Letters to Editor
Embrace Change
Change is difficult and some respond to change with hysteria. I believe that is what is behind the letter to the editor written by Rob Allen.
Mr. Allen is upset the Geauga County Commissioners voted not to give $2,500 of taxpayer money to Geauga Growth Partnership. The commissioners reasoned the GGP is a wonderful organization, but that giving funds to one organization that represents 127 of the 1,700 Geauga County businesses put the commissioners in the position of giving preference to some businesses over others. I believe this is called “crony capitalism,” the charge Mr. Allen made in his letter.
Mr. Allen, Commissioner Claypool and Commissioner Spidaleri were elected by a bipartisan majority of Geaugans who responded to their message of fiscal responsibility and limited government. They are doing what the voters wanted. Don’t be afraid of change, Mr. Allen, embrace it.
As to the Geauga County Tea Party, if you had ever attended a meeting you would find honest, hardworking Geaugans who are tired of the wasteful spending of taxpayer money and are worried that unelected bureaucrats are making the laws.
Mr. Allen, are you aware of the rules and regulations that will affect our county coming from NOACA, the Ohio EPA (septic tank regulations) and the Ohio Board of Education regarding Common Core and the PARCC assessments? These are the issues discussed at Tea Party meetings. We invite speakers who have information on these issues; we support candidates who mirror our views; we do not attack people who disagree, we welcome their input.
Members of the Tea Party worked hard supporting all GOP candidates. We put out signs. We worked at the fair. We did mail drops. We attend commissioners meetings and other local township meetings, and we manned the GOP headquarters.
Many of our members are involved in local township government. We are now sponsoring a summer Liberty Camp for children in grades 1-6 to learn about our Founding Fathers and the Constitution. We invite all who love Liberty to come to our Fiddle for Freedom concert on May 3 at Word of Grace Church to help fund this camp.
Yes, Mr. Allen, change is hard. Join us in changing things to improve our county. This is what we are about.
Elsie Tarczy, Secy.
Geauga County Tea Party
Commitment to Conservation
A commitment to conservation should not be a political issue. The protection of our land and water has been a rare area of public consensus for many years. Even the most acquisitive of politicians don’t come out and declare they want to tear down the forests and develop them for profit. They know that to do that outright would be met with strong and swift opposition by voters of both parties.
So instead, they couch such desires in language more palatable to the public. They wrap themselves in the flag and say that sacrifices have to be made for progress, jobs, energy independence or, recently, they claim that too much land is being preserved and it should be made available for other uses, framing all who question these land grabbing ways as unreasonable elitists.
Unfortunately, these platitudes and lies are often swallowed without question because our lives are so busy and it is so hard to find time to parse out the facts. Besides, who wants to risk being called a disrespectful elitist?
Our public preserved lands are at risk at the federal, state and local level. The time has come for all of us to push back the fog of apathy and the fear of retaliation.
It is not unreasonable to want our public land to be preserved for the future. It is not elitist to understand that wild and untrammeled places are necessary in ways that we don’t fully comprehend.
Believing when the people vote for a levy it should be collected and used for the good of the resource is the opposite of elitism. Speaking out against shoddy practices and cronyism that undermine the very purpose of our parks is our duty and right, as citizens, not disrespect.
If you agree, join us: ProtectGeauga Parks.us
Kathryn Hanratty
Chardon Township
Target of Smear Campaigns
Responding to Rob Allen’s letter to the editor of April 9. Allen’s diatribe exactly fits the definition of “libel,” which is defined as “the act of publishing a false statement that causes people to have a bad opinion of someone.”
In his words, Allen besmirches the names of elected officials, Judge Tim Grendell and Geauga County Commis-sioner Skip Claypool, with unfounded accusations. He doesn’t stop there. He characterizes a couple of dedicated Geauga citizens as being uninformed dupes ignorant of the sinister agenda he imagines. Tom and Diane Jones are inarguably among the most informed and involved citizens in Geauga.
The Geauga commissioners’ decision withdraw funding from the Geauga Growth Partnership was a wise one and should be commended as responsible government. As laudable as the work of the GGP is, to continue funding a venture that benefits only 7 percent of the existing 1,700 businesses in Geauga would have been a stark example of the cronyism delusion Allen sees in the decision.
