaCara, Managing Editor Pam James, Lifestyles Editor Richard T. Bunner, citizen member Ted Morrison, citizen member Kristy A. Szemetylo, citizen member Second stripper seeking celebrity Nobody wants to play second string, and exotic dancers are no exception to the rule. Which becomes a problem when, by fate or misfortune, you're cast in the media drama du jour as The Second Dancer.

Always a stripper, Our view LETTERS Zack Space clearly the best choice Like many folks who live in the 18th Congressional district, we have been a bit confused as to whom to vote for in the upcoming election. So we set out to educate ourselves by meeting all the candidates. One of us spoke at length with our current congressman, Bob Ney. He seemed a nice enough fellow, but after speaking to him we were more convinced than ever that we need a change in our leadership in Washington. We both just feel uneasy about a person who blames everyone but himself for all the troubles in his life.

So that left us wondering which of the four Democrats vying to challenge Mr. Ney deserved our vote. Having no preconceived ideas, we attended a forum where the Democratic candidates had the opportunity to express their opinions, and then we spoke with each after the event. We were incredibly impressed with Zack Space. To be honest, we left the candidate's forum feeling that he was hands down the finest choice of the lot to represent the 18th district tle.

When does it end? ZCSD seems to have the mentality of the average politician. If there is a problem, throw some money at it and maybe it will go away. All the money that has been poured into our school system has not improved education. If you don't believe me, just ask a young person working in a retail establishment to count your change back. I along with most other senior citizens have worked my entire career to pay for my home.

It would be sad to be forced to sell my property to support the irresponsible spending habits of the ZCSD. If I ran my personal life like ZCSD, if I ran out of money. I would just ask for more. Ask who? I have to live within a budget, why shouldn't ZCSD? For those of us who live on fixed incomes, there are other factors. At today's prices, we have trouble buying enough gas to go to the doctor that we can't afford to get a prescription we can't pay for without giving up some groceries.

Mr. Pockl gave up some of his salary. Big deal. He still makes more in one year than the average person Sulzer best choice for Democrats but I do feel confident in saying that Jennifer Stewart will represent our district honorably and predictably. If she says she'll take a stand on an issue, I am sure that's how it will be pursued.

She has sound ideas on education, health care, fiscal discipline and immigration. With regard to our national defense, she's very familiar with our military as her daughter has served our country operating a Patriot missile battery in Korea for years and has been called back to Iraq. How many of our other politicians would let their children get in harm's way as a member of our armed forces? Whether you agree with her ideas or not, you can be sure that she'll follow through with them and not be swayed by special interests. If you're a registered Democrat, I recommend you support this good candidate in the primary, and if we're fortunate enough to see her name on the ballot in November, all of us can feel confident that a vote for her will bring integrity back to our district. Dr.

Bradley Colman South Zanesville Applegate no relation; vote for Space instead Thank you for allowing me the opportunity to clarify a matter of some confusion that has been brought to my attention. Many of your readers will recall that I served as their representative to the U.S. Congress in the 18th District of Ohio from 1977 to 1995. In the coming Democrat Primary to be held on May 2, a gentleman by the name of Ralph Applegate is a candidate. I wish to make it clear that he has no relationship nor connection to me other than sharing the same last never a star.

Not if you're Kim Roberts the other dancer at the Duke University lacrosse team party last month when three guys allegedly raped the other dancer hired for the event. That's Kim. Roberts. Kimroberts. Kimmm-mmm RRRRRRRoberts.

Got it? KATHLEEN PARKER Syndicated Columnist name. I have endorsed and wholeheartedly support Zack Space in that race. I consider him to be the most able qualified candidate for U.S. Representative on the ballot. After 18 years in Congress, I know what it takes to be an effective Congressman and Zack Space has all the qualities the people in the 18th District could ask for.

I ask the voters not to confuse Ralph Applegate with me and cast their vote for Zack Space. Douglas Applegate Spring Hill, Fla. Homeowners can't foot the bill for district Did we not hear Mr. Pockl say people are tired of being taxed? It's time the state does what its suppose to do. The lottery is a multi-billion dollar business.

