Letters to the editor

I stand with Jim Hoops I never write letters to the editor, but have been moved to do so in response to a despicable smear campaign being waged against Mr. Hoops, both online and now via direct mail to my home. Let me share with you what I know about Mr. Hoops. I grew up with Jim and we attended the same small town schools, first in Deshler and then matriculating to Patrick Henry High School, which is a consolidated school of kids from several small towns in Henry County. Jim was a star basketball player and earned first-team All-Ohio honors as a senior — no small feat for a small school. He did so via talent, sure, but also a tremendous amount of work developing his ball handling and shooting skills on his own. We worked the same summer job de-tasseling corn by hand in the hot sun for Dekalb, which had a seed cord plant in our small town. Jim was hardworking, never complained, and was always considerate to others. His parents and family were working class, somewhat quiet, and of the highest character — as was (and is) Jim. I know nothing of his opponent — other than the terrible attacks being waged, and for this I am outraged. I think this tells us all that we need to know when it comes time to consider our vote. I will be voting for Jim Hoops and would as you also to please consider placing your vote for Jim Hoops, too. Mark Panning Findlay