Letters to the Editor
Thank You, Bainbridge Residents
Dear Bainbridge Township residents, it is with a very grateful acknowledgement that we thank you. We appreciate your support for and passage of the Bainbridge Township Road and Bridge Renewal Levy, that you so graciously passed Nov. 5.
Thank you for taking the time to cast your ballot and for supporting this service.
We have loyal, committed employees who work very hard to keep our township roads safe and clear. Your passage of the renewal levy enables us to continue this critically important service. We couldn’t do it without you.
John Brett, Road Superintendent
Jim Stanek, Service Director
Bainbridge Township Trustees
Bainbridge Township Fiscal Officer
Not Right in Newbury
It is not right that a business in the heart of our town of Newbury be able to pollute our air with a very horrible smell — burning mulch piles.
I feel so sorry for the “good” businesses and their patrons, residents, schools and churches in the area that have to smell this abomination. This company needs to leave our town and go elsewhere. Our zoning needs to protect all of us against something like this now and in the future.
Just a few weeks ago, I saw a Newbury Township trustee candidate’s campaign sign out in front of this particular business. I am so happy he lost, as who knows what could have happened to the future of Newbury.
The trustees need to rectify this problem. I have contacted the Environmental Division of the Geauga Health Department regarding this nuisance problem.
Zoning is very important to protect our residents and clean businesses. My final question is: What is the personal view of each individual Newbury trustees regarding non-conforming businesses like this?
I will need this very important information for the next election. Newbury residents, please stay informed.
Joanne Majeski
Newbury Township
Thanks for Attending
The Montville Firefighter’s Association would like to thank everyone that attended the Fall Dinner and Chinese Auction on Oct. 12, 2019.
We would also like to sincerely thank all of the businesses and individuals that donated items. Your support and generosity is greatly appreciated.
Connie Stone
Montville Firefighter’s Association
Criticisms Unjustified, Unrealistic, Absurd
The criticisms levied against Chardon Schools Superintendent Michael Hanlon in an online petition and recent article (“Failed Issue 21 Still Dividing Chardon Community”) are wholly unjustified and unrealistic, and illustrate a lack of understanding of school district operations and finance.
I reject the notion that these views represent the opinion of the citizens of the district as a whole. The accusation that Dr. Hanlon “intentionally . . . failed to maintain the condition of Chardon Schools” is patently absurd, as is the idea that the current facilities issues can be solved by a districtwide “5-percent reduction in salary.”
The district values its teachers and administrators. It seeks to support and maintain a good working relationship with them, and additionally to keep them in the district.
Frustration with insufficient funding for public education is understandable. Public schools are underfunded at the state and federal levels, and this inequity shifts the financial burden to the local taxpayer. But projecting that frustration on Dr. Hanlon and the school board is misguided. This energy would be much better spent by contacting state legislators and the governor about the importance of public education, and by demanding that they adjust their priorities, and funding, correspondingly.
Dr. Hanlon and his staff, with the oversight of the board, have brought financial stability to our district. They are focused daily on the vision and mission of the district, and part of that vision includes continued fiscal responsibility.
As a board member-elect, I fully support Dr. Hanlon and appreciate his efforts. I encourage the citizens of our district to engage with the Facilities Advisory Committee as they continue their work.
Keith Brewster
Member Elect, Chardon Schools Board of Education
Something Stinks in Newbury
Green Visions in Newbury Township has a smoldering mulch pile (more like a mountain) that has been on fire for over a week. The stench and smoke from this mulch fire is affecting the local school, local businesses and local residents. One resident stated that the smoke infiltrated her dryer vent and she had to redo her laundry. I experienced this stench firsthand and it’s awful.
This event is the perfect example of why our township needs common sense zoning. Zoning protects the township and your property from so many adverse situations, especially like this monstrosity of an out of hand “mulch” fire.
I find it ironic that current Trustee Greg Tropf went out of his way when he was running for township trustee, to attend a Geauga County Planning Commission meeting (10/12/2017) to complain about Newbury zoning. Introduced by then County Commissioner Skip Claypool, Mr. Tropf identified zoning as entities that overstep their powers way too much. He asked the commission to remove excessive power from zoning boards and, in doing so, it would be “better for everyone.”
It is ironic that the example he gave at this meeting was none other than a company on Kinsman Road that had been mulching/composting — the same business that now has an out of control burning “mulch” pile.
He claimed that zoning boards “are not listening to the people.” Perhaps Mr. Tropf is the one not listening. I find it appalling that Mr. Tropf asked the commission to take away the township’s authority from us.
I thank Trustees Glen Quigley and Bill Skomrock for their constant support of the township having strong zoning regulations. I have every confidence they will work for the residents to solve the issue at hand and work on regulations to prevent this from happening again.
Let this issue be a learning lesson of why proper zoning is important to keeping our township safe from future mishaps and can be a powerful tool in being proactive to prevent things like this from happening again.
Rose Yaecker
Newbury Township