Letter to the Editor: Intolerance Paving 'Hopeless' Future for Cuyahoga Falls

Dear people of Cuyahoga Falls,

As I read through these letters to the editor, I see a sad and hopeless future for this city. For a city to grow and prosper it needs new residents. People who will make the decision to move here because they are openly welcomed and can find the services and spirit of growth and community representing the ideas of today. These opinions show me that, for the most part, this is an unwelcoming, cold, tightly-knit, closed minded group who are not open to change of any kind.

They long for the old days when Cuyahoga Falls proudly called itself Caucasian Falls. When gays and lesbians were invisible. They want the same kind of lifestyle they grew up in.

Sad, because I see young people here who are wiser than their parents in their acceptance of all ethnicities, races, religions (or not), and sexual orientations. But they won't stay here. They will move to cities that mirror their views. Cities that are vibrant and welcome their participation in making a hospitable place to raise families and nurture the elderly.

I know most of you don't or won't understand what I am saying. And that's too bad. Because you are living in a city run by a and other officials without the vision and capabilities to build this town into something wonderful. And peopled primarily by those who agree with them.

There are a few forward thinking people here, but not enough to make a difference. They are belittled, called names and shouted down by the others who like Cuyahoga Falls, "just the way it is." I would never choose to live here if I didn't have to. Please, all of you, try to remember "there is no growth without change." Open your hearts, listen, and learn to respect the opinions of others.

You just might learn something.

-Mary Anne Kolton

Email your letters to the editor to john.deike@patch.com.