Isn't a lot of it suppose to go toward the schools? Yet every time you turn around they are asking the property owners for more. It doesn't matter, homeowners are losing their homes, which they worked hard for and can't afford the constant raising taxes. Businesses closing, moving elsewhere, tenants' rent goes up because the owners taxes go up. Does anyone know what firefighters earn, who risk their lives for us? Er the first time, Democrats have real shot at replacing Bob Ney 1 Congress. Three of the four candidates on Tuesday's primary ballot are campaigning seriously for the chance to topple Ney.

(The fourth, Ralph Apple-gate, is a perennial candidate with no Web site, no funds and no chance of winning.) All three Zack Space, Jennifer Stewart and Joe Sulzer are bright, articulate and engaging. But of the three, the Times Recorder Editorial Board believes Sulzer is the best choice for Democrats in Ohio's 18th Congressional District. Sulzer, the mayor of Chillicothe, is a Vietnam veteran and a former state legislator experience that would serve him well on Capitol Hill. On several key issues, Sulzer: Wants the federal Editor's note government to negotiate The editorial boards with drug of the Times Recorder companies and Coshocton Tribune on the price interviewed candidates of all U.S. as a group but voted prescrip- separately on endorse-tionsjust ments.

as it does now for veterans. Believes the federal government should do more to help build roads, sewers and high-speed Internet access in rural Ohio, Supports repealing the North American and Central American free trade agreements and replacing the treaties with deals he believes will protect American jobs. Agrees with Rep. John Murtha's plan to redeploy American troops to the Iraqi borders, where they could serve as a "strike force" to assist the Iraqi military as needed. We don't necessarily agree with all of his plans, but they are impressively detailed and comprehensive.

Space, law director for the city of Dover, offered similar proposals on free trade and health care. He also is focusing his campaign on the controversy surrounding Ney's association with convicted lobbyist Jack Abramoff. While he would be a strong challenger to Ney, Space is not as seasoned as Sulzer. He also lacks Sulzer's legislative experience. Stewart, a Zanesville resident and member of the Ohio Board of Education, is certainly knowledgeable and passionate about schools.

But she had little to offer in terms of national defense, immigration reform and the economy, other than to say they were complex issues. Ohio needs a member of Congress who can get in front of the issues, not just get along with others. With a few years and some time in the General Assembly, Zack Space and Jennifer Stewart could be prime congressional material. But they aren't ready yet. After a dozen years of GOP control, Democrats have a chance to take charge of the House of Representatives in November.

In the 18th District, Democrats would be wise to cast their vote Tuesday for Joe Sulzer for Congress. This editorial represents the consensus opinion of the members of the Times Recorder editorial board, whose members are listed above. in Congress. He is an articulate, thoughtful, reflective, and apparently quite honest candidate. But more importantly, he left us with the sense that he is a person who will hold tightly to those values once he arrives in Washington.

We realize that not everyone in the district will have an opportunity to meet and talk with the candidates. We have been fortunate in that regard and strongly feel that Zack Space deserves our votes, and we urge you to support him as well. Jay and Annie Warmke Phito Children can't vote, but they need yours The most basic of human rights is the right to live in a free and safe society. As a nation and community that values these basic human rights, we have both a moral and very personal obligation to protect the least amongst us from the ravages of sexual abuse, physical abuse, neglect and abandonment. Children are beautiful gifts bestowed upon us by our Creator.

Children do not vote nor do they lobby or advocate for their safety or welfare. As adult citizens of this great nation, we are called upon to vote, lobby, and advocate on behalf of our most precious natural resource: Children. Children deserve and demand our very best efforts at ensuring their protection. The breadth and depth of this issue known as child abuse is staggering. In calendar year 2005, Children Services provided assessment services, case management, home-based intensive services, kinship navigation, foster care, residential services via Avondale Youth Center and adoption services to over 5,000 children! This represents 25 percent of our child population of 22,000 child, residents of Muskingum County.

It must be noted that as of Jan. 1, 2006, Muskingum County Children Services lost 55 percent of its funding. We are managing and surviving, children are being protected but times are desperate. Without this funding stream, we will be forced to undertake further draconian cuts in services that will dramatically affect needy children. Avondale Youth Center has continually and proudly provided services to the children of our community since 1911, this vital service to our community would be in peril without fully one-half of our operating budget.

