Letters to Editor
Extra Special Service
I just wanted to recognize three particular restaurants in the Chesterland area, not only for their food, but for an extra special service they provided for me.
I’m in a wheelchair and drive with hand controls. When I ordered takeout from two of them, they provided an extra special service by bringing the order out to the car for me. Otherwise, I would have to go through the hassle of getting the chair out of the car and wheeling myself in.
The third act, although unexpected, was greatly appreciated. Someone, from the restaurant, who saw me in the parking lot came outside to help me get the wheelchair out of the car and then helped push me into the restaurant.
All this is service I don’t expect, but given the difficulty of my situation is greatly appreciated and I think these three restaurants should receive a note of recognition and a “thank you” for their genuine care for their customers. It is an example of how simple acts can do so much for a person and in times like these, the “so muches” are greatly needed.
The three establishments are: Guido’s Pizza Haven, Chesterland Tavern and Oaks & Embers Tavern.
Dan Judy
Chester Township
Levy Deserves ‘No’ Vote
The Chardon Township additional 3-mill road levy deserves a ‘no’ vote.
Several years ago, when the two trustees that usually vote in unison were elected, Chardon Township had a sizable rainy day fund. Today, the township is in debt with outstanding loans.
Now there is a large 3-year additional road levy on the ballot.
Trustees’ handout listed six projects for the money. Other than the Robinson Road Stabilization project, there are no other estimates. The sixth listed project is preventive maintenance that should be ongoing.
While its true the existing road levy has remained at the same millage rate, the statement is misleading. The dollar amount collected increases on each renewal because of new constructions and updated property appraisals.
Sure several subdivision roads were built at the same time and are aging, but this was known and obvious. Why wasn’t money set aside?
Sure road specifications have improved, but how they were constructed and what maintenance was required was well known. The specifications are determined by the county engineer who also monitors and inspects the construction.
If the Trustees felt the construction was poor, why did they release the bid bonds?
Sure the money collected can only be used for roads and related expenses, but that does not stop diverting non encumbered money that currently goes for roads to something else.
Remember the public clearly stated they did not want to pay for a park. Trustees, after getting almost no donations, simply used about $750,000 of money the township received from not-voted resources.
Just last year another $100,000 was transferred to the park account.
Considerable money has been wasted. At least $200,000 on the nonsensical salt fiasco that was exacerbated by poor management practices in storing just about everything including bottom ash for roads.
In the height of the recession, when contractors were fighting for work, trustees did not advertise for bids for the salt storage facility (approximately $500,000 project). Bids were by word of mouth with virtually no competition. Result was only two qualified bidders that quickly dropped to one. The incomplete specifications also caused costly change orders.
These are the same trustees who gave themselves a few years ago, no deductible health care and a township-paid debt card for prescriptions.
Mike Danzig
Chardon Township
Republican Brand at Risk
An open letter to Geauga County Republicans. Your brand is at risk.
For many years, Geauga County has been a Republican stronghold. And, in most
Cases, we have been well-served by many Republican officeholders.
But with the current take over of the Republican Party by the Tea Party, that has
changed. These politicians have stacked county office boards with their
cronies whose only qualification seems to be to tow the Tea Party line.
They profess to be fiscal conservatives, yet freely spend taxpayers dollars on
outside legal counsel help to fight their cause.
The current Tea Party commissioners have already spent $32,361 in their fight against the mental health board. The removed board members, filing appeals will also require outside legal help. The costs keep climbing.
It’s time to put an end to this and get back to responsible governance of our county. That is why I’m asking with this letter for Geauga County Republicans to reach across the aisle and look at Democratic candidates for commissioner this year. If we can get these guys out of office and return our county to more sane governance, perhaps the Republican brand may remain intact.
Please vote on Nov. 8.
Mike Nolan
Chardon Township
Support McIntee
Voters in Geauga and Portage counties (District 76) have a wonderful opportunity to vote for a leader who truly listens to and represents the members of her community.
Terri McIntee believes that partnerships among individuals, local and state agencies will bring about meaningful and long-lasting improvements in the lives of individuals.
Her commitment to the collaborative process led Help Me Grow with a ”Building Bridges” initiative which broke down barriers, cemented positive relationships and promoted individualized services among diverse agencies in order to better serve our youngest children (birth-age 3) and their families.
Terri’s involvement in regional and state initiatives has brought about significant change for school-age students, parents and senior citizens across the region. She has served on numerous Ohio Department of Education and Ohio Department of Mental Health state committees.
All of her work focused on promoting the positive aspects and possibilities for all students, consumers and their families.
Terri McIntee’s collaborative approach and emphasis on building relationships among individuals, local and regional entities will break the bottleneck of inaction by elected officials.
Her priority to address the diverse needs of community members by listening and creating solutions will give energy to all who desire positive changes through positive leadership.
Linda Koren
Hinckley
