Letters to the Editor
Retain Yamamoto as Hambden Trustee
I am encouraging all of you to cast your vote for the Nov. 7 election for Hambden Township Trustee.
The best government is at the lowest level closest to the residents. It is very important since the role of trustee is to maintain the township roads, cemetery and local park in the community in which you reside.
My husband, Edward Kaminski, is retiring after serving the township for 46 years and Nadine Pope retired last year. Scott Yamamoto was appointed to fill her vacant seat and he deserves to be elected. I have seen him get involved in the community picnic, farmers market and delve into township government.
As Clerk of Courts of Geauga County, I have dealt with Scott Yamamoto when he served as a Deputy Auditor in the Geauga County Auditor’s office.
Scott Yamamoto was always very efficient, friendly and professional. He is intelligent and knows the meaning of “public service.” He is a good communicator, works well with the Board of Trustees and will listen to you, Hambden Township residents.
Please join me in retaining Scott Yamamoto and electing him as your Hambden Township Trustee.
Denise M. Kaminski
Hambden Township
Concerned About Newbury Trustee Candidate
I am truly concerned about one of the candidates for trustee in Newbury Township. After my recent experience with Greg Tropf, I cannot help but worry about his potential reactions or actions toward township citizens that are in disagreement with his opinions or actions.
An expectation of an elected official is to maintain decorum and to treat constituents with respect. My sincere doubt in Greg Tropf’s ability to do this is why I ask you to reconsider if you plan to vote for him.
Why am I so concerned?
On Oct. 16, I attended a school board meeting that became quite contentious between members of the school board and some taxpayers in the audience. After the meeting, I was standing outside of the meeting room waiting for my daughter-in-law and her sister, Maggie Zock, who were talking with board members.
As I stood there, Greg Tropf passed in front of me a number of times. Each time he passed, I thought, ‘I really should introduce myself and ask him about his platform as trustee,’ I’ve seen that he has many signs out so has some support in the community.
When he passed by again, I extended my hand and said, “I’ve never met you . . .” He continued by without looking at me and said gruffly, “Keep it that way.”
After a few more steps, he said, “You’re nothing but white trash.”
The only thing I know about Greg Tropf is that he is of a different opinion than me when it comes to the school: finances and continued viability.
Apparently, that fact makes me “white trash.” If a difference in opinion caused him to behave like that toward me, a voter trying to introduce herself, if elected, how will he react to community members who are truly challenging him? Or county or state officials who may question his actions as a trustee? Township employees? The list can go on and on.
It makes me cringe to write the phrase “white trash,” as I do not approve of it. I do not approve of name-calling. I do not approve of judging people by their personal circumstances. Simply, I do not approve of Greg Tropf’s behavior.
Think long and thoroughly before you vote for him.
Fran Dittrich
Newbury Township
Stand Up for Newbury Schools
My name is Caleb Ray. I am a junior at Newbury High school. I am involved in many extracurricular activities and have attended Newbury since kindergarten.
I have been given the option many times to attend a different school. I always decided I want to stay in my hometown. This school is a part of me that will never go away and if we knock it down, this “community” will lose one of the best small schools in Northeast Ohio.
Many people have said for a long time that Newbury is an inferior school. Newbury’s low test scores this year does not accurately reflect the progress of the students for many reasons. Schools everywhere are frustrated with this system. One of the key components to this grade is “progress based.” The state of Ohio compares students’ test scores to the scores of next year’s students on the same test. This specifically hurts small schools, where one outlier could alter the overall score much more than a school like Chardon, where that score is lost in 250 others.
I am not educationally deprived. State standards practically force teachers to teach for the state end-of-year exams, rather than teaching the entirety of the subject, and letting the students show what they’ve learned.
I’m not writing to tell you who to vote for, but if I had the opportunity I would vote to reelect our current school board members. Why? Because on unfair state funding and little tax money, our school is not only surviving, but we are fiscally solvent for the next five years. This is not true for every school in our county.
Schools cost money; there is no changing that. But merging (or more realistically being absorbed) with a larger district would almost certainly raise taxes to a higher level than they will ever be at Newbury. Not only would we acquire their debt, but we would be paying for all of their students (Not to mention daily bus rides would be close to 1.5 hours long! Imagine all the taxes needed for gas money and pay for drivers).
