Now's good time to increase gasoline tax

Republicans have been boasting of a booming economy with an all-time low unemployment rate, decreases in personal and corporate income taxes and business expansion at unprecedented levels. The GOP says this is all because of their efforts to pare down big government spending while supporting a healthy environment for capitalism to remedy all of society's ills.

If the economy is now as good as it's ever going to get, why isn't this the right time to fix our crumbling infrastructure? Roads, bridges, sewers, the electric grid and clean-water issues will only get worse without funding. Corporations don't fix these things, government does. If not now, then what level of prosperity must we attain?

Congratulations to The Dispatch for its Sunday editorial "Higher Ohio gas tax is the right path forward" supporting Gov. Mike Dewine's position on this issue, as well as the column "Budget debate will show where pols stand on schools, road" by Thomas Suddes and the pro-con package on the gasoline tax proposal. Here's hoping the will of the people will somehow prevail. Dennis Sayers, Columbus

State pulls out stops to raise some money

I'm a 65-year-old longtime resident of Ohio. My father purchased a gas well many years ago after it became not viable as a production well for Columbia Gas. He died in 1990 and I have since purchased 17 acres on which the well is located. I have maintained it and paid taxes on it ever since.

I recently received a letter from the Ohio Department of Natural Resources Division of Oil and Gas requesting $100 to file a Form 7 Change of Qwnership. I complied, thinking that was the end of it. Wrong. I recently received a certified letter from ONDR telling me it now wants $5,000 and liability insurance in the amount of $1 million. The letter said the well was not on 5 acres of ground, which is absolutely incorrect, and not 200 feet from any houses. Wrong again.

I know Gov. Mike Dewine is trying to scrape up money for roads, etc., in the state, but does he really think it's a good idea to shake down tax-paying senior citizens to get it?

Kevin Hughes, Norwich

Why can't legislators resolve differences?

I couldn’t agree more with Sunday's Dispatch editorial "Higher Ohio gas tax is the right path forward." That and the March 17 editorial "GOP legislators risk Ohio economy and safety" hit the nail right on the head. The Senate’s 6-cent increase is laughable.

Our Ohio highways and bridges are substandard and sorely in need of repair and improvement. It is hard to believe our Republican senators will not support our Republican governor and do their job and vote for his proposed 18-cent tax increase. I am a lifelong Republican but am so ashamed of our senators for their lack of understanding the need to repair and improve our highways and bridges.

It’s unbelievable. I won’t be voting for them next time. David F. Williams, Upper Arlington

All teens should watch new movie 'Unplanned'

When Abby Johnson joined the ranks of Planned Parenthood in 2001, her mission was to make abortion safe and rare for women. She became one of the youngest facility directors of Planned Parenthood. After working at the clinic eight years she had an experience that would forever change her mind about abortion.

One day while operating an ultrasound machine she saw a baby fight for his life as he struggled to flee the abortionist's probe. Her remarkable come-to-life story is being told in the movie "Unplanned," which will premiere in theaters starting Thursday. It was given a R rating even though it does not show any blood, gun violence or sex.

This movie is must-see for all people, especially teens. Elizabeth Mugrage, Mount Vernon

Ohio Parole Board has some problems

I am the founder of Fair Treatment Reform and Re-entry. We have been working on reforming the state's parole process. This is a big task but it needs to be done. The Ohio Parole Board needs to give fair and transparent hearings.

When former senator and parole board member Shirley Smith left the board, she said how unfair our adult parole board is. It has no accountability, and Smith confirmed everything we have been saying for years.

If anyone would like a copy of the proposal, email us at fairtreatmentreform@ gmail.com. Our website is www.fairtreatmentreformandreentry.org. We work toward fair laws in Ohio and we believe in second chances.

James Kronenberger, Columbus

and bathing. Many drivethrough meals have been purchased out of an officer’s own pocket for those who couldn’t remember the last time that they had eaten.

So, thanks to the detectives who have worked to change lives and make Columbus a better place. Marsha Bendle, Thornville

Former councilman must make up his mind