Taxpayer-Funded Campaign?
I’m very disappointed to see that Park Commissioner Brian Johnston’s campaign seems to be funded by Geauga taxpayer dollars.
In my opinion, Mr. Johnston and his campaign advisor, Juvenile/Probate Constable John Ralph, seem to be using Probate/Juvenile Court and Park District money to pay for political advertisements for Mr. Johnston.
While these advertisements would seem harmless if Mr. Johnston wasn’t running for county commissioner, the timing of all these advertisements during his campaign seems to be more than a coincidence.
The Probate/Juvenile Court placed an advertisement in several local papers during the week of September 18, titled “Observations from the Bench of Judge Time Grendell,” attempting to, in my humble opinion, rehabilitate Mr. Johnson’s obtuse Park Board decisions.
Also, the Park District sent out its Fall 2014 Voices of Nature piece recently with a half-page rambling and pictures “introducing” Mr. Johnston.
Further, at a recent candidates night, Mr.Johnston’s campaign advisor, Probate/Juvenile Court Constable John Ralph, supplied Park District literature explaining how the county commissioners do not have any connection to the park district. While that’s true, Mr. Johnston is a current Park Commissioner and is responsible for the park district’s decisions since his appointment..
How many more taxpayer-funded literature pieces are we going to see in support of Brian Johnston?
Mr. Johnston, please develop some ethics and stop allowing our taxpayer dollars to be used to fund your campaign.
Gene Clancey
Bainbridge
Works Tirelessly for Geauga
I am writing is support our County Commissioner, Blake Rear.
Blake is a full-time commissioner who has been committed to ensuring that Sheriff McClelland and I have the resources to help keep our county safe.
Blake also recently worked with fellow Commissioner Spidalieri to adopt a policy prohibiting the practice of retire/rehire.
Commissioner Rear directed that meetings be videotaped and posted to YouTube, and was instrumental in brokering an agreement with the city of Chardon that will save county taxpayers an estimated $7 million.
Except for a tour in Vietnam, Blake has lived his entire life in Geauga County. He works tirelessly to keep our county the best place to live and raise a family.
I urge you to vote to keep Blake Rear Geauga County Commissioner.
Jim Flaiz
Geauga County Prosecutor
Unsung Heroes
Since becoming the Fiscal Officer for Russell Township in February 2013, I have had the opportunity to witness the dedication and excellence of our Department heads.
We are truly fortunate to have all of them in our employ.
In particular, the past 12 months has presented extraordinary challenges for our Road Department superintendent, Gene Layne. Not only did Mother Nature deliver a brutal winter, but Gene was also tasked with absorbing the Township Maintenance department responsibilities, including landscaping of all township properties and repairs and maintenance of our recycling center, historic town hall and other township buildings.
With NO increase in their departmental budget, Gene and his department not only met but exceeded expectations. They outsourced landscaping (for a substantial savings to the Township), upgraded the recycling center, replaced the center of town signage, made long overdue improvements to the historic town hall, obtained an OPWC grant to offset costs to resurface Hemlock Point Road and are managing the tie in of township properties to the new sewer line at 306 and 87.
On all these fronts, we have received many words of notice, praise and appreciation from our residents.
This November 4th, I am asking for residents’ support to RENEW our road levy so that our Road Department can continue their program to eliminate chip and seal roadways, and make necessary maintenance and repairs to the township’s 56 miles of roads.
The request is justified and past experience has proven that we have the right Department head to efficiently and cost effectively manage your taxpayer funds.
This is NOT A NEW TAX. More information is available to residents on our website and at the Town Hall meetings on October 22nd at 7 p.m. and October 25th at 10 a.m.
Please vote FOR the Road Levy Renewal.
Charles E Walder
Fiscal Officer, Russell Township
Honest, Transparent
Commissioner Blake Rear is the most qualified candidate for Geauga County Commissioner. He is devoted to the job.
Before he was appointed, he attended commissioner meetings and asked countless questions.
Once appointed, he visited departments and talked with directors and staff. He was determined to learn the job.
When presented with a situation that requires action, you can count on Blake to do the research. He will not back down from something he knows is right. He will not do something he knows is wrong, even under intimidation.