Newbury’s building may be old, it needs minimal work. The money needed to maintain the building and property are just a fraction of what it would cost to maintain the larger schools. It is simply implausible that a merger would lower tax costs.
Newbury does more than just educate. Newbury High school itself is a community. At how many schools can you walk down the hall and know the names of all 200 people you pass?
In my mind, having a small school is nothing but a benefit. Newbury is a school that never gives up . . . ever. That’s why I think it’s time to strengthen the commitment to this school and community. It’s time to fix the little problems, instead of running away from them. It’s time to build up Newbury Schools, not tear it down! It’s time that this school got the support it deserves. And that time is now.
Stand up for Newbury Schools. Go Knights!
Caleb Ray
Newbury Township
Bushman Has Positive Traits for Munson
We are writing to support Andy Bushman for Munson Township Trustee.
Andy has been a Munson Trustee for 12 years and a lifelong resident of the township. His background in finance, his interest in preserving the character of Munson Township with thoughtful and responsible development planning, and his regard for conservation of the natural resources of the area, all speak to us as positive traits for a local elected official.
Andy’s participation and attendance at township meetings and activities, his volunteer work throughout the community, his work with Boy Scouts and his involvement in Leadership Geauga lend credence to his interest in working with the community and passing on his love of Munson to other residents.
It is without reservation that we will vote for Andy Bushman for Munson Township Trustee on Nov. 7.
Michael and Peggy Saxon
Munson Township
Endres Has Skills for Newbury
I am writing to ask for your vote for my husband, Richard Endres, for Newbury Township Trustee.
While I am a little biased in believing Rick is the best candidate for the position, many of you already know this firsthand because you know Rick through relationships built over the past 35 years we have lived in Newbury, where we raised our children, Ryan, Renee and Rachel.
You may know Rick as a member of St. Helen’s Church, former Newbury Recreation Board coach, “Old-Men’s” softball teammate, through Newbury Kiwanis or as a former Newbury School Board member.
Rick’s work ethic, experience in public service, management of successful multimillion-dollar projects and his financial skills in addition to his common sense approach to problem solving make him uniquely qualified to serve as a township trustee.
If Rick is elected trustee, it will be in spite of his politicking abilities. Rick’s calm and quiet approach to work and life in general does not lend itself well to sell-yourself political campaigning.
There are six candidates competing for two trustee positions and I can tell you Rick’s only agenda in running for trustee is making Newbury Township the best it can be for current and future generations of Newbury residents.
Rick may be contacted at NewburyEndres@gmail.com with any questions.
Public service and volunteerism are among my immediate and extended family’s core values. Just a couple of examples include my father’s service as a former volunteer fireman in his community and Ryan’s service on the Newbury Fire Department. My mother volunteers at the Ashtabula County home and my sister volunteers her nursing skills for third world country medical missions.
Please honor Rick with the opportunity to use his skills in service to Newbury residents by voting for Richard Endres for Newbury Township Trustee.
Karen Endres
Newbury Township
Schools are Foundation of Great Community
I am writing in support of the Chardon Schools levy — Issue 26 — which will be on the ballot in November.
I have three young children and am a Chardon High School alum. Like many young families in Chardon, we moved here after having children because it’s such a great community. I believe this is one of the best places to raise a family and our schools are the foundation of this strong community.
Over the past few years, I’ve become very involved in the schools. I first served on the strategic planning committee and then on various committees working with other parents, community members, school board members and administrators. Through this work, I’ve become convinced that we have honest, conscientious people working in our board office. I truly believe they do all they can to use taxpayer resources prudently and responsibly. They are transparent and willing to answer questions from community members.
Any community members with questions about how Chardon stacks up fiscally, with regards to teacher salaries, number of administrators, etc. should visit www.citizens4chardonschools.com to see very helpful graphs, charts and explanations.
The reasoning for the levy is simple: the school has lost over $1 million in state funding. That money needs to be replaced by us as taxpayers or it will be cut from the school’s budget in the form of program and service reductions for our students. Our students here in Chardon don’t deserve that.
I realize that nobody enjoys voting to increase their taxes. However, a “no” vote on Issue 26 will have immediate impact on our students. If you’re unhappy with how the schools are funded, please contact your state legislators. But remember that our community and our children need your support to get the best start we can give them!
