ELECTION COVERAGE: Readers Share Their Opinions
Continuous Property Tax Levies
I have recently read levy language that is important for all taxpayers to understand. The terms used to describe some property tax levies appearing on the November ballot are worthwhile to recognize. Property tax levies must state the millage (the tax rate to be charged) and the period of time over which the tax will be collected.
If a tax levy on the ballot uses the phrases “continuing period of time,” “CPT” or “continuous”, that means that the tax levy has no expiration date. When you see this language, you are voting for a property tax that will be collected forever. In this way, voters relinquish their right to hold the political subdivision accountable in the future. It’s a lazy way for the taxing subdivision to get property taxes from the voters.
It is becoming a trend for political subdivisions to add “continuous” terms. There will be several “continuous” levies on the November ballot. We must be alert and diligent in protecting our resources and rights.
I recommend that taxpayers not give up their right to future votes on property tax levies.
Please read the levies carefully and vote no on all levies that are for a “continuing period of time.”
Tom Niewulis
Claridon Township
Quigley a Tireless Worker for Newbury
As a former Newbury trustee, I had the wonderful opportunity to work with many talented and dedicated individuals handling the business of the township and solving problems for residents.
Public service takes time, lots of time and dedication. It also takes the type of maturity that Glen Quigley has in spades.
Glen has always been focused on delivering the correct decisions for Newbury without reservation as to how much time it took to study the issue, talk with residents, create solutions or even alternative solutions.
That’s how our new Veteran’s Park came to be. Glen often shared his dream of creating the Veterans Park to honor veterans and provide a central place for us to gather. Many of us understood the difficulty of such a project. Glen conceptualized it and got it done for the township. He did it by applying for grants and convincing others to be generous.
Glen will tell you that he was just one among many who helped create the park, but we all know that it was Glen Quigley who shared his vision convincing us it could be done, sharing his talent and then spending endless hours on the project.
Glen Quigley deserves to be re-elected. He is a tireless worker for Newbury and I strongly recommend that you vote for Glen as Newbury trustee.
Newbury is fortunate to have such a dedicated individual like Glen and Newbury’s future will be brighter if he continues as a Newbury trustee.
Jan Blair
Newbury Township
Democrat Defection
We have a Democrat defection: Matthew Rambo.
On Oct. 7, he cancelled his (Democrat) voter registration, immediately re-registered and filed for a run at the juvenile/probate court as a Republican, challenging sitting Republican Judge Timothy Grendell.
The tactic of infiltrating the Republican Party and infecting it with Democrat philosophies is reprehensible. Hopefully there’s no welcome mat placed by the leadership of the Republican Party again, as when now RINO Jim Dvorak jumped ship and challenged Commissioner Skip Claypool in the 2018 primary.
One would think Republican leadership would be wise to this transparent scheme, but that assumes they oppose such behavior. I don’t know what they think, but they should be aware that the eyes of all Republicans are directly upon them as again, one of our incumbents comes under infiltrator attack.
They better not pave the way for Rambo the way they did for Dvorak, who frequently abstains from votes. I suppose this is because he lacks experience to pass an intelligent judgement on some of these really difficult matters that come before him, other than voting against Claypool for mental health board. There was a huge mistake given Claypool’s investigative bulldog performance at the recent commissioner-board meeting. We know that was an easy vote for Mr. Abstainer.
Rambo is high on experience as a reason why a judicial candidate should be elected. Odd thing though, he has no experience in or before a juvenile or probate court. This contrasts with Judge Grendell’s record of excellence throughout his entire career: President, OH Association of Juvenile Court Judges; VP OH Association of Probate Judges; elected to National College of Probate Judges Board. No other Geauga judge has achieved such recognition of excellence.
Attorney Rambo and Republican leaders, all eyes are upon you now. Let’s see how both sets of experience play out as events unfold.
