ELECTION COVERAGE: Readers Share Their Opinions
Impact a Generation: YES on Issue 21
I’m asking for your support of Issue 21 on Nov 5. Passage of this bond issue will provide for the replacement of our 68-year-old high school — a facility that is woefully inadequate for the youth in our community in so many ways. It has outdated classrooms, technology, restrooms — you name it.
I graduated in 1965 and it’s the same school. Nothing has changed. How many of you have a house or business that you’ve been in for 55 years and not made major improvements?
My oldest granddaughter plays on a variety of sports teams. I attend all their games and have been to numerous schools in the surrounding areas over the last eight years. Many of these communities have new, spacious, student-friendly facilities with all the amenities.
When I return back to Chardon High School for home games, I marvel that so many other cities can build new non-state-funded schools (Kenston, Chagrin Falls, Willoughby-Eastlake, Painesville-Riverside and the list goes on). Why not Chardon? What’s different about our voters? We have lower unemployment than most and our tax rates are comparable to surrounding school districts. Could it be that we have taken for granted one of the most important institutions given to us to steward?
After 58 years of living in Chardon, I still believe it to be the finest small city in Ohio — a family-friendly community, a great place to raise our children. So why can’t we as voters support these students and their families?
As a business man, I’ve learned over the years that the greatest use of my life is to spend it on something and someone that will outlast me. I’ve had the opportunity to observe successful businessmen and many possess this same perspective. I’ve found that gratitude creates a vision for tomorrow and that greatness is not deposited in us to keep, but rather should flow through us into others.
For me, there are three keys to abundant living: caring about others, daring for others and sharing for others. I’ve always felt you’d have everything you want in life if you help others get what they need. In other words, “We make a living by what we get, but we make a life by what we give.”
We have an opportunity to provide the next generation with a valuable and enriching environment in which to grow and learn. They can’t vote but we can. We can impact a generation and carry forward a high school that will last for decades.
We owe it, not only to them, but to the community to do the right thing. Please join me in voting YES to Issue 21.
Keith J. Landies
City of Chardon
Why is Metzenbaum Renewal Levy Continuing
In response to Suzanne Kral’s letter to the editor last week, I would like to point out there are several things that go into setting the term of a renewal levy. I would also like to point out that the renewal of the Metzenbaum levy does not increase taxes.
Our primary mission is to meet the needs of the almost 1,000 clients that we serve. Our board is constantly balancing the tension between being fiscally responsible to the taxpayer while meeting the needs of individuals with developmental disabilities.
Why choose a continuing rather than a limited term levy? We did it to avoid asking for new money in 2023.
In March, when we were decided the term of the levy, our financial forecast showed us being stable into 2023. If we renewed the levy for three years, we would have needed to renew the levy in 2023. In 2023, our financial balance would be low enough that we would have had to increase the levy to cover another five years.
By asking for a continuing term on our renewal, we hope to push the request for additional funds out until 2025 or beyond. We don’t want to ask the voters for new taxes until it is absolutely needed.
We faced this same situation in 2008 when we renewed that levy to a continuing levy. We promised that we wouldn’t come back until at least 2011, but we were able to stretch that time out to 2015. We pushed the levy from a five-year coverage into an 11-year coverage.
Eventually, inflation caught up with the revenue and used up the levy balance. In 2015, we asked for the new 1-mill levy, which now needs to be renewed.
If you have any further questions or want more information, please feel free to call me at (440) 729-9406.
Don Rice, Superintendent
Geauga County Board of Developmental Disabilities
Issue 21: If Not Now, When?
Dear Chardon Parents and Voters,
Vote ‘Yes’ for the Chardon Schools’ Bond Issue 21.
A ‘Yes’ vote means we are declaring:
Yes to the future hopes of Chardon’s students.
Yes to our students’ future lives and careers.
Yes to a new, combined high school/middle school building.
Yes to the technology that modern education requires.
Yes and welcome to future Chardon City residents and businesses.
