Skomrock, Zock for Newbury Trustee
The upcoming election for Newbury Township Trustees is critical. Newbury is at a crossroads. We are facing the issues of upgrading our fire protection and creating a community center. We need trustees that have a vision for the future, but remain fiscally responsible.
I believe that Bill Skomrock and Maggie Zock are the best candidates to lead us into the future. Maggie Zock faced tough decisions while on the school board and led us to a solution that is continuing to provide a quality education for our children while reducing our local tax burden by approximately 15 mills.
Bill Skomrock has served as a township trustee for a number of years without ever asking for more tax revenues before this year.
As I attended a number of trustees meetings this year, I was able to observe Maggie and Bill in action. They both ask the tough questions and have worked countless hours outside of trustees meetings for the benefit of Newbury Township.
Whether you vote ahead of time or are at the polls on Nov. 2, I urge you to vote for the candidates that have a vision for our future, but remain fiscally conservative: Bill Skomrock and Maggie Zock.
Dave Gifford
Newbury Township
Hare for Russell Trustee
I find it amusing that Russell Trustee Jim Mueller is denigrating candidate Chris Hare for his lack of experience.
I have attended township meetings for over 20 years, so I have had a front row seat to Mr. Mueller’s efforts on behalf of taxpayers, and those efforts have been nearly non-existent.
Mr. Mueller rarely even brings a pen to meetings, even though he frequently signs township checks at meetings — a chore other trustees go into the administration offices to accomplish. He can’t point to one significant project or accomplishment in the township over his tenure that he spearheaded or brought to the table.
His recent efforts involved trying to stop the demolition of the decrepit fire station with its dangerous falling bricks and the expensive maintenance needed to keep it upright. Good idea or grandstanding?
His other recent “accomplishment” was voting to put a new fire levy on the ballot without understanding the budget details. Luckily, the budget commission wouldn’t certify the fire department needed the money.
Mr. Mueller has been a good grandstander, but when the rubber meets the road, he’s been a failure.
Another resident and I were discussing trustee compensation. We calculated, based on the annual trustee compensation package of about $25,000, and what we see of his efforts and preparation for meetings, Mr. Mueller was putting about four hours per month into the job. That works out to about $500 per hour. Are we, the taxpayers, getting $500 per hour worth of value?
I have talked with Chris Hare and he’s an accomplished man at an early age. He has roots in the community, has lots of energy and is willing to do the work necessary in running this township.
The job isn’t complicated if you have some financial education and are willing to work.
Charlie Butters
Russell Township