Please be a hero to a child and vote yes for the Muskingum County Children Services and Avondale Youth Center levy on May Very needy children are counting on you. David Boyer Executive Director Muskingum County Children Services Stewart has character, ability for Congress I am neither a registered Democrat, nor Republican. Like many Americans, I find issues that are important to me that may fall on either side of the aisle. I am also very frustrated with the failure of our government to focus on the long-term strength and prosperity of our country, and instead, appear to be more on bocial Security draws in eight years. I ask all property owners and especially senior citizens of this community to join me in voting no on the ZCSD levy.

Duane Harper Zanesville Education isn't most important thing for kids Comparing what children are being taught is certainly not like a visit to a library or a walk in a park. When educators across America want to teach our children that an immoral lifestyle is acceptable and take God out of everything is appalling. We should be teaching the 3 R's and not an anti-God philosophy and all of the political correctness. We do have to pay taxes, but that is no reason not to stand up and make change for the better. The reason our education system is in the mess that it's in today is because we parents have sat back too long and allowed a liberal philosophy to take over the public school system.

John Lanning made scriptural references to our obligation to pay taxes, but don't forget that Christ also turned over the tables of the money changers who were misusing the temple, I wonder what He would say about our present use of the public school system. We need to do what's best for our children, and education is not the most important element of our lives. It's high on our priority list, but Godliness, decency, learning how to love and live as Christ and what He expects from us is far more important. If our children learn these things, education will follow and so will a lessening of the violence, suicide, rape, fear, intimidation, hopelessness. I could go on and on, but surely you get the point.

Major Young Chillicothe Not all taxes are just Mr. Lanning made a good start for a Bible study on whether or not taxes should be paid, but he failed to address the question of whether the tax for funding public schools should be levied to all. He refers to Matthew 22 and Romans as proof that Christians are instructed to pay taxes. Few would question that point. But the question at hand is "Should the taxes that fund public schools be levied against all residents of the school district?" To contradict Mr.

Lanning's point on a Biblical basis, I will turn back a few pages and refer to Matthew where Jesus advocates paying a tax although the tax is unfair. This passage makes two points: First, we should pay our taxes; second, not all taxes are just. Mr. Lanning's article rests the validity of the tax on the fact that it was passed by our duly-elected representatives; as if to say that they may tax anyone however much and on whatever basis they collectively choose. This is the mob rule mentality, and it was not advocated by the founders of this country.

This is why we have a constitution. This is why we are a democratic republic, rather than a democracy. There must be limits to what the majority can impose on everyone else. Education is different from parks or fire departments, because these don't shape the minds of those the state will govern. Dr.

Johnston refers to a quote from Thomas Jefferson that speaks directly to this issue: "To compel a man to furnish contributions of money for the propagation of opinions he disbelieves and abhors is sinful and tyrannical." This levy is tyranny, because many are forced to finance the teaching of things that are contrary to their beliefs. Additionally, this is dangerous! It is dangerous because the state is shaping the minds of future voters according to its own will, even though that will be contrary to that of the parents of these future voters. The fact that it is doing so with their money is the poison frosting on the hemlock cake. Stephen Birch Tallahassee, Fla. Roberts wants, badly, for you to remember that name.

Because, as it turns out, the worst thing that might have happened to the accuser may have been the best thing that ever happened to Kim Roberts. Or so she apparently hopes. For a few days, it seemed as though no one would notice or remember Kim Roberts. She didn't see anything, after all, and for a while she said she didn't believe the accuser's story, according to defense attorneys for the accused Duke students. Thus, she faced the unthinkable being un-famous, an un-celebrity.

Un-known. It is no longer enough simply "to be," as the Bard once posed the human conundrum. Today one must "be known." Celebrity is the goal line, and Roberts is no one's cheerleader. Nor anyone's fool. Suddenly, the divorced mother had a novel idea: It coulda happened.

So naturally, she contacted a New York public relations firm, the very same that represents LiT Kim, the incarcerated rapper of whom Roberts reportedly is a fan. In an e-mail to 5W Public Relations obtained by Fox News, Roberts wrote: "Although I am no celebrity and just an average citizen, I've found myself in the center of one of the biggest stories in the country. I'm worried about letting this opportunity pass me by without making the best of it and was wondering if you had any advice as to how to spin this to my advantage. I am determined not to let any negative publicity about my life overtake me." Signed, "The 2nd Dancer." First off, never write an e-mail you wouldn't mind seeing on Fox News. Maybe Roberts doesn't mind, as those who pursue celebrity seldom concern themselves with the reason for fame, only the fame itself.

