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Resident praises library services, urges levy support and warns council about food‑bank cuts and grant clawbacks
Summary
A resident complimented library services and urged support for the bond, and raised concerns about possible state or federal funding cuts to food banks and veterans’ caregiver supports, and urged prudence on city projects dependent on outside grants.
Pat Carleski of 3878 Greenfield Road used the public comment period on April 22 to praise city programs and urge support for the library bond, while also warning of broader funding cuts that could affect local social services.
"Please vote for the library levy," Carleski said, praising the library’s services including free faxing and a children’s art exhibit. She also recommended residents attend upcoming local workshops on utility aggregation and fraud prevention.
Carleski told council members she was concerned about cuts to food banks and related programs that feed children, seniors and people experiencing homelessness. She urged the city to support local feeding programs and charities such as Blessings in a Backpack and the Akron‑Canton Food Bank, which serves eight counties.
She also urged caution after a recent city discussion about a clawback on an Urban Foresters grant, saying state or federal funding commitments can change and warning officials not to proceed with projects (she referenced Arlington Road) until funding is certain.
Carleski raised other concerns for older residents, including reductions in veterans’ caregiver supports and the risk of tariffs on imported pharmaceuticals she said could affect prescription costs.
She closed by urging neighbors and council to look out for isolated seniors and families and to use local resources to assist those in need.
