Euthanasia of Mute Swans
I am writing today to express my extreme displeasure with the ODNR and its euthanasia of the two Mute Swans located in the swamp and the corner of Pekin and Auburn roads in Newbury Township.
I am overcome with both anger and sadness after hearing the news report this evening.
This swamp is a hotbed of wildlife activity; bird and animal enthusiasts alike have spent many happy hours gazing and posting photos of the wonderful Swans, Sandhill Cranes, turtles and other wildlife. I, too, drove by quite often, stopping to see what the resident swans were up to.
Then the cygnets showed up; we were all elated. This swamp and the swans have brought much joy to the area; sadly, that has been purposely taken away.
Was there any talk of relocating the swans? I would have gladly taken them, along with many other people, I am sure.
I used to be a supporter of the ODNR. You just lost my support.
Cyndi Konopka
Chardon Township
Support Fair School Funding Plan
I am writing this letter to ask for community support in order to pass the Fair School Funding Plan currently being considered by the Ohio Senate.
In 1997, the Ohio Supreme Court ruled the current system of funding was unconstitutional and relied too heavily on property taxes. Public schools have struggled under the current system and our legislators have resorted to adding one “fix” after another to an unwieldy and unexplainable “formula” for the state portion of education funding. This means schools are uncertain what their budgeting will be from one budget cycle to another. Schools must create a “5-year Forecast,” but the budget from the state of Ohio changes every two years, thus keeping schools from being able to effectively plan budgets beyond that two years.
Ohio has arbitrarily decided the cost to educate a child is $6,200, but then the “formula” kicks in and every district gets a different proportion of this money. Chardon Schools currently receives approximately $1,100 per student. Our actual cost to educate a child is approximately $11,000 per year (among the lowest in Geauga County). We must raise the difference through local levies on property taxes.
The Fair School Funding Plan has been built over a period of three years by a team of educators and legislators working together to create a plan that is fair, transparent and based on the actual cost to educate a child. It has been overwhelmingly passed by the Ohio House and is now in the Senate, to be voted on by the end of June. It will cost the state more, but it is to be phased in over six years. Senators are holding hearings right now. The next two weeks are critical for them to hear from constituents.
I have met with both of our new senators along with other school officials from our senate district. What I took away from those meetings is that Sen. Cirino and Sen. O’Brien need to hear from us.
Our country was founded on the idea of a public education system that would provide a fair start for all our citizens. An educated citizenry is absolutely essential if our democracy is to continue. We have so many incredibly difficult issues to solve. Our children are our future — they will be our doctors and lawyers, and house builders and manufacturers and inventors. It is our responsibility to make sure they have the best possible education we can provide. This will cost money, and our legislators need to know that we believe it is absolutely essential to provide a solid public education for all children.
You have the opportunity right now to make a difference for our town and our kids. The next two weeks are critical. Please contact your state senator immediately and let them know you support the Fair School Funding Plan (House Bill 10):
Sen. Matt Huffman – ohiosenate.gov / 614-4667584
Sen. Matt Dolan (chair of Senate Finance Committee) – ohiosenate.gov / 614-466-8056
Sen. Jerry Cirino – ohiosenate.gov / 614-644-7718
Sen. Sandra O’Brien – ohiosenate.gov / 614-466-7182
Madelon Horvath, President
Chardon Schools Board of Education
Make Our Voices Heard
Our current Socialist-Democrat administration and House of Representatives has a three-pronged agenda: instill fear (crisis mentality), create more and more dependents, and demand obedience. Entirely totalitarian. Their goal is nothing short of control of every aspect of our lives.
They despise our proud history, will do away with our constitutionally guaranteed rights, and strip us of our freedom because they know better how to run your life than you do. They are despicable and a grave threat to the soul of America.
They own our pre-K through graduate degree public education system, the media and the incredibly corrupt federal bureaucracy. The future of the freest and consequently greatest nation in the history of the world is in each of our hands.
How are each of us going to respond to this assault on our nation, our lives and those of our children and grandchildren? I suggest each of us stand up and speak out at every opportunity. We’ve heard that all that is necessary for evil to triumph is for a few good people to do nothing. Let’s make our voice heard.
It also has been said I may be only one, but I am one. I cannot do everything, but I can do something. I encourage kindred spirits to do the same.
Don Hornak
Burton
