'Zone In' has a credibility problem. Public relations experts must go.
Get PR out of Zoned In
Well, the Dispatch has certainly raised some questions as to who and what to believe about “Zone In.”
Should citizens put their faith in city officials who make up quotes and phony mayoral opinion pieces about what terrible things will happen without it? Or should they consider critics who claim “Zone In” is nothing less than the unleashing of developers on neighborhoods to be flooded with cars left by residents of too tall apartment buildings with too little parking?
Our view: Zoning is not sexy until developers eye your neighborhood. Columbus must get it right now.
And why should taxpayers be paying a public relations firm $260,000 dollars (according to the Dispatch) to dream up sparkling visions of what “zone in” can do for you when city hall is packed with PR practitioners of its own who are, apparently, doing the same thing?
It all adds up to credibility. And “Zone In” clearly has a credibility problem. Solving it won’t be easy. But there can be no doubt about the first step — fire Paul Werth Associates.
Bob Singleton, Columbus
Waiting period unconstitutional
I am thankful for news coverage of current litigation related to abortion after the passage of the Reproductive Freedom Amendment in November (USA Today, "...But most restrictions remain on the books," March 18).
As an Ohio family physician deeply involved in efforts for the amendment's passage, I write in support of the lawsuit filed by Ohio abortion providers against the medically unnecessary 24-hour waiting period.
While I strive to provide compassionate care for all patients no matter their socioeconomic background, I have seen first hand that this Ohio law forces unreasonable barriers on my most vulnerable patients seeking abortion care: Patients who already struggle to access healthcare due to cost, transportation, language, and more, are forced by Ohio law to have two separate appointments for no medical reason at all.
Not only is the waiting period discriminatory, it is also unconstitutional: It violates the Reproductive Freedom Amendment that was passed by a majority of Ohio voters five months ago, an amendment that was supported by the professional medical societies representing Ohio’s obstetrics and gynecology, family medicine, pediatric, and internal medicine doctors.
This unconstitutional, medically unjustified waiting period must be removed.
Dr. Nancy Li, Cleveland
More: How to submit a letter to the editor for The Columbus Dispatch
The 3 B's at bedtime
In this busy world, it's easy to forget the impact of simple routines on shaping our children's lives. The “Brush, Book, Bed” routine is an accessible and inexpensive way to support healthy habits for kids between birth and 6 years old.
Brushing at night with fluoride toothpaste not only prevents cavities, tooth pain, and infections, but also builds consistent oral hygiene habits. Reading a book together at bedtime supports literacy and sparks a love for learning while allowing one-on-one time to bond with a child, which could reduce stress (and possibly even reduce stress-induced tooth grinding). Lastly, a consistent bedtime routine promotes healthy sleep patterns, essential for physical and mental development and well-being.
By promoting “Brush, Book, Bed” we can foster a community of well-rested, confident and engaged learners with strong and healthy smiles.
Let’s embrace the power of simplicity and promote the “Brush, Book, Bed” routine within our families and communities to support a healthier and brighter future for our children, one night at a time.
Kim Gibbs, Columbus
This article originally appeared on The Columbus Dispatch: PR company has no business orchestrating zoning in Columbus