He is honest. He doesn’t tell you what you want to hear if it isn’t the truth nor does he make deals. He knows who he works for — the voters, not public officials.
He is now and has always been concerned about transparency. When on the Chardon School Board, he fought to have the meetings recorded. He has done the same with the Commissioners’ meetings. Anyone can now access any meeting, unedited, via YouTube.
Although the Geauga Park system is not under the commissioners’ jurisdiction, Blake is concerned about what is happening to our parks. He feels voters need to be involved in the decisions being made.
Serving as your Geauga County Commissioner is more than a full-time job for Blake. He dedicates countless hours to the job. I should know; I have been married to him for over 43 years.
I am asking you to cast your vote for my husband, Blake Rear, the best candidate for Geauga County Commissioner.
Joyce Lewis Rear
Hambden
Can’t Go ‘Back to School’
I am writing today to urge voters to get out and vote on November 4. The most important civic duty we have, and the most important right we have compared to other nations, is our ability to once a year go to the polls and make our voices heard.
For the past six years we have suffered under a lack of leadership at the federal, state and local levels. This election cycle, the midterm elections, ensures our chance to win back the necessary seats at the federal level and to place stronger, transparent leadership in Columbus.
Under John Patterson, the taxes in District 99 have gone up for farmers. For some, as much as $1,400 a year this past month alone.
He claims on his website to understand the “natural resources: water, oil and gas reserves, and agricultural land” as important to create jobs. Instead, with a huge tax increase, farmers and others are finding it necessary to lay off workers and kill jobs in the district.
In June, he voted against a reduction of State Income taxes.
John has flip-flopped on the issue of abortion and the right to life. In his campaign just two years ago, he supported the right to life as a member of the United Methodist Church. But his record reflects the opposite once he was in office.
He also voted to put guns in our schools by allowing school teachers to carry concealed weapons on school property, instead of funding police for those schools and putting the properly trained personnel where they belong in a crisis.
School teachers like Mr. Patterson are important for our society and he was by all accounts a well-respected educator. But educators spend time in the classroom, not out dealing with the public.
I’m sure Mr. Patterson is a fine person, but standing by while taxes are increased and saying what you need to say just to win an election are not the types of things we need to see in Columbus.
Putting guns in our schools goes without saying. We see far too much of this type of wishy-washy behavior in our politicians already.
Instead, we have the opportunity and the responsibility to place someone into office that is clear on where they stand and that understands local business needs, our local economy and our schools, and how to build that into a stronger and brighter future for Northeast Ohio.
That person is Nancy McArthur.
Nancy has been busy in Chardon as the Vice Mayor building a better city and a stronger economy. Her campaign clearly states that she supports states’ rights, the second amendment and traditional family values.
Nancy has made clear her stance on many important issues, but more importantly as a local banker, she understands the needs of the people and business of Northeast Ohio.
Her campaign so far has focused on the need for stronger leadership to help give NE Ohioans a stronger voice in Columbus.
At a time when we need leadership, especially local leadership that has our best interests at heart, we cannot afford to go “back to school” to see a teacher. We need to rely on the person that can continue to bring Northeast Ohio back onto the right path with Governor Kasich.
The clear vote this November for Northeast Ohio is Nancy McArthur.
Robert Allen
Claridon
Forced Down the Throats
I have lived in Geauga County 22 years. Being an avid nature lover, gardener and one of the 85 million people in this country who bird watch, I am a frequent visitor to the Geauga Parks.
After reading the article by James Ewinger in the Plain Dealer 9/14, titled “Geauga Park Board Backs Away From Controversial Bylaw Rewrite,” I decided to do some research of my own. I perused many local newspapers and websites reading comments from those opposed and for the changes.
The majority of us support our park heritage of setting aside wild lands for protection. In the past, park levies have passed and surveys showed a high approval of park management.
The few dissenters were comprised of outdoor enthusiasts desiring more recreational activities being available, those favoring some development like logging and a very tiny minority that felt setting aside lands in parks or land conservancies violated individual property rights.
A common focus of those voicing objections was the large percentage of land that is undeveloped in the park system. It seems there is a lack of awareness on how undeveloped land protects each and every one of us.