The grassroots Tea Party movement is seen as a threat to the entrenched political parties, Republicans and Democrats alike, and thus is the continual target of smear campaigns and misrepresentation of its ideals.
American politics is burdened by big money from lobbyists and special interests with an undue influence on the people’s representatives. Americans should ask the question made famous by TV shrink Dr. Phil, “How’s that working out for you?” Are you satisfied with the direction politicians are moving America?
The Geauga County Tea Party defends “Faith, Family and Freedom.” We recognize the U.S. Constitution as the supreme law of the land and believe it must be adhered to without exception at all levels of government. This includes the Bill of Rights and other amendments to the U.S. Constitution, and their provisions designed to protect states’ rights and individual liberties.
It would be enlightening to learn, as an elected member of the Geauga Republican Central Committee, which of the Tea Party goals Allen disagrees with. We are a peaceful movement. We respect other’s opinions and views, even though they do not agree with our own.
We stand by the Tea Party beliefs and goals, and choose to focus our energies on ensuring our government representatives do the same.
To find more about who we are, please visit our website by Googling “Geauga County Tea Party” or attending one of our monthly meetings or special events.
Finally, Allen should be cautious about whose tactics he is employing when defaming other hardworking Americans concerned about the country we will leave for our children and grandchildren. Saul Alinski, in his book “Rules for Radicals” that was dedicated to Lucifer (satan) in Rule #5 states, “Ridicule is man’s most potent weapon.” There is no defense. It’s irrational. It’s infuriating. It also works as a key pressure point to force the enemy into concessions.
Should an elected Republican official be using Alinski’s Rules in civil discourse?
Denver Sallee
Russell Township
Open Letter to City Council
Rather than use up your valuable time in last week’s council meeting, I am sending you my prepared notes which you can review at leisure (and don’t need to put in the minutes).
I came to Chardon in 1988 and spent almost a year and a large amount of capital to renovate the Odd Fellows’ Hall, which was then the worst building on Main Street.
At the time, I didn’t even know what the letters IOOF meant, so during that year I also studied Chardon history and, for the past 27 years, while working, have enjoyed my spectacular view of Chardon Square, our park.
Your “Heritage House” project fits under, “If it’s not broke, don’t fix it.” If you want to fix things, take a walk — not a drive — down Cherry Avenue; it’s shocking and could really use some kind of urban development grant money. Likewise for parts of Washington Street.
There are and have been vacant store fronts on Main Street — most alarming — and should be a fix-it priority.
I have talked with most members of council this week. Some genuinely feel the” Heritage House” project will improve the Square. News Flash: The Square doesn’t need improving, unless you consider a renovation of the existing log cabin.
You should walk the Square; pace off the huge footprint that you will plant on our green space. As for me, having come to love the Square, I will continue to do what I can to prevent this atrocity. My nightmare is the image of a Cracker Barrel restaurant on the Square.
In February, council voted, with one “no” vote, to go full speed ahead with the then “rest stop” design. At that point, I really wondered if council “got it.”
Then, a tornado of public opinion hit, resulting in someone’s order for a complete redesign, which hasn’t as yet been approved by council. Mrs. McArthur told me it wasn’t necessary, which I find very strange. Doesn’t a project of this magnitude and huge ramifications need to have council approval?
Oh, and, if you check, the people on social media continue to speak to you.
So, even if you went with the flow and voted “yes” in February, there’s no reason you can’t vote “no” today. Just make a motion. It’s not too late. Listen to the people.
Save the park.
Save history.
Save the log cabin.
Dennis Killeen
Chardon
Issue 2 Makes Cents
Due to Kenston school district’s experience in demonstrating fiscal responsibility, I will vote yes on It’ssue 2 on May 5 and urge others to do the same.
The combination of the operating levy (4.0 mil) for operating expenses and a bond issue (0.7 mil) for capital projects shows me that Kenston is balancing the need to maintain what they have while replacing those infrastructure systems that have exceeded their lifecycle (thus more costly to maintain).
The homepage at KenstonLocal.Org has a breakdown on the specific expenditures.
Kenston’s 2005 operating levy was only expected to last three to five years, but through cost reductions and leveraging additional grant money ($3 million) they maximized it to a full 10 years.