James R. MacNeal
Troy Township
Time is Now. Plan is Right
What’s in a school? Students. Teachers. Staff. Textbooks. Lab Equipment. Technology. All necessary components that make a school a school. Perhaps the better question is, “What is a school in?” The answer: A community.
As the former superintendent of the Ledgemont Local School District, I understand too well the importance of community and the outcome of a once proud school district that did not receive the support it needed to stay viable. Friendships were lost. Families were strained. All in part because the community at large was unable or unwilling to support its strongest bond: its school.
For Ledgemont, this lack of support did not occur overnight. It lingered and waned for years, even decades. To some degree, the community historically did not support its school. The list of levy failures shows that, as well as the fact in its last throes, Ledgemont was taken over by the state fiscally.
The entire staff of the Chardon Schools are committed to providing the best education for the district’s students with limited funds. They are passionate about improving education and learning opportunities for kids.
Personally and professionally, my goal has always been to educate children in a supportive, kind, loving environment where they are able to express themselves, dream for the future and learn about the world, their community and themselves. Having two children in the district, I can attest that all of the teachers, support staff and administrators strive and work hard to provide as many programs and opportunities as possible, despite the limited funds available to them.
To the community of Chardon: Our school facilities do not meet the needs of today’s teaching methods. The State of Ohio has determined that replacement is more cost-effective than renovation. A dedicated committee worked to ensure that this plan meets the needs of the children and community. It is important that everyone works together to ensure that Chardon stays a strong and viable school district.
Support and strengthen your school, the lifeblood of your community today. Support Issue 21. The time is now. The plan is right.
Julie Ramos
Concord Township
Vote Yes for Parks
Would you invest in land that protected your property value, helped keep your drinking water clean and provided the oxygen you breathe? And all this at no more cost than you are currently paying?
It gets better. You also can to use the land for picnics and family parties. You can take advantage of fun nature programs available at no cost for everyone from toddlers to seniors, provided by an incredible group of naturalist and staff.
Whether you are an ardent hiker, horseback rider or you just want to sit in a beautiful quiet space and eat your lunch, Geauga Parks are a treasure that belongs to all of us. Park administrations come and go, but this 20-year reduced renewal levy helps to ensure that a baby born this year will be able to enjoy the benefits of the Geauga Parks throughout her/his entire childhood.
Protect Geauga Parks continues its mission to Conserve, Preserve and Protect our parks. We understand the value of Geauga parks, both now and into the future.
The trustees of Protect Geauga Parks strongly support the passage of Issue 23.
Vote yes for parks!
Kathryn Hanratty
On Behalf of Protect Geauga Parks
Chardon Township
Support 4 Berkshire
On Nov. 5 we’re voting for the team of Bryan Wadsworth, Mary Goff Hipp, Linda Stone and Jody Busby Miller for the Berkshire Local Board of Education, and we’re respectfully asking other Berkshire voters to do so, too.
All four of the candidates have been active in our schools for years, with Bryan and Jody presently serving on the board of education. We appreciate how all four have been willing to give of their time and energy on various levy committees, the elementary PTO and the Berkshire Booster Club.
Linda is even a retired Berkshire teacher. They have shown time and time again that they are willing to do the work that has to be done if we want great things for our kids.
They also understand the PRIME Initiative and its tie into project-based learning and the construction of the new all-grade school that was recently approved by Berkshire voters.
The transition for the students and staff to this new school is so important and Bryan, Mary, Linda and Jody want to help make that transition as smooth and positive as possible. Their aligned vision, working towards academic excellence while being fiscally responsible, is something we all can get behind.
So please join us on Nov. 5 and vote for Bryan Wadsworth, Mary Goff Hipp, Linda Stone and Jody Busby Miller for Berkshire Local Board of Education.
Ellen and Mark Edeburn
Burton Village
Voters Rejected Claypool
I am writing to express my opinion in the Chester Township trustee race between Walter Claypool and Frank Kolk. For the record, I do not know Mr. Kolk personally, whereas Mr. Claypool is my neighbor.