Ecological and preservation practices such as reforestation and restoration of wetlands protect one of our most valuable assets, water. We have a water crisis right here in Ohio with the degradation of Lake Erie, which supplies millions of people’s drinking water, to the strain on local budgets from storm water runoff.
Like it or not, what we do or don’t do individually has a collective effect on a resource like water that flows through many communities. It is immoral to ignore this.
Lastly, in a democratic society, why is it that the wishes of a few are being forced down the throats of the many?
Helen R. Green
Troy Township
Wonderful Parks at Risk
Our Geauga Park District is well funded because several generations of Geauga County residents bought into the concept of Conserve, Preserve and Protect, which has been the cornerstone of the park’s mission statement.
The idea that we could pass along this legacy to future generations has appealed to voters who supported numerous levy requests.
The history section of the Geauga Park District’s website states, “These reservations are usually large undeveloped tracts of land devoted to conserving and preserving the forests, grasslands, marshes, geological features, rivers, lakes and ponds of the county; all are populated with abundant wildlife. Prime consideration is given to protecting natural aesthetic values and scenic landscapes.”
Sadly, the current park board, with its “new” version of the park’s mission statement, seeks to move away from this legacy of conserve, preserve and protect in a way that would unalterably change our parks and put all of these stated goals in jeopardy.
The website also states “the quality of life in Geauga County is inextricably linked to clean air, clean water and open space.” Even if you have never visited a county park, you are still the beneficiary of the clean air and clean water. Everyone has a stake in this matter.
Please don’t put our wonderful parks at risk. I encourage Mary Ruth Shumway, Louis Mucci and Brian Johnston, our current Geauga Park District Board members, to reinstate the Geauga Park District’s mission statement as it existed in May of 2014.
Eric Reiter
Chardon
Abuse of Power
Geauga County residents are attracted to the county by its rural nature and expansive green space, quiet roads, beauty.
Geauga County residents have voted their overwhelming approval of land preservation by passing every park levy since the park’s inception in 1961.
Let us clearly name what is going on with our Geauga County parks these days and which threatens to change our rural flavor for good and amounts to an unconscionable abuse of power by Judge Timothy Grendell.
Since being assigned as Geauga County probate judge by Gov. Kasich, Judge Grendell has overseen the removal of a director and park board that demonstrated skill at building and managing a park system with a 50-plus-year history of public approval.
After these competent people of good repute were removed, Judge Grendell micromanages the parks through his hand picked board of commissioners, people who act out his vision of the parks against the wishes of the public.
His selected commissioners bring no more experience in preservation, conservation, and park management than an occasional walk in the park, and as is the case with Brian Johnston, a passion for hunting.
Are these appropriate choices to steward an established 9,500 land-preserve system? I don’t think so and neither do the 1,700 other Geauga County residents (and 700+ from outside the county who visit the parks and spend time and money in our towns and in our county; who volunteer at the parks; and who recognize the environmental importance of the parks) who signed a petition asking these commissioners to return the primary mission of the park to “preserve, conserve, protect” … not kill, thrill and drill as is the suspected ultimate goal for our park lands under this new regime.
In a typical gesture of blatant disregard for public opinion, the board refused.
The judge and the park board flaunt their authority in the face of the public whom they supposedly serve by ignoring requests and inquiries made to them, by refusing to grant questions during park board meetings and, in the case of the August park board meeting, filibustering during the public’s floor time by Commissioner Lou Mucci.
The judge misrepresents the public whom he refers to as “the environmentalists” by saying we don’t want children in the parks (bald-faced lie … the parks are for our future and our kids’ future as well as everyday use!), that we want the parks for “an elite few” (another false claim … passive recreation can be enjoyed by everybody of every age and every ability whereas sports, hunting, oil, ATV’s, etc., cannot, and limit park use for others), accusing people of drinking (the judge’s comment of “I want what he’s drinking” in regard to a well written letter by Rick Webb was inappropriate, to say the least, and deserves an apology to Mr. Webb) and other rhetorical twists of truth.
Shame on the judge for resorting to such tactics.