Gabrielle Royle Boose
Munson Township
Keep Chardon Schools Strong
In 2013, I wrote a Letter to the Editor in support of the school levy on the ballot at that time. I recently re-read my 2013 letter and remembered how bad things were back then and, more importantly, how far we have come.
The Chardon School District is finally in a good place. I have children in elementary, middle and high school levels and witness their successes every day. Test scores are up. Computers are in the classrooms. The high school has an ever-increasing amount of class options, providing a well-rounded education.
My high-schooler has the option to go to Lakeland, but everything she needs for a challenging education is right in Chardon. My eighth-grader is excited for the privilege to learn a foreign language. My third-grader can experience field trips that were not available to his older sisters.
This is the education that all our kids deserve; the education that will allow our children to compete in society and become intelligent, employable adults.
Just five short years ago, however, none of this was possible. It took a long time to climb back out of the hole of five failed levy attempts. Please don’t let a Chardon education return to the days of no art classes, limited AP classes and sitting in study hall.
If you have questions, please seek the answers. Don’t vote “no” because of a lack of information. Answers can be found at www.citizens4chardonschools.com or attend a community informational meeting.
If you don’t agree with the state funding system, call your representatives. Don’t penalize the kids.
In 2013, our family faced a difficult choice: To stay in the community we called home for over 10 years or move to a different district. We chose to stay and fight for our schools. We love this community.
Please support issue 26.
Rebecca Bennett
Chardon Township
‘Don’t Be Fooled’ Russell Voters
Apparently, the plan to have Russell Township parks report to their elected officials with a ‘Yes’ vote on Issue 23 has attracted the interest of entrenched parties who want to stop this exercise in self-determination.
We are seeing mailboxes stuffed with flyers opposing Issue 23.
Russell residents: Don’t be intimidated. Don’t be fooled. There is no tax associated with this issue.
This is simple. By voting ‘Yes’ on Issue 23 your elected officials and not the probate court of Geauga County will be in control of your parks.
Steve and Jean Gokorsch
Russell Township
Double Taxation without Representation
I went to the Board of Elections to get my ballot. I couldn’t believe how Issue 23 is presented to the voters. It reads on the ballot, “Shall a public park or public parks be established in Russell Township?”
This is misrepresentation because Russell residents have bought and paid for 422 acres of park and conservation lands. If Issue 23 passes, Russell residents could be forced to pay double taxes for two boards and that is what residents are not being told.
While no tax is included at this time, no government can have an unfunded park board with no money to buy and to maintain land.
Issue 23 is no guarantee that the legal costs and hurdles that need to be overcome to merge two park boards will occur.
I cannot support double taxation with misrepresentation.
Eileen Marie
Russell Township
New Leadership Needed in Newbury Schools
Newbury Schools is in deep trouble and our current school board members continue to be in denial.
It is imperative we vote for Kimya Matthews, Terry Sedivy and Maggie Evans-Zock who understand the current dire situation and will immediately implement a plan to move forward, including re-opening merger negotiations.
Our school has been declining in pupil enrollment and stands today at about 383 students kindergarten through 12th grade, with a forecasted enrollment of 289 students by 2021.
Our state report card has declined from last year and it’s the worse in the county. Our school facilities have been rated poor and the football field bleachers have been condemned.
Our building was constructed in 1928 and needs tens of millions of dollars in upgrades to be a modern, safe, secure and environmentally healthy facility.
According to the U.S. Census, Newbury Township has lost population. Only three new homes were constructed in 2016 and Geauga County is expected to only grow by another 900 people between 2016 and 2030.
These socio-economic forces make it impossible for Newbury Schools to survive as an independent district.
The cost to maintain this declining school system is astronomical. Currently, Newbury has the highest cost of any public school system in Ohio at $24,861 per pupil. We pay the fourth highest real estate taxes in the state at $16,562 per pupil. A disproportionate amount of this cost goes to maintain the deficient facilities and administration, and yet, our teachers average pay is near the bottom of the range within this region.
Newbury resident and accountant Jim Zock recently discovered that the five-year, 8-mill emergency levy passed in 2014 was more than needed. This levy was promised as a temporary stopgap measure to plug an imminent deficit and keep us financially healthy until we merge with another district.
Instead, in my opinion, the board never intended to negotiate a merger in good faith and then hastily and quietly walked away from both WG and Berkshire merger talks.
