Students deserve new buildings
Editor:
This November, Xenia residents have an opportunity to approve a 3.9-mill bond issue, which, in addition to the local funds, will secure more than $28 million from the state for the construction of a new, combined middle school and high school.
This issue will provide our students a new state-of-the-art facility beginning in 2020. A few years ago, Xenia provided new facilities for our elementary students. Our children are benefiting in grades K-5 from these new buildings. There is access to high quality technology, which is used daily in instruction, allowing students to gain new and necessary skills. Our elementary buildings are safe and secure facilities. Additionally, we have a specific maintenance plan to ensure our community’s investment is protected and maintained for many years to come.
However, things are different for our middle school and high school students. Leaking roofs, water damage, rusted and collapsed pipes, unreliable heating and non-existent cooling systems create a less than optimal learning environment for our students once they enter sixth grade. We believe that all of our students should be provided with safe, secure, and well-maintained learning environments.
We also believe in providing all of our students access to high quality technology to further enrich their skills. If we do not pass Issue 21 this November, the state funding goes away. So please join us in supporting Issue 21 this November.
— Cathryn Petticrew, on behalf of all Xenia elementary school principals
Say yes to Fire/EMS levy
Editor:
Your vote yes on Sugarcreek Township’s Replacement Fire/EMS Levy – Issue 17 on Nov. 8 is your confirmation of saying Sugarcreek residents want to continue prompt, responsive and responsible Fire and EMS services.
Passage of Issue 17 will allow for replacement of outdated firefighting equipment, emergency vehicles and safety gear. Timely replacement and maintenance of our township’s Fire and EMS assets results in quicker, more effective and efficient response times to our loved ones, homes and properties. Along with these very tangible benefits comes one you can’t buy: peace of mind. Vote YES on Issue 17 Fire/EMS levy.
— Jerry A. O’Ryan, Spring Valley
Other side of the mayor measure
Editor:
You ran a very informative article last week on the proposed charter amendment in Beavercreek which calls for the direct election of the city’s mayor and extends the mayor’s term of office from two to four years. The only thing missing from the article was the negative side of the proposal.
Beavercreek operates under the council-manager form of city government where the role of mayor is purposefully weak. As such, the mayor has a few mostly “ceremonial” duties, but the primary role is as chairperson of the city council. The city manager is responsible for the day-to-day operations of the city and interactions with neighboring communities and other governmental entities.
The proposed charter amendment makes no changes to the roles and responsibilities of the mayor or other city council members. However, when you directly elect one member of council to be mayor, you imply the position is special in some way and the office imparts some authority other council members do not have. Candidates for mayor will run on their vision for the city and their leadership skills and there will be a natural tendency to claim his or her election amounts to a mandate to be the city’s leader even though it’s not in the job description.
So, while this seems to be a “minor change” that’s not the case. Sooner or later, power struggles and conflicts will arise within city government over who really leads the city. Unless we are ready to head down the path toward a strong mayor form of city government, this proposal should be defeated.
— Dan Denham, Former Beavercreek Mayor
Current buildings not conducive to learning
Editor:
I would like to take the time to show my support for the Xenia Community Schools Bond Issue. I have been raised in the Xenia Community, attending Spring Hill Elementary, Central Middle School and Xenia High School. These schools have given me fond memories but, these buildings are not holding up as the years have gone by.
I was able to tour Warner Middle School this past year and saw things that were not conducive for students as well as staff. There is no central air for hot days nor a heating system that is truly reliable. The classrooms need revamped for today’s technological advances, and space for all to feel less cramped inside the classrooms.
With this bond issue on the ballot Nov. 8, we can help Xenia Community Schools provide a new school for our junior high and high school students like we were able to do for our elementary students. The children of our community deserve to have facilities that are up-to-code, conducive to student learning, and functional. We need to take action now. Use the combined money that the State of Ohio is willing to share and our local tax money to build this school for the children in our community
Vote yes for Xenia Community Schools.
— Christina Lane, Xenia