As far as Judge Tim Grendell’s and Tea Party spokesperson Tom Jones’ comparison of land use in Lake County vs. Geauga County, I have one thing to say: Tim and Tom, if you find the environment of Lake County superior, please by all means go live there.
Debbi Mayo
Munson
Common Sense for Geauga
Many people worry about state and national elections only; however, local candidates and issues are equally important.
One race, for example, is the one for Geauga County Commissioner. Walter (Skip) Claypool, who stands for accountable and responsible government, is my choice.
1. Mr. Claypool is honest and runs a clean campaign; he does not smear his opponent by manipulating the truth or telling outright lies to obfuscate the issues.
2. As a former commissioner, finishing the term of an outgoing commissioner, he studied thoroughly all aspects of the issues brought before the Board and was not afraid to question whether passing a proposal would really be in Geauga’s best interests. He is not a “rubber stamp” sort of person.
3. He is a true protector of rural values. Maintaining constituents’ private property rights and water rights are important priorities for Mr. Claypool.
NOACA supporters, for example, have attacked him because he asks for truth and transparency in communicating their intentions for the region to the public.
Working for the good of Geauga County and its citizens should be of utmost importance to a Geauga County Commissioner.
What is wrong with wanting to use our tax dollars responsibly, reduce waste or cut unnecessary programs? Obviously, there are those who don’t really care and will fight Mr. Claypool’s efforts to eliminate cronyism and favoritism.
I’m not one of those people. Vote FOR Skip Claypool if you wish to stem overreaching government and bring common sense to Geauga County.
Stephanie Snook
Bainbridge
Defender of Constitution
This letter is in support for Walter “Skip” Claypool, candidate for Geauga County Commissioner.
Not only has Skip championed a respectful and fair campaign, but he has remained professional in the midst of unfair and vicious attacks by the supporters of his opponent.
Skip Claypool is a proud American, a Vietnam veteran and a family man. He stands for everything good and right about our county.
He is a strong defender of the U.S. Constitution and not only does he talks the talk, he walks the walk.
As already demonstrated while he was a commissioner, if Skip sees a potential problem, he researches it and then takes appropriate actions to address the issue in order to represent the majority interest of the people in the county.
He is financially conservative and will do everything within his power to prevent wasteful spending.
I sincerely believe he deserves your vote on November 4.
Dal Lanese
Chester
Dedicated, Knowledgeable
Skip Claypool is the only candidate for Geauga County Commissioner who has attended almost every commissioner meeting for the past five or so years. (His opponent has attended one or two.)
By attending these meetings and other agency meetings as well, he has learned what the commissioners do and how the county government works.
Furthermore, he actually reads the laws of the state of Ohio that are relevant to the county.
He also knows the details of projects proposed by the various county agencies because he talks with the people who run the agencies, and he studies their proposals.
It is not often that voters have the chance to elect a candidate who is as dedicated and knowledgeable as Skip Claypool.
Peg Hunt
Chester
True Patriot
I have known Skip Claypool for the past 10 years, but he will be my friend for life.
He will always be my friend because he is an honest man, who puts God first, family next and then country.
He wants to promote individual liberty, limited government and fiscal responsibility.
Skip loves Geauga County. He may not have been born here, but he chose to live here. He shows that love by volunteering to teach seniors how to use high tech gadgets like iPhones, and iPads. He shows it by volunteering to pick up leaves and shovel snow for seniors who are unable to manage it themselves.
Skip spends his time looking into laws and regulations regarding how our county is run and how county funds are spent. He questions why our road taxes are spent on bike trails, instead of repairing roads.
He worked with other organizations to hold a forum on exactly what plans NOACA and NEOSCC have for Geauga County and the impact of those plans.
He wants us to have a vibrant park system, but also knows the Geauga County Commissioners have no control over the Park Board.
Skip supports the efforts of Prosecutor Jim Flaiz and the Geauga County Commissioners to get control of the heroin epidemic in the county.
These are things I know to be true about Skip Claypool.
The anonymous letters and websites attacking Skip are simply desperate attempts by people of little vision to demonize a true patriot.
Christie Hall
Newbury
Fair, Honest, Humble
I have known Ron Wiech since the 1980s, when he and I worked with our kids who were in Cub Scouts together.