Mr. Zock revealed that Newbury Schools has a $3.7 million carryover this year, which is the second largest per pupil in Ohio, and there will be a $4.5 million carryover in 2018.
Our board could reduce the millage today. Instead, when asked if they would do so, replied they want to use it for capital improvements, which was never the promised use of the funds.
The board further stated that the 2014 emergency levy was “the goose that laid the golden egg” for them and now they are “sitting pretty… thank you.” Well guess what? Newbury residents are not sitting pretty and could use that refund.
We need new leadership now. Vote for Kimya Matthews, Terry Sedivy and Maggie Evans-Zock.
Rose Yaecker
Newbury Township
Port Helps Make Russell Healthy
I have known Kristina Port since our high school days at West Geauga High School. Further, I have worked with Kristina at The Mt. Sinai Medical Center, where, as a healthcare professional, I have seen her skills in impacting department growth to those seeking services.
As a health care professional, her demeanor and approach has always been to ask, “What can I help you with today?” Having someone with a listening ear and interest in getting answers that diagnose a health issue are at a premium.
I have found Kristina is no different in how she approaches her patients during a history taking than how she operated as a Russell Township Trustee. Always being respectful and asking good questions to get answers and solutions to problems, Kristina helps make the township of Russell healthy.
I know in speaking with her she is interested in understanding more about the financial challenges that can adversely impact the health of seniors on fixed incomes.
Kristina is involved in many organizations, including Ravenwood Health, focusing on the mental health and addiction services as the spread of drugs and opioids within communities has a detrimental affect on families.
Similarly, she has an interest in energy efficiency, land and water conservation use.
I believe your vote to support Kristina as your trustee will be met with a commitment that is two-fold: “How can I help?” and “What can I do to improve the health of my fellow residents and protect their land?”
Please vote for Kristina Port on Nov. 7. Thank you for your consideration.
If you have any questions, why not contact Kristina directly on her website, kristinaport.com.
Patti Pukay
Russell Township
Reardon is Best for Newbury
In a township with over $2 million, based on the Budget Commission’s report and a future plan to only pave two miles of the township’s 38 miles of roads per year, what is the plan with all the money?
The main job of a trustee is to maintain the township’s roads. You don’t have to drive very far around our town to see this isn’t getting done.
A special meeting was called by the trustees earlier this year to cancel paving the roads in Kiwanis because the estimate the county put together was $20,000 higher than they expected.
Not one single bid had even been received yet.
Once the bids came in, the other road projects were under by $50,000. They still never had Kiwanis bid out.
This is not the kind of leadership this township needs. We need someone to watch our money and to invest in what’s best for Newbury. Mike Reardon is just such a person. That is why I will vote for him for Newbury Township Trustee on Nov. 7.
Denver Sallee
Newbury Township
Tropf Committed to Newbury
The election of Newbury’s next Trustee should be based on who will be the best steward for the citizens of Newbury.
Good public stewardship involves more than the delivery of excellent services.
It means acting with integrity, honesty and courage.
Greg Tropf stands above others in terms of these attributes and displays them as he listens to citizens of this community who want a leader that can make fiscally responsible decisions to better our community.
Greg Tropf is passionate and committed to Newbury’s growth and development.
We deserve a trustee who knows that he is first and foremost elected to serve us honestly. Listening to residents, standing up for what is right and in the best interests of those you serve, and doing so with integrity, honesty and courage are attributes that I am looking for in a Trustee.
We are voting for Greg Tropf because we believe he exhibits these qualities and we believe he will continue to do so as Trustee of Newbury Township.
Scott and Vicki Koller
Newbury Township
McCaskey an Asset to Munson
Jim McCaskey is currently an asset to Munson Township Board of Trustees. He is a dedicated community member and a successful businessman.
His skills, family values and interest in the residents’ concerns have strengthened the township since he has served as a trustee.
My husband and I feel Jim should be given the opportunity to continue his role and it would be beneficial to vote for him in the Nov. 7 election.
Debbie and Paul Johnson
Munson Township
McCaskey is Committed to Munson
As a lifetime resident of Munson Township, local business owner and current president of the Chardon Rotary club, I endorse Jim McCaskey for Munson Township Trustee.
Jim’s commitment to our community is evidenced by his participation as a director at the Geauga County Fair, a committee chairman of the Geauga County Maple Festival and his longtime membership in the Chardon Rotary club.