Yes to the sustained hopes of Chardon citizens for the past 25 years.
And, finally, Yes to all those citizens and voters in the past who voted ‘Yes’ to support our education.
A vote “Yes’ on Bond Issue 21 is a gift to our students and ourselves.
We know our school buildings are outdated. Right now we need to update our outdated educational infrastructure.
If not now, when?
Sheldon Firem
Hambden Township
Re-Elect Justin Madden
I have served as a Russell Township Trustee for many years and have worked with a number of different fellow trustees. I welcome the chance to support the re-election of Justin Madden this November.
Justin has been a pleasure to work with. He is open to all suggestions, does his homework on any issue before the board, is stern when needed and firm in his belief that Russell Township should continue as a restricted commercial, premier residential and green community.
As our current chairman of the board, Justin runs an efficient meeting, thoroughly covering the agenda items and allowing time for public comment at each meeting.
As an attorney, his legal knowledge is consistently astute, knowing when the board needs to reach out for legal assistance. He makes himself available when needed, even during the day, keeping the welfare of the township a high priority in his life.
Township government is the simplest form of government in the country; it is non-partisan, relies on the Ohio Revised Code for specific township law and is able to control the direction of growth by its zoning regulations.
Justin has fought and defended our zoning to keep Russell a unique place to live, where residents can enjoy their property. He has consistently supported our excellent safety forces to provide the ability to stay current and employ the best personnel around. His abilities with budget management in the face of decreased state funding, the plan for on-going township road maintenance and government grant acquisition have all been proven.
Keeping Russell Green has also taken on an additional meaning, with the conversion to all LED lighting in all township properties and our continually improving Recycling Center.
Russell Township is a great community and the need for consistency in defending the lifestyle our residents have chosen is paramount.
A vote for Justin Madden on Nov. 5 will assure that the legacy lives on.
Gary G. Gabram, Trustee
Russell Township
Retain Chester Trustees, Fiscal Officer
Attention Chester Residents:
We recently received a political flyer from Patricia Jarett who is running for Fiscal Officer of
Chester Township. Ms. Jarett stated that, if elected, she would “within 6 months convert
the current Chester Township accounting system to the UAN software created by the State
of Ohio Auditor.”
FACT: Chester Township has been successfully using the UAN software since 2005.
She also stated the she would “provide Trustees with up- to- date financial reports.”
FACT: Trustees and Department Heads are provided with financial reports monthly and/or upon
request.
Next, she states “to avoid any further penalties, pay federal and state mandated payroll obligations timely.”
FACT: Withheld payroll taxes are paid on a timely basis, specifically to avoid penalties.
Perhaps Ms. Jarrett should do her homework before making statements about procedures of
which she is not aware.
We believe we have in place a Board of Trustees and Fiscal Officer who are doing their jobs and
making decisions that show they care about the future and well-being of Chester Township.
We recommend a vote to retain Trustees Kolk and Radtke, and Fiscal Officer Craig Richter.
Gayle and Linda Gifford
Chester Township
Keep Quigley
I have a “Glen Quigley for Trustee” sign in my yard. I’ve lived in Newbury over 25 years and am thankful to have a trustee like him in office and encourage voters to keep him.
Glen has not only made Newbury his home for over 40 years, he knows why you live here. He understands firsthand what residents want, because he wants it, too. He protects our home values with solid zoning to keep aesthetics a top priority. Glen’s has experience, something we need to retain.
In the past he has championed many issues for the residents. I hope everyone remembers the way he fought hard to keep the asphalt plant out of Newbury, protecting those homes which could have been impacted negatively. Thanks to Glen, we have a park that honors our veterans, something very important to him, and should be to us all.
He understands government having been our trustee, but also Geauga County Recorder, Newbury Board of Zoning Appeals, Newbury Volunteer Fire Department Trustee & Department Officer. He knows the Sunshine Laws, Ohio Revised Code and researches all agenda items to be able to make informed decision that impact us.
