We are Protect Geauga Parks
Thank you, Geauga Park District Director John Oros, for recognizing Protect Geauga Parks in your recent letter to the editor.
Protect Geauga Parks (PGP) was founded in 2015 as a 501(c)(4) nonprofit conservation organization. It is not, and has never been, affiliated with the Geauga Park District.
PGP was formed by a group of concerned citizens who value our parks and want to be sure they remain as natural treasures for future generations. Our mission is to promote, support and actively campaign for conservation, preservation and protection as the primary mission of our parks.
We believe that common-sense standards should be used for all decisions regarding use of park land and that any changes at our parks should be make with careful consideration and complete transparency. The natural resources protected by the parks are crucial to the environmental health of the county, including the rivers, wetlands, forests and meadows.
As a 501(c)(4) organization, we support a variety of environmental issues. We advocate for park board decisions to be made with careful consideration and complete transparency with respect for the public’s input.
We attend monthly meetings of the Geauga Park District’s Board of Commissioners.
We contact and work with public officials to express views about parks and conservation.
We advocate for good governance at the local and state level.
We endorse Geauga Park District’s operating levies.
We partner with conservation organizations such as the Ohio Environmental Council.
We educate on the value of conservation and share information about county or state conservation issues through social media.
We host “Conservation Conversations” with well-known speakers on environmental issues.
Every year, we honor “Heroes of Conservation” at a gala event and fund scholarships for local high school seniors who show a commitment to conservation and an interest in pursuing a career related to an area of one of the natural sciences.
We support protection of natural areas and naturalist-led park programs.
We work to hold public officials accountable.
We promote fiscal responsibility.
We support the wise and reasonable passive use of our park’s natural attributes for the public’s enjoyment.
We look forward to continuing PGP’s founding conservation mission.
Information about Protect Geauga Parks is available on our Facebook page and our website, https://protectgeaugaparks.us.
Barb Partington, President
Protect Geauga Parks
Out of Touch
State Rep. Steve Demetriou, of Bainbridge Township, has demonstrated just how out of touch he is with his constituents. Voters in his district rejected his Issue 1 by wide margins.
Demetriou shamelessly tried to use local church gatherings to pass Issue 1 by tying religious beliefs to government action.
His actions have no place in a democracy. It’s disappointing to see politicians elected to represent voters have agendas that don’t align with the majority of the people who hired them.
Steve and other politicians have the audacity to blatantly ignore constituents to whom they owe their jobs. Now watch as they look for another way, between now and the fall election, to derail what the majority wants.
Janet Carson
Bainbridge Township
Explain Proposed Zoning Changes
Dear Chester Township Trustees, in regard to a proposed Zoning Resolution (ZR) 22023-1 that was developed by the Zoning Commission, I have a couple of comments and some questions for you regarding the procedures to advertise a proposed amendment for a “Public Hearing.”
While you are required by the Ohio Revised Code to legally advertise a public hearing for a
proposed ZR, why isn’t there an explanation of the proposed amendment in the legal ad?
The only avenue anyone has to find out about 22023-1 is to go the township website, click on
“Departments,” look at “Zoning,” click on “Upcoming Zoning Amendments,” which will take you to “Supplementary Conditions on Variances,” then click on “22023-1 proposed” and finally you get to see it.
An example is ZR 22023-1 that is being advertised for a ZC public hearing on Aug. 16, without
any explanation of what it is. A simple “this amendment is to clarify language requested by the Geauga County Planning Commission” in section 12.025 of the Zoning Resolution Booklet would have been sufficient.
This has been brought to your attention and requested by residents numerous times, but yet you have not done it. I cannot imagine why not when it helps the public to understand.
In the future, please do the right thing and add an explanation to any proposed amendment
Pat Mula
Chester Township
Thank You, Hambden
On behalf of the entire Hambden community, we would like to extend our heartfelt gratitude to all the participants, donors and volunteers who made this year’s Annual Community Picnic an overwhelming success. Your unwavering support and dedication have truly made a difference in our close-knit town.
We were thrilled to see the incredible turnout at this year’s event, and it would not have been possible without the generous contributions of our donors. Your willingness to contribute prizes and resources has added an exciting element to the picnic, making it an event to remember for all ages.
A special shout-out goes to the Hamden Fire Department for their remarkable efforts in managing the logistics of the event. Their hard work, dedication and commitment to ensuring the safety and smooth functioning of the picnic were truly commendable. Their presence allowed all of us to enjoy the festivities with peace of mind.
The spirit of volunteerism was alive and well at this year’s picnic, and we extend our heartfelt appreciation to each and every volunteer who lent a hand. Your selfless contributions behind the scenes have not gone unnoticed, and the sense of unity and camaraderie you bring to our community is truly inspiring.
As we reflect on this year’s picnic, we are reminded once again of the incredible strength and unity of our community. We look forward to continuing to work together and build upon the successes of this year’s event in the years to come.
Thank you, Hambden, for your unwavering support, boundless enthusiasm and dedication to making our community a vibrant and thriving place to call home.
Pam Carson
Bob Kandra
Keith McClintock
Hamden Township Trustees