I remember him then as an “all-in” kind of Pack leader with full uniform and all, working hard for the success of the Pack and the caring development of the young members.
I had the pleasure of reacquainting with Ron in 2001, when I completed a 30-year career in retail and commercial banking, and took a job with Ohio Department of Transportation (ODOT) Burton. Ron was a foreman at ODOT and a natural leader and teacher there as well, being elected as President of our local (Lake County and Geauga County) chapter twice before being promoted to management as a Labor Relations Officer.
Whatever the task, Ron studied hard and performed the job well, making certain to bring his fellow workers along to perform to the best of their abilities as well.
When Ron retired after 30 years of service at ODOT, I took pride in watching his successful campaign for Middlefield Village Council, being elected by his neighbors for two terms so far.
His enthusiasm for his job has never diminished as he has cooperatively worked together with council and mayor to improve the lives of the citizens and to promote the preservation and success of the community.
Ron is hometown, Geauga County born and raised. I believe that he would serve us well as the people’s representative to the Geauga County Commissioners office.
He is fair and honest, humble and hard working. He would do a good job for the people of Geauga County as Commissioner.
I support Ron Wiech for Geauga County Commissioner because I know that he is competent and cares about others.
Rodney Lovas
Burton Township
Leads With Sense of Purpose
Blake Rear is my choice for Geauga County Commissioner.
The job of the Commissioner calls for hands-on service delivery as well as policy-making budget decisions. Blake leads with a sense of purpose, has good moral character and is sensitive to those less fortunate than others.
Currently serving as one of our Commissioners, Blake has a good grasp on financial management, management of the county facilities and personnel administration. His past experiences in working on the Chardon Board of Education has schooled his priorities to protect taxpayer dollars while assuring the public any monies spent are appropriately budgeted and allocated to the appropriate fund.
For a number of years, Blake has been involved in local efforts to combat the rising drug and alcohol problems in Geauga County.
Though there are many responsibilities held by a County Commissioner, the recent increase in Opiate use is of great concern to him. This issue brought to the Commissioners’ table will be well researched, appropriately funded and evaluated to ensure improvements to our community’s devastating problem.
In my recent conversations with Blake Rear, his goals to increase governmental transparency and to empower taxpayers to hold public officials accountable in the duties of their office are key to his gaining my vote on Nov. 4.
Please join me in retaining Commis-sioner Rear.
Joseph Bergant II
Claridon
Best Choice to Fight Drug Crime
I’m voting to keep Blake Rear as our current Geauga County Commissioner.
Blake is a dedicated public servant, not a public official looking for “upward mobility” in politics.
Commissioner Rear is the only candidate in his race with a history of voting to approve the necessary funding for our Sheriff Dan McClelland and Prosecutor Jim Flaiz.
Commissioner Rear takes very seriously the heroin epidemic that plagues our area and has pledged to do what is necessary to ensure that the Sheriff and Prosecutor have the tools they need to combat the spread of drugs.
Clearly, Commissioner Rear is the superior candidate in this race because he has done more than just talk about ensuring funding to fight drugs, he has actually voted to approve every piece of funding for the Sheriff and Prosecutor, so that together, Geauga County can beat back the drug epidemic.
Donald Yuse
Bainbridge
Reign of Terror
The Geauga Tea Party is engaged in a covert plan to take control of and defund every institution that makes Geauga County a quality place to live.
Earlier this year, Tea Party members attacked the Department on Aging and threatened to close senior centers, but had to back down when confronted by a wave of protest.
Then, the Tea Party went after the Board of Mental Health, demanding the Director and the entire 13 member Board resign. The Tea Party even got one of their heavy-handed members appointed to the Mental Board and he harassed the Director and other Board members at such a level that the Director is leaving after the election.
Tea Party members have attacked the Library Board and our Park District, firing the Director and three employees. They reduced security at the Park District and changed the Park bylaws to allow drilling and fracking.
Skip Claypool is the founder of the Geauga Tea Party and he has been personally involved in these attacks, but has stayed out of the action since he filed to run for County Commissioner hoping that voters won’t remember his reign of terror on our County institutions.