It’s not enough to just show up at meetings, sit there and vote. Glen is far too often the voice of reason at these meetings and, lately, they have been volatile at times. He keeps a clear head and is thoughtful in his words and action — even when publicly threatened on social media.
Glen does far more than show up; he pours his heart and soul into his position as trustee. The takes the extra time to understand what is going on, researches grants, learns about the history of Newbury and Geauga County, always mindful of his “home.”
Keep Glen, he knows why you live here.
Kate Musick
Newbury Township
Financially Responsible Choice
I strongly support Issue 21 to build a new school for grades 6-12 in Chardon because I believe it is the proactive, financially responsible choice — one that will only strengthen our community.
A Chardon Schools education is top-notch, but our facilities are actually working against our staff and students. The classrooms don’t provide a learning environment that supports modern teaching best practices. The electrical systems can’t handle the widespread use of the latest technologies. Leaky roofs, bad plumbing and drafty or sweltering classrooms are the norm. Fire and security systems aren’t up to date. And, worst of all, each year the district is forced to divert funds from educational opportunities and resources to band-aid fixes for these outdated, energy-inefficient facilities that no longer meet the state’s minimum standards.
It is fiscally irresponsible to keep pouring money into these 60-plus-year-old buildings. The costs to maintain minimum standards in these buildings are nearly as much as the costs to build new ones — and those maintenance costs are only going to grow over time. That’s not my opinion; that’s the conclusion of the State of Ohio’s assessment of Chardon Schools.
Voting against Issue 21 is short-sighted and only delaying the inevitable, while wasting millions of dollars in the process.
A strong school system is a cornerstone to a strong, vibrant community. That’s why so many of us have decided to raise our families here. A new school for grades 6-12 in Chardon will attract new families to our area, increase our property values and ultimately help our community to thrive in ways that benefit every single resident.
Please join me on Nov. 5 in voting YES for Issue 21.
Michelle Fisher
Munson Township
Geauga Parks: Treasure Worth Investing In
Geauga County is blessed to have the exceptional Geauga Park District. Having lived in three counties in Northeast Ohio, plus California and Florida, I can attest to the fact that the Geauga Parks are by far superior to any others I’ve experienced.
There is no better way to learn about our land, solar system, waterways and creatures big and small than the hands-on programs that are offered almost daily in the 25 managed parks.
As a result, my 8-year-old granddaughter can name any bird that comes to our feeders, identify all the local butterflies and many of the insects, plus point out the visible planets and constellations. We hike, kayak, fish and even camp at the parks.
There is no better way to gain appreciation for our environment and to pass on to the next generation the need to preserve and protect it. We learn and create memories together that will be forever remembered.
Geauga Parks are a treasure worth investing in and the cost is just a few pennies a day. I encourage all Geauga voters to vote YES on the Geauga Park District levy, ballot issue 23 on Nov. 5.
Linda J. O’Brien
Russell Township
Claypool: A Statesman, Not a Politician
This letter is in support of Skip Claypool who is a candidate for Chester Township Trustee in the upcoming Nov. 5 election.
Chester Township resident Skip Claypool is a family man, a proud American and a veteran. He is a strong defender of the U.S. Constitution and not only does he talk the talk, he walks the walk.
Skip is a hard worker. He researches issues, makes sound decisions and wants the best for our community. He will look out for your tax dollars and will not bend to political pressure.
He makes tough decisions that are in the best interest of the community. He is not a politician, but a statesman.
He is financially conservative and will do everything within his power to prevent wasteful spending. I sincerely believe Skip Claypool deserves your vote on Nov. 5 for Chester Trustee.
Dal Lanese
Chester Township
Issue 21: The True Cost
I attended the Chardon High School walk-through and Q&A. I was told the cost was $15.50 per $100,000 on the true evaluation of your property. They failed to mention that it is per month not year. Who’s paying property taxes by the month?