I first decided that I could never support Mr. Claypool for any public office when he flew the Tea Party flag above the American flag in front of his home. The way I was raised, in this country, no flag flies above the U.S. flag.
Moreover, I cannot understand why we should vote for Walter Claypool when he was rejected in the Republican primary for the seat he held as a county commissioner. When an incumbent loses a primary to a challenger in his own party, that tells us something.
By all reports, as a county commissioner, Mr. Claypool was confrontational in public meetings. Not only is this unbecoming of a public official, but it is certainly not the way to accomplish anything positive.
Good government should serve the people, not the ego. For these reasons, I will be voting for Mr. Kolk. I urge Chester voters to do the same.
Rosemary Macedonio
Chester Township
Why did Petruziello, Claypool Lose
Before voting in the upcoming general election on Nov. 5, ask yourself these questions:
After serving four years as a Chester Township Trustee why did Mike Petruziello lose his re-election for Chester Township Trustee in 2017?
After serving four years as a Geauga County Commissioner, why did Walter “Skip” Claypool lose his Republican primary re-election for Geauga County Commissioner in 2018?
In June of 2019, Mr. Claypool announced he was going to run for the Ohio Senate 18th District seat in 2020. In the meantime, he is running for Chester Township Trustee.
Chester Township does not need career politicians who will just run to get into office.
The League of Women Voters has scheduled a candidates’ night in Chester Township on Tuesday, Oct. 22 at 7 p.m. at West Geauga High School. Plan to attend and take the time to find out “why” before going to the polls.
Pat Mula
Chester Township
Time for Change in Chester
I witnessed Chester Township trustees meeting of Oct. 10 that was astounding, not because it was well run and handled professionally. Several motions weren’t correctly written, one motion was pushed through without any reason for its rush except Radtke’s political agenda.
This isn’t the first meeting I’ve witnessed from the current elected officials like this. The elected officials on the ballot are Ken Radtke and Craig Richter running for re-election, and Frank Kolk running for election as he was appointed. Their gross lack of knowledge of township government; their disregard for following the township’s policy manual; the lack of professionalism; bullying residents; the errors meeting after meeting; and the worse thing is their lack of transparency. Examples: Richter updates the Ohio Checkbook once per year; they get frustrated during meeting when residents want clarifications; they will just cut the residents off and say we don’t have to answer that.
There’s been a question of how Kolk’s wife earned and was paid eight hours of vacation in her first paycheck as assistant to the fiscal officer. Even though it’s been asked several times, there’s been no answer.
This is the second time Richter got a job for a friend at the township. He led elected officials in creating a full-time position for part-time secretary because she was in need of benefits. Now it was for his neighbor, Kolk, where he pushed to get Kolk’s wife hired as his assistant. He neglected his prior assistant, very dedicated 13-year employee, great at her job and at anything that was asked of her.
Kolk’s wife makes $4,022 more, gets preferential treatment on vacation time and more benefits. There were 39 applicants and we have no idea of how Kolk was picked. That’s not transparency.
Radtke is governing our township for his own political gain. Radtke, per his words to me, hates Judge Grendell. At Rep. Diane Grendell’s fundraiser, Ken was like Judge Grendell’s best friend. How can he be two-faced. Radtke is not the same person that we elected eight years ago. It’s time for him to go.
Karen M. N. Austin
Chester Township
Keep Berkshire Great
The Berkshire Schools community has been fortunate over the years with the supporting of our school district. Local businesses, families, elected officials, school administrators, faculty and staff continue to make Berkshire Schools a leader in the state.
We were the first school district to pass an income tax levy instead of a property tax in Northeast Ohio. We also were the leaders by providing a permanent improvement levy to maintain our facilities.
We have been a leader in providing educational opportunities to more kids in Geauga County, as witnessed by our merger with Thompson and Montville townships to include more students within our district.
Now we are one of the first school districts to transition to a project-based learning model.
