Letters to the Editor – Lorain County Issue 17

Lorain County residents wrote to the Editor in support of issue 17 for Lorain County Community College (LCCC).

Lorain County Medical Leader Endorses LCCC Issue 17

Dr. Donald Sheldon, well-known and long-time Lorain County medical leader, strongly endorses LCCC Issue 17 on the March ballot.

Editor:

I have worked in health care in Lorain Country my entire career. As a clinician and hospital administrator I have seen first hand the important role Lorain County Community College (LCCC) plays in assuring we have a continuous flow of well-trained health care workers to help meet our employment needs. All hospitals in our area depend on these professionals. Our EMS squads depend on them. Our physician offices depend on them. Without these locally trained health care professionals we would have a much harder time meeting our staffing needs. We would have a harder time meeting community health care needs. We would have a harder time meeting your health care needs. A yes vote for LCCC’s Issue 17 is a yes vote for maintaining strong health care in Lorain County. Thank you for joining me in voting YES on Issue 17 on March 17.

Donald Sheldon, MD

Lorain Judge Endorses LCCC Issue 17

The Honorable Jim Miraldi, Judge Lorain County Court of Common Pleas, strongly endorses LCCC Issue 17 on the March ballot.

Editor:

I have seen how community investment in Lorain County Community College pays off for everyone. Passing Issue 17 is critical to the well being of our entire county regardless of your age or whether you live in a city or suburb – village or township. Many members of law enforcement and other first responders have had substantial training at LCCC that they would not otherwise have had. LCCC uses our tax dollars wisely. Its faculty and administrators often do double duty to help keep costs down. We all benefit in the long run when all our residents are able to get the training and education they need to do better, earn a living, and grow our economy. Let’s keep hope alive and well in Lorain County. Please join me in supporting Issue 17.

Jim Miraldi, Judge Lorain County Court of Common Pleas

Vote for LCCC Issue 17

Dear Editor,

In today’s challenging and complex world, it is important that those interested have access to post-secondary education. As a Lorain County resident and administrator at Murray Ridge, I have been impressed by the commitment of Lorain County Community College (LCCC) to removing barriers to higher education for local citizens, including those with developmental disabilities.

Recently LCCC became the venue for ‘echoingU,’ a program designed to prepare young people with special needs to pursue their goals through individualized learning, community integration, and social and professional networking. By providing the site for this program, LCCC enabled echoingU participants to have an immersive experience, with access to resources and relationships available to other college students. This is only one of many examples of LCCC’s commitment to partnering and creativity in the service of all Lorain County residents.

Since its establishment in 1963, LCCC has served 50% of families in Lorain County; and it has the highest success rate of any community college in Ohio. LCCC also plays a vital role in fueling our local economy with a talented workforce, while continuously supporting opportunities for those in our community. Now, LCCC needs our support.

On March 17, please join me in helping LCCC to continue its vital work by voting FOR Issue 17.

Amber L. Fisher, Wellington

Editor:

I support the Lorain County Community College (LCCC) Issue 17 on March 17th. Here are my three main reasons.

Since I graduated it is necessary to obtain an education beyond high school for a decent paying job. But getting a degree can be expensive. This is why I regret not attending classes at Lorain County Community College for my degrees. Forbes magazine states that student debt in 2019 is at an all-time high. Yet attending Lorain County Community College can significantly reduce the cost of obtaining a degree before or while employed; therefore, improving the quality of life for that individual.

Secondly, as a business owner, I have attended many business workshops through LCCC’s Small Business Development Center. Most of the events have been at no cost. Some workshops take place at locations such as at Lorain County Urban League and CoWork Oberlin. Thus, conveniently scheduling these business workshops for people with a side hustle so he or she can develop skills to become an entrepreneur.

Third, Lorain County Community College is the “go-to” location for meetings, events, and conferences.

As you can see, Lorain County Community College is like a lighthouse that serves as a beacon of light for residents, organizations, and businesses. Its existence spurs economic vitality and growth in Lorain County. So, I urge residents of Lorain County to vote yes on Issue 17 on March 17th.

Sharon Pearson, Oberlin Resident

In Support Of Issue 17 for Lorain County Community College

Jim Walborn felt very fortunate in his early years as Co-Founder of Banyan Technology to benefit from Lorain County Community College and all the wonderful support as a young entrepreneurial company. With this assistance, Banyan Technology is now a very prosperous and thriving company that employs more than 50 people. When talking about Lorain County Community College, we reference this institution as a jewel to this County and this region.

I’m supporting the voting of Issue 17 to keep our community strong by keeping Lorain County Community College strong. In today’s economy, access to high quality, affordable higher education is important to everyone in our community.

Thank you, Jim Walborn

Dear Editor,

I am voting for Issue 17 to support Lorain County Community College and the opportunities the college provides to the community.

During my high school career, I had the opportunity to enroll in the College Credit Plus program with LCCC. I graduated high school with 36 college credits at no cost to my family and will be receiving my bachelor’s degree in three years. The opportunities and quality education provided to the community by Lorain County Community College are invaluable.

The Issue 17 renewal will allow LCCC to continue to support the community through the resources and opportunities provided, from the Early College High School and College Credit Plus program, to continuing education for adult learners and veterans.

For every $1 spent by taxpayers on LCCC education, LCCC provides $14 in benefit to the community. With an additional investment of $1.46 per month per $100,000 in property value, we will be able to continue to support the community in pursuing quality education.

Please join me in voting FOR Issue 17 on March 17.

Juliana Seder, Avon