TO THE EDITOR:

After studying the publications and materials presented by the Smart Growth Coalition for Greater Cincinnati as presented at their Burlington, Ky., forum on May 29, I believe some important points must be considered.

I was not surprised to learn that this coalition tries to stop the building of roads, since they work so closely with the anti-growth Sierra Club. And their promotion of urban growth boundaries leads to higher costs and hardships for low and moderate-income families as has been proven in Portland, Ore. These are reasons why it is shocking for one to hear in the "Smart Growth" Coalition's presentation that they are proud to be partnered with the Ohio, Kentucky and Indiana Regional Council of Governments, and the Cincinnati Chamber of Commerce.

Why would Boone County ever want the regional planning of this coalition? We all know that land use involves tough issues but these need to be decided on the local level with county officials and planners who reside in our community.

"Smart Growth" has been proclaimed as the one-size-fits all solution that will transform our communities into more livable and sustainable places. Remember the last major urban planning fad? It was the nationwide urban renewal efforts of the post-World War II era. This plan was sold to the public with the promise of dramatically reinvigorating cities and improving urban life, but the actual result was the wholesale destruction of vibrant urban neighborhoods and the large-scale stifling of economic opportunities in the inner cities.

Although the "Smart Growth" Coalition is against the widening and building of roads, most citizens understand that growth has been good for Boone County.

Bernie Kunkel, Walton

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Punishment in Mason prank appropriate

Raising a child today can be challenging; just ask any mom doing the 50-yard dash during afternoon rush hour along I-75, trying to make sure her son/daughter gets to their athletic commitment on time ("Two students charged in peacock prank," June 6). Recent events at Mason High School claiming a school "prank" involving theft of property and cruelty to animals sparked my outrage towards the parents who are upset because their graduating children will not be allowed to attend ceremonies.

Excuse me? I wasn't aware theft was just a "prank," and most people don't think cruelty to animals is a laughing matter. Parents need to step back and look at what happened and face the reality - their child grew up, messed up and need to take responsibility for his/her actions. It's only a ceremony. It could very easily have been jail time or community service. I'm hoping my 4-year-old child has better sense when it's her time.

Terri Doran, West Chester

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Seniors care about bathing suits, too

I read with interest the article in The Cincinnati Enquirer ("Find a suit that suits you" June 6), concerning buying the perfect swimsuit for the individual body. The subject was well thought out and there were a number of excellent suggestions for the little problems that each of us have that we would like to minimize. We want to accent the positive and eliminate the negative.

However, I seem to see an omission in the article; the models who are wearing the recommended swimsuits are ages 17, 29, and 47. Are senior citizens barred from wearing stylish bathing outfits? I, for one, am not. I have an accumulation of a number of what I consider stylish swimsuits. I refresh my collection with a new suit each year. A new swimsuit is the subject of conversation in my aquacize class. As a group, we exercise, take care of our bodies, and try to buy suits that make us look the best that we can be. Because we are seniors, I do not think that we should be overlooked when the hints are handed out. We are not invisible. I'm proud that I have reached this age and that I still care about my looks. I am in the market for a new swimsuit, any suggestions?

Helen W. Joffe, Hamilton

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Express free speech, don't support museum

Many people seem to be worked up about "artist" Zhang Huan standing on the American Flag at the grand opening of The Center for Contemporary Arts. People have written letters, called talk shows, and complained to their friends about this expression.

Well people, you're free to self-expression, as well. Next time The Center for Contemporary Arts or Fine Arts Fund come to your place of business begging for money, remember what it's being used for and express yourself by not giving them any money.

Dave Ebbesmeyer, Norwood

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League should now provide baseball bats

Even as a Little Leaguer, I could tell my bat when I picked it up by its feel. Why wouldn't a professional baseball player be able to do the same?

However, let's assume Sosa's situation was an accident. It can be rectified easily by having the league provide everybody's bat, just as they do the baseballs. End of problem.

Jim Niemeyer, Northgate

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Bengals should allow other games as well

I read June 6 in the Enquirer that Paul Brown Stadium has a new groundskeeper. The article said he should have a good season of grass-growing since there are two three-week breaks in the 2003 Bengals schedule. It went on to say that no high school or college football games were scheduled this fall and this would also help the grass grow.

Why are there no high school games scheduled at Paul Brown Stadium? Why are there no college games like last year's very successful UC-Ohio State game scheduled for this year? Don't we taxpayers get anything for our money?

Ed Eaton, Indian Hill

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Settling lawsuits is harmful to city

Mayor Charlie Luken and all but two council members, both Republicans, gave away 4.5 million tax dollars to the lawless ("City settles 16 suits for $4.5 million, May 22).

Who says crime does not pay?

This will add to the city's debt and hasten the exodus of residents to the suburbs. The fields that once sprouted corn will then grow $300,000 to $400,000 houses. Meanwhile, crack heads and losers will run rampant on the empty streets of Cincinnati. Then you will find city councilman taking advantage of that timely panhandling legislation, just to cover their salaries.

Bob Breitenstein, Western Hills

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Bush acts more nobly than Clinton did

A recent letter to the Enquirer complained that the public was not demonstrating the same indignation about the administration's inability to produce weapons of mass destruction as it did when former President Clinton lied and obstructed justice regarding his sexual affairs. And he questions the "moral difference."

There are several significant differences. First, it hasn't been established as yet whether there are any such weapons. Second, it certainly hasn't been established that the president knowingly misleads the public. It is possible he was acting on faulty intelligence. And, finally, President Bush was acting in a manner he perceived to be in the best interest of our country. This is a far cry from the motives of Bill Clinton.

Carl Hall, Symmes Township

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Bush viewed as honest by many

The Bush-bashing by the letter writer Richard Busemeyer ("Nation in bad shape under Bush" June 3), must not go unchallenged. Busemeyer accuses President Bush of engaging in a trumped-up war against Iraq. If it is thought that because weapons of mass destruction have yet to be found or accounted for, the war was trumped up and President Bush is a liar, then we have to assume that the United Nation's inspectors and other legitimate entities also lied.

I don't think so. I guess those poor souls whose bodies were found in mass graves wish that the trumped-up war had only happened sooner.

I suspect the unrelenting attacks by the Bush bashers is really the frustration they have that President Bush is viewed by an overwhelming majority to be a good and honest man and has an excellent chance of re-election.

David G. Rinck, West Harrison, Ind.

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Get to the bottom of more food allergies

I can certainly sympathize with any parent who has a child that suffers from a life-threatening food allergy, and I praise the schools for making sure these kids are not put in harm's way ("Schools adjust as food allergies rise," May 27). However, I think the main issue that needs to be addressed is why there is such an increase in peanut allergies and food allergies in general.

Thirty years ago, these types of allergies were virtually unheard of and certainly not life-threatening. Could it be a result of genetically modified crops? Pesticides? Or even the processing? Will studies ever be done to find out? Probably not - too many major corporations and too many lobbyists in Washington.

Patti Gale, Villa Hills