We also passed the largest levy in our school’s history to build a new state-of-the-art K-12 campus.
Berkshire Schools was the first district to implement a joint venture with Kent State University and various businesses to complement our academic programs as well as providing a quality future work force. The district was also the first school system within the State of Ohio to use USDA for bond funding for our new campus. This saved our taxpayers millions of dollars.
All of these accomplishments are the result of quality people working together with common goals and harmony.
I am proud to be a business owner, a resident and a graduate of the Berkshire Schools. Our children are also graduates of Berkshire. Now it is time to prepare for our grandchildren’s quality education. Therefore, I am endorsing whole heartedly Bryan Wadsworth, Linda Stone, Mary Hipp and Jody Miller for Berkshire school board.
All of these candidates are highly qualified to serve on our school board. I ask that you join with me supporting these qualified candidates for Berkshire school board as we work to continue to be a leader for quality education within the Berkshire communities.
Jerry Hiscox
Burton Township
Right Team at Right Time
After the Berkshire Community overwhelmingly passed the levy for the new K-12 facility on the Kent State Geauga campus, the physical realization of that dream has finally started. The site is being prepared and the building design is being finalized.
But, there still is a lot of work to be done. The next three years will require a board with a common vision that will work closely together with the administration and staff to complete this project on time and within budget to make Berkshire one of the premier school districts in the State of Ohio.
I feel that the board candidates Bryan Wadsworth, Jody Miller, Linda Stone and Mary Goff Hipp, along with the proven leadership of John Manfriedi, are the team that can work together to accomplish those goals.
Please support Bryan Wadsworth, Jody Miller, Linda Stone and Mary Goff Hipp on Nov. 5. The right team at the right time.
Lee D Imhof
Troy Township
Keep Chester Moving Forward
I had the privilege of serving as your trustee for almost a year and a half. I experienced firsthand how negative, rude, demanding and just plain evil people can be. Unfortunately, those type of people exist in Chester and made it nearly impossible for me to continue doing what I felt was best for the township.
Now that election time is right around the corner, that same type of behavior is on display. The petty and condescending, negative propaganda is being circulated in mailers, social media and community information groups.
Some people will do or say anything to make someone look bad or give their favored candidate or themselves the superior “smarter than you” image.
I would ask you all to please do your homework, get the facts and seek the rest of the story before casting your votes.
I will be voting to keep Chester moving forward and maintaining the levels of service that we as residents need and deserve. Please join me in supporting OUR Township Police and Road Departments, along with retaining Ken Radtke, Frank Kolk and Craig Richter as our elected officials this November.
Bob Rogish
Chester Township
Misinformation in Chester
I would like to address some misinformation contained in political mailers from my opposition that you may have received. First, there is a claim that the fiscal office is not using the Uniform Accounting Software (UAN) that was created by the State of Ohio Auditor. This is not true. In fact, we have been using the UAN software since May of 2004.
Prior to taking office, the budget that was presented to me was kept on a year-by-year basis. This did not allow for a historical look at expenses or a future forecast needed for better management of finances. I gathered records from various sources and created a spreadsheet that now has the township budget information from 2008 and estimates the next five years. This was done in order to help both the elected officials and department heads better manage the township.
The second claim is that currently the township trustees are not receiving up-to-date financial reports at the regularly scheduled meetings. This is deliberately misleading. The UAN system tracks all revenue and expenses, and has a number of financial reports that are provided to the trustees and department heads biweekly. I have found that providing these reports prior to the meeting — instead of at it — gives everyone time to properly prepare for the township meetings, so that they can be as productive as possible.
In addition, the fiscal office works directly with the trustees and department heads to determine any financial needs on a daily basis.
Third, I would like to reiterate that the required filings, payroll and informational returns are approved by the trustees and filed in a timely manner. I have developed procedures and controls that have been reviewed with the state auditor and the trustees to safeguard the township assets.
