11/5/2009 - West Side Leader
     

To the editor:

On Sept. 20, 2009, Jonathan Riskind published an article in The Columbus Dispatch titled “The Afghan War.” In it, he asked the Ohio congressional delegation — both senators and all 18 House members — the following questions: “Do you think more U.S. troops are needed in Afghanistan? When will the United States know whether the mission has succeeded and U.S. troops can withdraw from Afghanistan?” He asked for replies from every delegation member and printed their replies verbatim in his article. He noted at the end of his article that “Rep. Betty Sutton, D-Akron, did not respond in time to include her comments.” I followed up with Mr. Riskind on Sept. 20 and asked if U.S. Rep. Sutton [(D-District 13)] replied at all; his reply was: “Rep. Sutton was the only member of the Ohio delegation who did not respond.” Subsequently on Sept. 21 I e-mailed Rep. Sutton and inquired “as to why she did not respond and/or understand her position on this issue.” I received an e-mail receipt acknowledgement that same morning stating that “a response will be sent shortly.” On Oct. 5 I sent a follow-up e-mail to Rep. Sutton’s office; still no reply was received.

Now more than a month has transpired; I have received no feedback from her or her office whatsoever. I am a military veteran and am extremely concerned about our nation’s approach to our effort in Afghanistan, even more so now than last month. I truly want an answer from Rep. Sutton regarding her position in this matter. I am extremely disappointed that I have had no reply whatsoever.

Dick Calta, Bath

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