ELECTION COVERAGE: Readers Share Their Opinions
Quigley Has No Conflicts
We have a dangerous situation developing in Newbury. There are three candidates running for trustee. One candidate has an arrest record for domestic violence and disorderly conduct, along with a bankruptcy and a foreclosure. Another candidate runs a business in the township and would have a serious conflict of interest if he were elected.
We already have one trustee who has been warned by the Ohio Ethics Commission that he can’t vote on or even participate in township discussions about township roads because he is employed by a contractor doing road work. That trustee never mentioned this conflict when he was running for office. One of the primary responsibilities of a township trustee is taking care of our roads. Most of Newbury’s budget is spent on township roads, so this trustee’s conflict creates a serious problem for Newbury and a burden for the other two trustees. We don’t need another trustee with a serious conflict of interest.
I’m supporting Glen Quigley for Newbury Township Trustee. Glen is retired and his full attention is on guiding Newbury. Glen doesn’t have conflicts of interest. Let’s keep Glen Quigley working for us. Please join me in voting for Glen.
Bobbi Prinkey
Newbury Township
Solid Plan for Kids, Community
One thing that people may not understand about Issue 21 — the bond issue for Chardon Schools — is that it’s not a question of whether we build a new school or do nothing. “Nothing” is simply not an option. Our buildings have been kept running to the best of our abilities and we have not neglected things by any stretch, but massive repairs are needed.
The State of Ohio has told us that renovations will cost more than 2/3 of the cost of a new building — and we would still have many problems that are inherent in the configurations and systems of a 70-year-old building:
- Roofs alone will cost millions of dollars to replace.
- Our antiquated heating system needs complete overhaul. Think about what it would cost to completely redo the heating in your home — ductwork and all.
- We cannot add air conditioning because our building lacks the electrical capacity to support updated AC.
- The building is not accessible for students with disabilities.
- We do not have enough electricity to support modern technology.
- Terrazzo floors (which are supposed to last “forever”) have cracked and been repaired in our main hallways.
These costs cannot be met by using our Permanent Improvement funds — they run into the many millions of dollars. Expenses for this kind of repair require separate funding from that used to pay running expenses such as salaries.
Construction costs are rising every year, so the project will never get less expensive — only more so. Sometimes we have to invest in something that is needed — even though it is hard — because the alternative is untenable.
Our children are our future. They deserve this investment in their education and in their futures. Our community, with input from the State, the school staff, architects and community members, has exhaustively studied this project over the last several years.
We have a solid plan that is right for our kids and our community, and we ask for your support for Issue 21.
Madelon Horvath, President
Chardon Schools Board of Education
Let’s Keep What Works!
Glen Quigley not only brings years of township knowledge and zoning experience to the table, but years of professionalism and tact.
Newbury Township does not need to elect people who seldomly or never attended a township meeting. Newbury needs a township trustee who knows what’s what.
Glen will work and fight for the township residents, as he did when he kept the asphalt plants out of Newbury as well as worked to “Save Munn Road” from a county takeover.
Newbury needs a trustee that has township knowledge and most of all, zoning experience. This is very important in order to keep our semi-rural atmosphere, safeguarding our biggest investment — our property.
Please join our family and friends by re-electing Glen Quigley as Newbury Township Trustee — the trustee of the people. Let’s keep what works!
Joanne and Bill Majeski
Newbury Township
Why So Long?
Did you happen to see a sampling of candidates and issues for the Nov. 5 ballot in the Chesterland News a few weeks back?
Did you notice the Geauga Park District wants their renewal for 20 years?
Did you also notice the revised wording on the Metzenbaum Center renewal? It reads, “…passage being sought for a continuing period of time.” Does passage mean permanent?
These highly paid bureaucrats are taking advantage of compassionate voters and expect us not to read the entire description let alone understand their true meanings. Therefore, what is the ultimate goal here? To silence any opposing vote in the future? Deny your constitutional right to vote on issues impacting your taxes? Or, to guarantee their unfettered access to your wallet?
Make no mistake. These two levies are not about the protecting the environment or helping the needy. It’s about power and control over you as a taxpayer.
What levies will the county target next?
Suzanne Kral
Chester Township
Time to Come Together, Again
The buildings in the Chardon Local School District are old, inefficient and do not provide the type of education that our students need and deserve. It is time for our community to come together and provide a new building for our students, and I believe that the Chardon community can do it.
I was the quarterback of the 1994 State Championship Football Team. I remember when members of the community came together and organized a police escort into town on our returns from state playoff games. I remember when members of the community came together to charter a bus for our travel to the state championship game. I remember when the community organized and came out for a parade around town after we won the state championship.
At that time, the Chardon community gave unbelievable support to the young people of our town. I believe that our community can come together again and do this for the young people of today and tomorrow.
I look forward to what the Chardon community can do this November. I support Issue 21.
Scott Neill
Hambden Township
Leaks, Odors: Not a Joke
I am in 12th grade at Chardon High School, and although I will not be able to experience the new school, I have high hopes for future students that they will and that it will be a chance for them to be proud of their school.
Our teachers and students deserve a better environment to teach, learn and grow. Younger students have a chance at an education in a school that meets their needs. We spend nearly seven hours a day at school, and during this time it is crucial that students can be in an environment where learning is uninterrupted.
I am sure you have heard the stories about leaks, odors, and such, but this is what teachers, students and the maintenance staff have to work with every day. For us, it is not a story or a joke, but it is our reality. We can’t let this continue to be a problem.
The time is now, and the plan is right. Supporting Issue 21 makes Chardon a place of growth, success and pride for not only its students but for the entire community.
Katarina Schultz
Munson Township