All checks and electronic transfers that are created by the assistant fiscal officer are reviewed by and signed by the fiscal officer and two trustees.
As far as general claim of a lack of transparency and accountable, the township financials have been put on the State of Ohio Checkbook since 2013. I have reduced the turnaround time of public records requests, which includes financial information to anyone who requests it.
I am in the office every night and weekend, so if you like to know more about your township finances, please feel free to stop by.
I take the position as fiscal officer and the protection of your tax dollars very seriously and hope I have your support on Nov. 5.
Craig Richter, Fiscal Officer
Chester Township
Answer to Don Rice on Issue 24
I read in earnest the letter to the editor from Don Rice concerning why everyone should vote for a renewal levy for Metzenbaum.
In paragraph 1 he states, “I would also like to point out that the renewal of the Metzenbaum levy does not increase taxes.” I talked to Mr. Rice at one of the ESC meetings since he, too, is a resident of Newbury. I talked specifically about a renewal of a 1.3-mill levy for Newbury Schools and he said that asking for a renewal is asking for tax money that the people of Newbury don’t have.
Funny how they only have the money for his school, but not our local school. I think maybe he is right, we should not ask the people of Newbury for money they don’t have. Therefore, everyone should vote NO on Issue 24.
You can spin it any way you like but, in the end, you are paying taxes and everyone here wants a tax break. Therefore, you can get a real tax break by voting NO on renewal levies like Issue 24.
Phil Paradise Jr.
Newbury Township
Re-elect Justin Madden as Russell Trustee
Since being appointed as fiscal officer in 2018, I have had the pleasure of working closely with Trustee Justin Madden on numerous matters – large and small — and I urge voters to re-elect Justin Madden on Nov. 5.
First and foremost, I have found Trustee Madden to be honest and true to his commitment to transparency. Not only his insistence on open meetings by all Russell Township entities, but also his availability to our residents regarding specific issues, problems, questions or comments.
This extends to his spirit of cooperation with the other elected officials in the township. In his capacity as chairman of the Board of Trustees and one of three elected trustees, I have observed both Trustee Madden’s passion about issues for which he cares deeply (local control of Parks, protecting our zoning, fiscal responsibility) as well as his openness to respectful dialog of opposing views with his fellow trustees.
In my experience, a township form of government works best not because everyone agrees, but when everyone feels they have a voice. In Trustee Madden, our residents can be confident that all views are considered.
Russell Township also benefits from Trustee Madden’s collaborative management style, in which he seeks recommendations of our experienced department heads, as well as guidance, when necessary, from our township’s legal counsel. In this way, Trustee Madden looks at the “whole picture,” so as to not only understand and comply with the requirements of law, but also to understand the operational aspects associated with implementation.
It takes a lot of effort to fulfill our resident’s desire to “keep the character and nature of Russell the way it is.” As the world and our communities evolve, change is inevitable. With Trustee Madden’s support, Russell Township has adopted a five-year planning and budgeting process, which not only ensures that Russell Township remains in sound financial condition, but that our important assets, history and zoning that make up the fabric of our special community are preserved and protected.
As a practicing attorney, Russell Township benefits from Trustee Madden’s experience in legal matters. But as Russell’s fiscal officer, I can also attest to his dedication to ensuring that the approximately 20 cents of every tax dollar that funds our township government is spent responsibly. I urge all Geauga County residents to exercise their right and privilege to vote, and I urge Russell Township voters to re- elect Trustee Justin Madden.
Karen Walder
Fiscal Officer, Russell Township
Keep Chardon Chardon
Mrs. Deb (nee Lehmann) Chuha is running for re-election to Chardon City Council. She is Chardon born and bred – a lifelong resident, a mother and grandmother. Deb is aware of the importance of local history and places, and well knows what the monthly water and sewer bills mean to a Chardon family.
Deb consults with local residents and business owners to discuss upcoming issues before council, and with that critical input, forms her vote. She is truly a voice of the people in council.