Jim’s volunteerism alone is reason enough to vote for him as township trustee as it shows that he puts others before himself, a quality that not many possess.
I am Ben Royle and I approve this message.
Ben Royle
Munson Township
McCaskey is Caring and Giving
There are two words that come to mind when I consider Jim McCaskey — caring and giving.
Having lived next to Jim and his family for over 19 years, I’ve seen firsthand how he cares about people — family, friends, neighbors and generally everyone he meets. He is always willing to give to them a helping hand, advice to solve a problem or just some good conversation.
I’ve observed how he’s run his own successful business with integrity, making sure the work is done well, taking care of the environment and meeting the needs of his customers.
Jim has lived in the Munson area his entire life and has invested himself in numerous organizations and volunteer leadership roles. He’s often shared with me his ideas for how to make our community a better place to live.
All this to say I’m glad Jim McCaskey is my neighbor and he has my vote for Munson Township Trustee.
Tim Ferris
Munson Township
Harsh Language
In a recent letter to the editor, Judge Grendell excoriated football players who knelled during the national anthem, in essence, calling them lawbreakers.
Perhaps the good judge should go back to law school and learn the difference between should and shall.
The law the good judge was referring to used the word ‘should’ and, as at least one editor has pointed out, there are no penalties stipulated. There’s a good reason for that. Had the law used the word ‘shall’ and had penalties been listed for violations, the number of lawsuits filed would have reached from here to the moon because of violations of the first amendment.
Calling someone a lawbreaker is pretty harsh language. In essence, we are all lawbreakers if we have ever driven an auto one mile per hour over the speed limit. Have you ever done that Judge Grendell?
Likely, virtually all of us are guilty and, indeed, are subject to a penalty. Does calling names and classifying folks as lawbreakers add anything to the discussion?
Perhaps after our Geauga Parks are destroyed or turned in another Geauga Lake amusement park the good judge will start working on eliminating our bill of rights. The first amendment would be a great one to start with. Getting rid of the first will make it much easier to squash the rest of them.
John G. Augustine
Parkman Township
Levies = Taxes, More is Not Better
The facts on the Russell issues on the ballot in November per the Geauga County Auditor and my experience as a Russell Township Park Commissioner are below:
Adding another township park, Issue 23, puts the current park district in jeopardy.
According to ORC 1545.40, “dissolution of a park district . . . the court shall convey the real property to the state . . . and transfer the related personal property to the department of natural resources.”
This ORC ruling is contrary to the postcard message regarding Issue 23 promoting the creation of a second park district.
From my experience as a park commissioner, all park land at various times cost money — whether it is due to storm damage, encroachment, etc. And money comes from new or additional levies.
The real motivation for this additional park is politically based, which was made clear in the Russell Township Park District meetings by a number of the group’s leaders, including Russell Trustees. Since the current park commissioners are Russell residents, I question why there is a “control” issue? It is an honor to serve the community and I suggest others volunteer instead of creating a new park.
From what I experienced as a park commissioner, the members of the create-a-new-park-district group want parks to follow the original definition set for parks in 1904 — to purely be oxygen producers. I have been told and received emails from residents that argue “children and dogs must be kept off park land because they upset the animals and kill seedlings!” I love animals, but last I knew raccoons and deer don’t pay taxes.
According to the Geauga Auditor’s Rates of Taxation for Tax Year 2016, Russell Township – Chagrin Falls is currently the highest-taxed community at 89.127. Russell Township – West Geauga comes in at 70.66. The average of the two is 79.9, placing Russell as the second highest tax rate in Geauga.
The auditor’s office tells me that the additional 1-mill police levy is a continuing levy — never requiring renewal — the only way it ends is by a ballot vote. This levy adds $35 per $100,000 of residence value. The average house of $350,000 will experience a $122.50 tax increase “forever.” The Russell road improvement levy is also a “forever” levy.
The 60 and older residents of Russell are being hurt the most by these continuous tax increases. They not only are experiencing a reduction in their income, but many have incurred serious health issues that leave them unable to use the parks. Yet, their taxes continue to rise — rise to the top of the 33 Geauga County taxed communities.
And, if you’re not quite in that age category, you’re still feeling the pain. Personally my taxes have nearly tripled in the years that I’ve lived in Russell.
When are enough taxes enough? When do we have enough park land?
Linda J. O’Brien
Russell Township