And, of course, the financial rewards one hopes to reap as a result. Roberts was clear on that score. "Why shouldn't I profit from it?" she said when questioned about her willingness to profit from her colleague's alleged rape or the ruin of two young men who may be innocent of the charges. "I didn't ask to be in this position I would like to feed my daughter." I'm all for feeding one's children. And surely, rising to instant celebrity potentially offers a better menu than does dancing for dollars.

I know we're not supposed to question a person's character these days. A girl's gotta do what a girl's gotta do and boys will be no, wait, that's wrong. Girls are virtuous because they're stripping to feed their children; boys are evil because they will pay a virtuous single mom to strip. It's all so confusing, isnt it? Probably more to the point, Roberts' query to the PR firm, which has declined to represent her, coincided with her new slant on events that night. "I was not in the bathroom when it happened," she told the Associated Press.

"So I can't say a rape occurred and I never will. Later, after her own criminal record was raised, Roberts said, "In all honesty, I think they're guilty and I can't say which ones are guilty but somebody did something mat's my honest-to-God impression." Who wants this story? Bidding starts at $25,000. Do I hear Anyone? Anyone? The $25,000 figure isn't random, but is the precise amount Roberts was convicted of embezzling from a Durham, N.C., photofinishing company a few years ago. Coincidentally, around the same time Roberts was forming her new impression of what went down at the lacrosse party, a judge excused Roberts from having to pay a 15 percent fee to a bonding agent. Durham County District Attorney Mike Nifong, who is prosecuting the two Duke sophomores charged with raping the first dancer, signed off on the agreement.

I can't say Roberts is getting favorable treatment for becoming a better prosecution witness. I was not in the lawyer's office when it happened. So I can't say a transaction occurred and I never will. In all honesty, I think somebody did something that's my honest-to-God impression. It coidda happened.

Or not. Does anyone know what Mr. Pockl does to earn his $100,000 salary? Yet it's the teachers who teach the children. Did we not hear one of the teachers say Mr. Pockl spends the money how he wants, not what it should be on? Every person I've spoke to all agree there is no excuse all the schools are being torn down.

Couldn't they have been refurbished, things bought, for half the cost it took to tear them down and rebuild? Linda Massey Zanesville Turn down the levy Wouldn't it have been much simpler to have torn Pioneer School down and built a new school on the ground that already belonged to the city? No. Our school board had to buy land out of the city. Now they have to bus the children all the way out 40 east. Most could have walked to school at Pioneer. No wonder they need a new levy.

They will waste that money to if we give it to them. Aren't we tired of giving money so they can throw it away? I am! We need better accountability for our taxes. Don't let these people waste our money. Larry Stare her Zanesville City Schools may find the well has run dry I read with interest, the editorial in Monday's Times Recorder concerning the West income tax to support its school. The Zanesville School System should give this method some thought.

It seems that the Zanesville School District wants to spend money as if there were no tomorrow. Then they go back to the property owners and ask for more. They have gone to the well so many times that sooner or later the well will go dry. ZCSD seems to say that this is a small price to support then-irresponsible spending habits. But everyone wants just a little, the vocational school wants a little, mental health wants a little, the fire department wants a little, the township wnnts a little, the county wants a lit Bible Digest interested in individual political careers and special interests.

That is why I feel compelled to write this letter to you about Jennifer Stewart, who is running for the Congressional seat in the Democratic primary in May. She is the first political candidate that I know personally; therefore, I feel I can speak with knowledge of her character and ability. This is not a person consumed with a need to have a political career or power over others. She's as genuine as she appears. Her commitment to family values and her community didn't start with this campaign.

Since I met her and her husband 20 years ago, she has been consistent with her ideals to improve our community for all of our children. She has lived her life as an example of integrity and morality. I don't know the other candidates, "I make a decree, That in every do-miiuon of my kingdom men tremble and fear before the God of Daniel: for he is the living God, and steadfast for ever, and his kingdom that which shall not be destroyed, and his dominion shall be even to the end." (Daniel 6:26 AKJV) This is a good word for everyone. Stand in awe of Almighty God. Gannett Ethics Policy We are committed to: Seeking, reporting the truth in a truthful way Serving the public interest Exercising fair play Maintaining independence Acting with integrity For full text of policy see: zanesvilletimesrecorder.comethics.