As Chardon continues to grow and change, improvements are many, including things like single-hauler trash disposal, road repair and sidewalk installation. At Chardon City Council, we have an ally in investigating funding options to keep costs to a minimum and delivering citizen input, tempered with our remarkable history.
Keep our voice for the people. Re-elect Deb Chuha.
Dennis Killeen
City of Chardon
No on Issue 21
I’m a concerned resident living in Chardon. I’d love for it to be addressed that the superintendent has perks like a car, credit card, taking 1.5-mile runs during school hours, paying his continued education credits and sending him on trips.
Last Thursday, a 9-year-old son walked home from CMS. The bus driver didn’t know and the school didn’t know. Negligent in so many ways.
The Friday before the substitute driver flew past my house, refused to turn around and my son was second stop. He was hysterical. Both the school and the driver tried to blame it on my son, who is an excellent student but has bronchial asthma, had a seizure in kindergarten and ADHD.
The driver told him he couldn’t hear. If you can’t hear, you shouldn’t be driving a school bus.
The superintendent is snooping around on my private Facebook page during school hours. It’s absolutely ridiculous.
I will be voting no on Issue 21.
Kristy Filla
City of Chardon
Devoted to Chester Township
I am responding to Gayle and Linda Gifford’s letter to the editor Oct. 10, 2019, regarding my candidacy for Chester Township Fiscal Officer. My name is Patricia Jarrett and I am a Certified Public Accountant.
First of all, the correct spelling of my name is J-A-R-R-E-T-T. Patricia Jarrett, CPA.
FACT: Since 2005? Why where concerns expressed by the Geauga County Auditor Walder at the 2020 budget meeting with county officials over the use of an Excel spreadsheet instead of the UAN Software for the Chester Township budget? Mr. Richter responded that with the hiring of his new assistant he would be using the UAN accounting system within a year.
If I am elected fiscal officer, I will within six months be using the UAN software created by the State of Ohio Auditor.
FACT: Since retiring, I become involved with our community and have regularly attended meetings and reviewed plenty online and have yet to see proper financial reports submitted to trustees.
On the State of Ohio Auditor’s website, it says that if using the UAN software the fiscal officer should on a monthly basis present the following to the trustees: appropriation, revenue and fund reports, investment journal, fund statues, bank reconciliation, payroll summary, warrant summary and anything else they would like to see.
If I am elected fiscal officer, I will be presenting these recommended financial statements to the trustees on a monthly basis. The trustees need solid financial information to be able to make good decisions for our township.
My concerns over these issues and others is the reason I decided to run for Chester Township Fiscal Officer. I am a very hard worker and I care about Chester Township. I am a retired CPA and willing to devote the time needed to do the best job I can possible do for the residents of Chester Township.
Patricia Jarrett, CPA
Candidate for Chester Township Fiscal Officer
Re-Elect Chuck Strazinsky
We write this to encourage you to cast your vote to re-elect Chuck Strazinsky as our Chardon Township Trustee.
Chuck along with Mike Brown and Tim McKenna bring professionalism to their work as trustees. Chuck has built a collegial rapport and works cooperatively with the other trustees to address the needs of our township. We can attest to his dedication to public service, his integrity and his understanding of the importance of protecting the proper use of taxpayer dollars to maximize services to our township.
We would be remiss if we didn’t mention that Mr. Stazinsky’s opponent has spent little time attending trustees meetings since he lost his last attempt at being elected. We have been present at many meetings since that time and his opponent has not been in attendance. We need an elected official that is willing to be continually informed and committed to our township, not just showing up when he wants our votes.
Chardon Township is in good hands with the trustees that are currently serving. Re-electing Chuck Strazinsky will help ensure that Chardon Township continues to be a great place to live.
Tim and Sandy Smith
Chardon Township
Love Geauga Parks
I am writing to give my wholehearted endorsement to Issue 23 on the ballot Nov. 5 and to encourage others to check out the “Case for Support” and do so, too.