If Skip Claypool wins this fall, the Tea Party will have direct majority control over the County and the same harassment, defunding and reduction of service will take place across our entire county.
Dave Netzband
Chester
Restore Park Bylaws
I am a Geauga County resident. I love to hike in nature where I enjoy the beautiful wildlife of our county.
Last week, I stood in the rain with 80 other baffled Geauga County residents at the West Woods Center of the Geauga County Park System. The Park Board meeting that had been scheduled and publicly posted for that night had been canceled at the last minute. Why? Were the newly installed Park Board members afraid of a group carrying electric tea-lights and a list of questions?
I understand Judge Timothy Grendell, the architect of recent drastic changes to the park bylaws, as well as firing of a competent and well-liked Commissioner and key Park personnel, is a Tea Party member. Where were the traditional Boston Tea Party values of democracy and debate last Tuesday evening?
That rainy evening in the West Woods, we received an update of recent events. I was shocked to hear that the monarch butterfly field was mown down to make way for a baseball diamond.
Last year, Geauga Parks took a leadership role in monarch conservation, teaching and giving out milkweed plants to help sustain the threatened butterflies. Do Judge Grendell and his friends believe that children do not deserve both baseball and butterflies?
Then we heard from a horsewoman whose horse has been spooked on two occasions in Geauga Parks when encountering a mountain bike careening around a bend. Whose decision was it to allow mountain bikes on horse trails?
I suggest that this Park Board and this Judge do not know anywhere near enough about conservation or park management to be in this business. In fact, their decisions don’t even make common sense.
Let us restore the tried and true Park bylaws and bring back qualified Park leadership who take seriously their pledge to conserve, preserve and protect Geauga County Parks, people, horses and wildlife!
Maurea E. Landies
Chardon
A Point of View
There is a Great Selection
For this Fall Election
This man has No Fear
Because he has all the Right Gear
His name is Blake Rear
If Corruption and Weakness is Your Fear
For Honesty and Integrity is His Gear
Your Vote must be for Blake Rear
Commissioner is The Selection
Pull the lever for Blake Rear in
This Election
Gregg Soltis
Claridon
The Conservative Choice
Nancy McArthur is the conservative choice for Ohio District 99. The district includes parts of Geauga County and most of Ashtabula.
As a Chardon City Councilman, Nancy is constantly looking for ways to help businesses in Chardon. She understands that helping business grow brings jobs to the area, which results in a stronger economy. Nancy meets with local business owners regularly to find ways she can help promote job expansion.
Being a mother and 18-year resident of Geauga County, Nancy is concerned about the epidemic drug problem facing Geauga County and the state of Ohio. Nancy has seen firsthand how drugs affect crime throughout the area and realizes the importance of drug prevention. She is very passionate about this issue and holds this close to her heart.
Nancy is not afraid to stand up against Common Core. She believes that schools should be controlled by local government, not powerful federal groups unaccountable to parents and taxpayers.
She believes children’s personal information is private and does not need to be stored on a government database.
As a 30-year plus resident of Geauga County, I endorse Nancy McArthur for Ohio State Representative – District 99.
Jeannine M. Soltis
Claridon
Pulse of Her Constituents
I am writing to support Nancy McArthur for our Representative in the 99th district.
I have known and worked with Nancy both in the public and private sectors and I can assure the voters of our district that Nancy will be a tremendous Representative for ALL of us.
She is constantly helping businesses in our area and, with her experience in local Government, She has understood proper land development and growth.
Having raised her family in our district, she is keenly aware of the epidemic drug problem facing all of us in our counties. She will dedicate herself to work with the law enforcement, agencies and churches to stop this decay in our areas.
As the former Mayor of her hometown, I was a firsthand witness of her character,convictions and leadership to are community.
Nancy will be a driver and a true leader in the issues facing us where we live, work and raise a family.
Please vote for Nancy McArthur, a true leader who has a pulse of her constituents.
John Park
Claridon
Worthy of Re-Election
In the race for State Board of Education District 7, incumbent Sarah Fowler has proven herself worthy of re-election.