Taxes that homeowners currently pay for a portion of the capital projects is dropping off, so the bond issue (0.7 mil) is no additional tax burden. Combining the operating levy with the bond for capital projects (total of 4.7 mil) is cost effective and shows fiscal responsibility. It equates to an annual investment of $210 for a home with a market value of $150,000.
This is good news for all property owners within the district, because the property value benefits we receive from a good school system will far exceed these invested dollars.
Vote Yes for It’ssue 2 because it just makes cents.
Jeffrey Lechak
Auburn Township
Preserve West G Excellence
On Tuesday, May 5, you have the opportunity to vote on the West Geauga Schools’ Emergency Renewal Levy.
This $2.35 million emergency levy is a renewal levy, which means no new taxes. I urge you to get out and vote yes to preserve the excellence that West Geauga Schools has offered our children for so many years.
We live in an outstanding school district. Did you know that West Geauga Schools outrank over 90 percent of the schools in Ohio and that nearly 90 percent of West Geauga graduates pursue higher education?
In 2013, WGHS was named a National Blue Ribbon School and, in 2014, a Green Ribbon School. And, these are only a few of the accolades that West G Schools have earned over the years. It is clear that our schools and the students within them are doing great things.
However, the future of West Geauga students is dependent on stable funding. Maintaining consistency in funding allows our schools to uphold those core conditions that are so important to preserving excellence in education: retaining and attracting quality staff, providing access to current technology, maintaining safe and secure learning environments, and affording access to high quality educational materials.
Let’s pass this renewal to preserve our excellence.
If you want to learn more about West Geauga Schools and this renewal levy, please plan to attend a community meeting on Tuesday, April 21 at 7 p.m. in WHGS Room 124.
Megan Petronsky
Chester Township
‘Care for Kenston’
If you see a white-haired woman waving pompoms at Bainbridge/Auburn street corners, that would be me. For I bill myself as Kenston’s No. 1 cheerleader.
I am justly proud of our “Kenston Experience.” Our academics, our caring and intelligent faculty, the support staff, the arts, our sports programs, the myriad of other programs offered to our students, our PTO’s, volunteers, SMORE events, on and on.
These are what set us apart.
Please know how important it is for you to “Care for Kenston” by voting yes on May 5.
Anne Randall, President
Kenston Board of Education
‘I’ll Buy the Coffee’
Thanks Rob Allen for providing the opportunity to set the record straight. Your ignorance about the GGP (Geauga Growth Partnership), Republican Party politics, lawsuits, budgets, regionalism and county issues are apparent in your emotional comments from your editorial.
I welcome you to visit the county offices to sit down and discuss some reality. I’ll buy the coffee. That invitation stands for any of the readers of this piece.
First, there is no lawsuit against the mental health board, as claimed in your editorial. Period.
The county has not ended its relationship with GGP; it is simply not paying a membership fee.
I will grant you the GGP does some good work and leadership has admirable goals. However, that does not justify the county government creating the appearance of favoritism. There are more than 1,800 companies in Geauga County — around 127 in the GGP. If government chooses to align with a subset of businesses, what message is sent to the other businesses? What message is sent to the taxpayers, when government uses tax dollars to pick favorites? When government is involved with decisions regarding GGP businesses, if they have paid to be a member, can the non-members expect fair and unbiased treatment?
I have spoken to a number of companies and citizens in the county, and many of those I spoke with think it is best to keep an arm’s length relationship with any special interest group. It is not about the money; it is about bigger principles and values, responsible and accountable government principles.
I would hope citizens in our county would appreciate and agree with that thinking.
When the GGP does good things, we should applaud them, call them out and enable them, as we should with all businesses and organizations in the county.
When the GGP holds events, we will support and encourage participation, as we would with any business group seeking to do good things.
Government should strive to be fair and unbiased across the board, using hard earned tax dollars in a responsible manner.
Regarding the Republican Party involvement and the Geauga County Tea Party (GCTP). Rob, you owe the good people who are in the GCTP, many of whom are in the Republican central committee, an apology. No one has worked harder for conservative Republican candidates.
Tea Party Republicans earned a private audience on Mitt Romney’s plane due to their work efforts.
The GCTP regularly holds public educational events and public forums. Last year, they held a candidates night welcoming all comers. During the campaign, GCTP Republicans put up signs, did literature drops and did more than any other group of Republicans, helping conservative Republican candidates.