The truth: It will cost you $186 per year for every $100,000 on the true valuation of your property, A $300,000 property = $558 additional taxes for 37 years for “phase one,” generating $77 million. Painesville built two new schools for $38 million.
Those in favor lament the horrid deterioration of the school and I was tempted to wear my hardhat to the walk-through. I found the school to be dated, not deteriorated — a shame to tear it down.
Many of those on fixed incomes would need to sell their homes since valuations have skyrocketed and this new tax burden would be the proverbial straw. The school board looks at this as just some collateral damage that their consciences easily overlook.
Truth is, the new facilities don’t improve overall school student performance, only the lives of the staff.
Joe Novak
Hambden Township
Support Future Generations of Chardon Schools
Residents of the Chardon Local School District:
We all must support our schools and the educational future of all of our children. “Thank You” for your YES vote on Issue 21. The students and staff of Chardon Schools and our wonderful community deserve the very best we can give them. It is long overdue.
Back in the day, we were the benefactors of the community supporting our schools and providing the best facilities for our education. We both experienced new buildings and classrooms, and were extremely fortunate.
All students in the Chardon school district, whether they attend the public schools, parochial schools, special education classes or schools out of the district, are transported by the
Chardon Schools Transportation Department.
Please do not let down the future generations of Chardon Schools.
Dr. Walter W. Sargent, Class of 1942
Joyce Bican Hummel Sargent, Class of 1957
City of Chardon
Re-Elect South Russell Mayor Bill Koons
In 2013, eight communities formed a Council of Governments (COG) to create a regional dispatch agency, Chagrin Valley Dispatch (CVD). Seven mayors from Chagrin Valley communities and one trustee from Chagrin Falls Township worked together to create policies, recruit new members and help guide the growth of this agency.
Mayor Bill Koons was one of the seven mayors on this council. The undersigned elected officials appreciated working with him and regarded him as a valuable asset to our team. He is honest, reliable and incredibly hard-working.
Furthermore, Mayor Koons is an impressive problem solver who is always able to address complex issues strategically and confidently. He immediately understood and supported the mission of providing our residents with excellent safety services and, at the same time, saving taxpayer dollars. He worked collaboratively and respectfully to expand and improve dispatch services.
When we started in 2013, CVD served eight communities, had a budget of $745,000, eight full-time employees and one facility. CVD now serves 31 communities, has a budget of $11,921,456 and employs 120 people at three different facilities. Nick DiCicco spearheaded this growth and was the driving force behind it. However, members of the COG, including Mayor Koons, played a significant role in this success.
We believe Mayor Koons is a talented manager and a creative leader. He is dedicated, informed and experienced. We urge you to vote to reelect Mayor Koons in November.
Kathy Mulcahy, Orange Village Mayor
Karen Schneider, Gates Mills Mayor
Eddy Kraus, Solon Mayor
Susan Renda, Moreland Hills Mayor
Leonard A. Spremulli, Village of Bentleyville Mayor
John Finley, Chagrin Falls Township Trustee
Benjamin I. Holbert III, Village of Woodmere
Supporting Chardon Schools
I have lived in the Chardon area for 28 years. My children were raised here and attended the Chardon Local Schools. Though I do not currently have children in the schools, I support Issue 21 and the plan to build a new combined High and Middle School.
The State has assessed our buildings. They concluded it was not cost-effective to renovate the buildings but better to replace. Over the years the buildings have seen repairs and maintenance. All this comes from our permanent improvement fund.
But the demands on this fund have grown due to reductions in state funding for items such as buses. The fund could never cover the costs of extensive renovation nor new buildings.
The way we educate students has changed a lot over the years. So, it makes sense that the places where they learn should change as well. Continuing to create buildings with inflexible classroom spaces for lectures does not make sense. We need to create a space where teachers can work with our students, and up-to-date teaching methods can be more effective.
Please vote FOR Issue 21 on or before Nov. 5.
Guy Wilson
Hambden Township