Ms. Fowler is uniquely qualified to champion our interests on the Board. As a homeschool graduate, she brings an educational perspective shared by no one else on the Board. As a young woman, she brings a generational perspective shared by no one else on the Board.
As a strong advocate for educational choice and parental rights, she holds the government in check for the sake of the very families the Board claims to serve.
As a woman of faith, she prayerfully assesses all issues through a Biblical worldview of truth and love.
Sarah’s authenticity, integrity, modesty, charm and tenacity equip her to put these perspectives and principles into practice. No other candidate deserves your support more than Sarah Fowler.
Michael W. Rice
Painesville Township
Center is a Life-Changer
Six years ago my wife and I joined the West Geauga Senior Center. It has been a life-changer.
The center has many activities, including bus trips, interesting guest speakers, holiday events, etc. My favorite is the one-hour exercise three times a week led by Sandy McLeod. She is professional and highly dedicated. Sandy and her staff are special human beings. The results of these exercises have been very beneficial to our health.
We have met many wonderful people and feel fortunate to have our senior center. We hope to be part of it for many years.
Gino Palombo
Chester
Hooked on Senior Center
I remember many years ago coming to the West Geauga Senior Center on Mayfield Road “to check it out.”
I was hooked from day one. I met a caring staff who really implemented exercise, wellness and social awareness.
It is all “you” as an individual, with so many great programs, professionals from area hospitals to speak about our concerns and take vitals and, of course, friendships we make.
Four years ago, I had a double partial knee replacement. I realized the very exercises we do at the center are the same as rehab therapy.
I feel healthy and active and I know this is due to my West Geauga Senior Center. Thank you Sandy and staff.
Sylvia Palombo
Chester
Department on Aging is Fantastic
I just have to write and let someone know of the fantastic and good work and help I’ve receive from the Geauga County Department on Aging, which is Bob Debevits and Sherry Davis and also Bill Phillips. I’ve been here for almost 10 years and there isn’t once I called and they weren’t here — and everything was always done right.
They should be given a lot more credit than they get. To tell you the truth, I would not know what to do without them and I’m sure many, many more people feel the same.
Mary McGuire
Chester
SBE Needs Charney
I am a retired Geauga County kindergarten teacher who had the privilege of teaching 36 years in a ‘Hall of Fame School.’ I was delighted to meet and talk to Michael Charney on several occasions.
Michael is running for a position on the State Board of Education District 7. He taught for 30 outstanding years in a public school. He has had a formal relationship with organized, publically funded education. Ninety-two percent of Ohio students attend public schools. I was amazed by his credentials and objective appraisals, which are too numerous to mention. You can find these and his mission on his website at Charney2014.com.
I was impressed by his enthusiasm, passion, sincerity, honesty and positive attitude. He has a strong focus and a stated mission. This man has workable plans to help education in Ohio. You can also find these on Charney2014.com.
He is experienced and knowledgeable because of his life-long career interacting with students, parents, administrators and state testing. He will provide TEAMWORK on the State Board of Education. His sense of humor and ability to communicate are a real plus.
I discussed with him his concerns about early literacy. Students who needed more contacts with adult conversation and needing many books read to them to enhance their vocabulary, language skills, and grow their mind.
Yes, reading to a child a book or two a day does grow their mind and also increases their background of knowledge about the world.
I also asked Michael about the test-driven focus that has forced many of our teaching experiences to be dropped. I told him that I had to drop teaching about topics that would have made their kindergarten experience memorable.
Michael was willing to take time and answer all my questions with empathy and respect. He thanked me for my time and interest.
I walked away with this thought in my mind, “He must have been an outstanding role model for his students!”
If past performance does indicate future success, then you will vote for Michael Charney. I would not dream of voting for anyone else!
Jean L. Paine
Munson
Lost Dreams if Levy Fails
I beg you all: Please don’t sit back and let our emergency school levy fail. The school’s success or failure impacts the economic stability of our community.
Last month, I ran a report from the Geauga County GIS system on all residential properties in Newbury. The report showed change in Market Value of homes from 2010 (the beginning of our school’s levy crisis) and compared it to current, 2014 Market Values.