Anyone can name call, label, spread rumors and hurl false claims, but it takes a person with intestinal fortitude to be willing to have a conversation to get facts and gain understanding. If based on the facts, we disagree and you want to have a debate, great I am up to it.
Walter “Skip” Claypool
Geauga County Commissioner
Trapping and Elitism
The Honorable Judge Timothy J. Grendel has once more conjured his favorite tactic against those who oppose recreational hunting and trapping in the Geauga park system.
First, he creates a strawman by misrepresenting what his opponents say, then he rides in on his handsome charger, knocks it over and declares victory by name calling.
A more judicious approach would be to recognize people can have differences of opinion without being liars or elitists.
Limited hunting or trapping can be appropriate for nuisance animal control or for ecological balance, but, if the judge had reviewed the video of the recent park board meeting, he would have heard that interim Director Oros had approved trapping in areas with no nuisance issues and that Mr. Oros intended to expand trapping because some people consider it recreation.
This is a far cry from conserving, protecting and preserving our gem of a park system. I suppose it falls under the park’s new motto of “connect,” but I never contemplated that “connect” was by means of a leg hold trap.
Many of us believe the parks should be open to all, far from being elitism. You shouldn’t need to buy special equipment, get a license, set aside a special date, etc. to enjoy our parks. Walk, picnic, sit on a bench at any time and enjoy the quiet, watch for the wildlife, watch children play and discover, talk with friends or complete strangers who are also enjoying the beauty of our county.
Enjoy being outside in the warm summer, the crisp fall, the sharp winter and the renewing spring. It is there for all of us and should not be curtailed for hunting seasons or for people trapping fur to market.
There are over 10,000 acres of public hunting lands in Geauga County; surely, the closing of a park for the benefit of a few will not enhance the hunting enough to justify the limitations placed on the rest of the public.
The judge and I agree on one thing: the parks are marvelous places. Go to them, take your children. The park staff keep them in great condition for all of us to enjoy and benefit from.
Ed Buckles
Troy Township
Connect or Disconnect?
Although the Geauga Park District seems to use the word “Connect” frequently these days, disconnect is the word that most comes to mind as I see the way the park district has been operating under Judge Grendell.
Disconnect aptly describes Judge Grendell’s latest letter to the editor in another newspaper. One may wonder if his honor is an advocate of the theory that constantly repeating a statement will morph it into a fact.
At the risk of sounding like a broken record, I’ll repeat some of the real facts regarding hunting/trapping in our Geauga parks.
1. Under this new administration, trapping/hunting has had little or no oversite by park naturalists or personel from Natural Resource Management.
2. Park areas have had trapping permits issued in violation of previous written state agreements and/or without recommendations from the Natural Resource Management Department.
Many of these permit-issued areas had no nuisance complaints noted. In essence, many permits put no limit on numbers or types of species that could be trapped.
3. No requirement has been specified to require the most humane trapping available, although acting Director John Oros stated at two different commissioners meetings that the more humane Conibear traps were required to be used, but his statement is not factual. No such requirement was specified to trappers.
4. Trapping/hunting while John Leech was a commissioner was allowed only as a last resort after other alternatives were deemed unworkable and Natural Resource Management personnel had far more input into planning, management and implementation. Populations surveys were done and data presented to justify any actions taken.
With the above facts in mind, I wonder how many more times I will have to repeat them before his honor understands them.
If his honor disagrees with these facts, show me specific evidence to the contrary. Show me nusiance complaints from the Burton Wetlands State Nature Preserve. Show me a recommendation by Natural Resource Management to trap there. Show me a deer populations survey done prior to last autumn’s deer hunt. Tell me which naturalists have been supervising hunting/trapping as you indicated and when. They must fill out time sheets accounting for each 15 minutes of time during their work day. Show me those time sheets.
We both know I won’t be holding my breath waiting for your response with the facts, hard data, in hand because those facts don’t exist. Likely, your response will be more name calling, inaccurate statements, full-page newspaper ads paid for by the taxpayers, propaganda in the taxpayer-paid for park newsletter for publicity and to boost political cronies, and evidence of little knowledge of fast disappearing natural areas, natural systems and how they should be managed and protected.
John G. Augustine
Parkman Township