I love our Geauga Park District. Headwaters Park is my happy place. I take my kayak, my cup of coffee, and go sit by a campfire for an afternoon. The moment I slip that kayak into the water, everything settles out. It’s one of my best thinking places, one of my best praying places and I didn’t have to travel hours to get there.
I have made use of the parks since my children were little, over 38 years now. In those years, I have seen the parks stewarded well. Everything has been done in keeping with the idea of conserving, managing and using the property to the benefit of our communities with an eye to future generations.
The properties are so well maintained. Everything that I have seen added over the years, from lodges to bike trails, fits in beautifully with the natural habitat. It has been done with excellence.
Geauga Park District is asking us to approve renewing an existing 1-mill levy with a renewed and decreased 0.9-mill levy. That’s about $22 a year for the owner of a $100,000 home. Talk about a return on investment. Where else are you going to find a bargain like that?
Year-round free family activities, lodges and shelters, kayaks, educational programs for all ages, and miles of beautiful hiking and biking trails and much, much more. I am more than happy to vote yes and contribute a few of my tax dollars toward our Geauga Park District’s ongoing upkeep, care and preservation. I consider it a blessing to have this resource in my backyard.
Jenny Jerman
Troy Township
Retain Justin Madden as Russell Trustee
I had the pleasure of working with Justin Madden for five years at Russell Township and found him easy to work with, dedicated to maintaining large lot zoning and open to considering new ideas and better approaches in response to township challenges.
Justin’s leadership as chair of the Board of Trustees contributed significantly to the township’s saving of over $1 million in operation and maintenance expenses from 2013-2018. His initiatives included merging the township maintenance department into the road department, outsourcing the township landscaping work and improving the township town hall, cemetery and administration buildings.
While many townships are just now reacting to the reduction of local government funding and the loss of estate tax, Justin recognized the need early on to move each township department’s budget to become self-sufficient.
Please retain Justin Madden as Russell Township Trustee.
Charles E. Walder
Russell Township
Chardon Needs Your Vote
To all registered voters residing in the Chardon Local School District, I am the mother of four children and I choose to live in Chardon because of the reputation of the local schools. Our youngest is now a senior; we have a child in graduate school and two in undergrad working their way towards bachelor’s degrees.
With four active children, we have traveled all around northeastern Ohio for tennis matches, swim meets and basketball and baseball games, not to mention the travel programs outside of Chardon Local Schools. Our community needs your vote.
Being a graduate of the Leadership Geauga Class of 2019, I toured our county learning about education, businesses, technology, etc. We are not in the 20th century anymore. The world is changing; jobs are changing; education is changing.
I saw our country rally after 9/11. I saw our community rally after 2/27. I see our teachers, administrators, coaches, parents and community members rallying for a positive turnout on Nov. 5.
We are at an inflection point. The time is now. The plan is right.
Voting yes for Issue 21 is a yes vote for our entire community.
Jen Scerbo
Munson Township
Outdated Facilities
Chardon High School continually produces well-rounded students who enter the next stage of their life well prepared for the world around them. They keep the strong knit Chardon community with them as they continue in the world.
However, as the students and teachers advance at Chardon High School, the building does not. The building has deteriorated as weather and age take its toll on these halls.
Chardon students reach high for their dreams, however, that doesn’t mean there should be no ceiling tiles within the classrooms.
Chardon students enter new worlds around them, however, that doesn’t mean that the world should be growing within these classrooms in the forms of weeds.
Chardon students take risks and excel, however, that doesn’t mean there should be risks within the school in the form of water dripping from the ceilings.
Chardon students have learned to adapt to their surroundings, they know how to flourish despite their location, but that doesn’t mean it is the standard. The state of the high school simply put is outdated and crippling. It does not meet the standards of the flourishing students within.
Kaylie Malloy, CHS Senior
City of Chardon