I was shocked and sickened over the findings; an 8 to 21 percent decrease in the values of our homes. Those of you with mortgages understand that just wiped out a lot of equity in your home.
Since it is unlawful for me to publish any document that contains another homeowner’s specific data, I urge you to go to the Geauga County website yourself and look at the declining values in our community.
Instead, I can give you a random sampling of the change in values from different parts of Newbury from 2010 to 2014: $247k home on Windfield Park down $28k in value (-11.3 percent); $149k home on Kinsman Road down $18.5k (-12.4 percent); $162k home on Music Rd down $15k (-9 percent); $179k home on Bell Rd down $26k (-14.5 percent); $125k home on Munn Rd down $26k (-20.8 percent); $109k home in Kiwanas Lake down $10k (-9 percent); $63k home in Kiwanas Lake down $8.9k (-14 percent); $146k home on Ravenna Rd down $16k (-11 percent); $145k home on Ravenna Rd down $12k (-8.2 percent); $104k home on Hotchkiss Rd down$16k (-15 percent); $189k home on Bass Lake Rd down $21k (-11 percent); $154k home on Snow Rd down $24k (-15.6 percent); $141k home on Auburn Rd is down $13k (-9 percent); $200k home on Sperry Rd down $36k (-18 percent); a $200k home in Kimberly Estates down $19.5k (-10 percent).
Unfortunately, if the school levy fails, the property values will further decline. Forget about selling your home and dream of one day retiring in a warm climate, if our school levy fails in November and it is turned over to the state, your dream will never come true.
In fact, the dreams of all of the students at Newbury School will be lost.
Sandra Flannery, Class of ‘85
Newbury
Acting Like a Despot
By definition, and in the record of his deeds as Probate Judge regarding Geauga County Parks, Tim Grendell is acting like a despot.
According to Webster’s Unabridged Dictionary, a despot is “a sovereign or ruler with absolute authority, who rules without any restrictions from constitution or laws; hence, a tyrant; an oppressor.”
Like some of the most notorious despots in history, this judge has attempted to erase or tarnish the memory of successful Park leaders before him. He has made sweeping changes, a purge, to the leadership of Geauga’s previously award-winning Park District.
He has dismissed the protests of Geauga residents over his actions. Last minute cancellations of Park Board meetings have denied Geauga residents their public forum to ask questions and raise objections.
He has directed a manipulation of Park projects and the Park budget that seems to justify suspending the collection of a levy and has thus nullified the choice of Geauga voters.
He has greatly expanded the meaning of the very limited ‘appointing powers’ given to his position by Ohio Law. This judge liberally quotes and refers to Ohio Revised Code to repel any questioning of his authority or actions. As if he himself were above the law, which of course is a delusion.
Like a despot, this judge is attempting to serve his own self-interest and not the interests and wishes of the people. Like the most notorious despots of history, this judge probably won’t know when he’s gone too far and is heading for a fall.
Tyranny and oppression are ultimately not sustainable.
In fiction, the Grinch is perhaps the most notorious despot and he experienced a change of heart. Perhaps this judge will, too. After all, this is not about opposing this judge. This is about loving our Geauga Parks, and doing our best to Preserve, Conserve and Protect their priceless legacy.
Kathleen Webb
Munson
Make a Difference
Just so you know, the cost of Newbury’s school levy on a $100k taxed valued home (not market value), the additional tax is $276 dollars per year. Go to Geauga County Auditor’s website to get it right. I’ve learned in school, an informed voter is the best voter.
What do you want from your community? I want each and every resident and business in Newbury to thrive. I want to attend a school in a small, intimate setting with caring teachers, involved parents, community that comes to enjoy the band performances, cheers on the football team, attends drama club plays and other social events offered to everyone.
I want a safe and strong town to live in, one with strong community leaders that help build, defend, engage and encourage kids. One that has great economic stability and where the citizens are involved, show up to meetings and demand the best for all, but, most importantly, gives the best education that can be offered to future generations.
Think about the consequences we, as current students, will face if our school levy fails again in November.
Education is a great investment and we are worth investing in. Community fuels accomplishment and together we can make a difference.
Please come out and vote, support our school.
Shawn Flannery
Newbury High School
Black Knight Pride