I just read with great interest the letter you printed under the heading “Voting for Issue 3 Is About Having Health Care Choices.”

It reminded me of the current ad campaign urging voters to to vote yes on Issue 2, insisting that union-busting is somehow a very good thing for public employees.

Issue 3 is in fact an attempt by the tea party and other conservatives to block health care reform without offering any alternatives.

Its language is so broad that it isn’t clear what effect it will have, for example, on licensing and regulating Ohio’s health care providers.

Since the Supreme Court will be deciding this issue, the only effect its passage would be sure to have is entangling our state in expensive litigation for years to come.

Personally, I believe that big business’s attempt to depress wages in Ohio by crushing unions is a very bad idea, so I’ll vote no on Issue 2.

And the prospect of the tea party successfully changing Ohio’s constitution is repellent to me, so I’ll vote no on Issue 3 as well.

The provisions of the health care law will be debated, challenged and modified for years to come, as they should be.

Opting out is tea party fanatacism that may prove successful, since all the attention and resources available seem to be focused on Issue 2.

It’s more important than ever to get off the sidelines and vote.

Abby Fowler Ironton

Community support made fall art show a success

The Ironton Artists Associations Annual  Fall Art Exhibit was held at Central Christian Church Saturday, Oct. 1, 2011.   Thanks to all of the participating artists and our supportive community the exhibit was again a great success.

We especially want to thank the businesses and individuals who donated funds to purchase art works:  Bartram Bros.,  Ohio River Bank, Bob Clyse Chevy-GMC, Ed Rambacher, Wesbanco Bank, Phillips Funeral Home, The Tribune,  Craig Allen, Atty., and National City/PNC Bank.

The Greater Lawrence County Chamber of Commerce, Mayne Framing Supply and Jim Neff made donations to help with show expenses.  Thanks to the following who donated door prizes:  Iron City Hardware, Tri-State Rehab Services, Chick-fil-A in Ashland, Ashland Town Center Mall, M&M Realty, The Jesse Stuart Foundation,  Giovanni’s Coal Grove, Kentucky Creative Arts Club, Peddlers Home Cooking, Terri’s Village Salon Coal Grove, Jim Neff, Freezette Coal Grove, Carol Terry, Boyd Co. Public Library,  L& J Luncheon Coal Grove, Patti DelCheccolo, and the Ironton Artists Associations members.

We also want to extend a special thanks to Ron Pierce for providing us with his guitar entertainment, Central Christian Church for the use of their facility and the gracious help provided by their dedicated members.

Sincere thanks to all from the Ironton Artists Association.

Helen Sellers

Ironton