Boardman workers go all out for levy

A fun fair is set for 10 a.m.
to 2 p.m. Saturday at the
government center.

By DENISE DICK

VINDICATOR STAFF WRITER

BOARDMAN — They wear fluorescent T-shirts and pass out literature, and they’re asking for your vote.

They’re township employees trying to rally support for a five-year, 4.1-mill general operating levy on the Nov. 6 ballot.

“We have at least 50 employees involved,” said Jennifer Gray, a social services case manager with the police department, who also works on the events committee.

The committee includes members from each of the township’s departments and administration.

Gray estimated that number will grow as Election Day nears.

“There are more people getting involved every day to do something,” Gray said.

Besides the home high school football games, employees also spread the word at youth soccer games and community events and plan a door-to-door campaign.

Levy information also is available by calling (330) 729-2017, asking a question and leaving your name and phone number.

Committee members gather at least weekly after work hours to discuss ways to inform people about the levy.

“Not only do all of us work here, but our families live here too,” Gray said.

Save Our Services

The theme of the levy campaign is Save Our Services, or SOS, emphasizing that the nearly $4 million the levy would generate annually would maintain township services.

For the owner of a $75,000 home, the cost of the levy would be $94.18 per year. The owner of a $100,000 home would pay $125.56 per year and a $200,000 home, $251.13 annually.

Township voters last passed an additional operating levy in 1995.

“The employees here take a lot of pride in what they do,” Gray said.

They don’t want to see an increase in response times or a decrease in services.

“Nobody wants to work for some place that is just making it or that’s just adequate,” she said. “We want to work for the best.”

For a long time, Boardman’s services have been regarded as the best, she said. “We want to keep it that way,” Gray said.

Michelle Kanos, an accounts payable clerk in the township fiscal office, organizes the home football game employee turnout.

“I live on the last street in Boardman and I want to see that there is no delay in services,” she said. “It’s important for people to know that this is to save our services.”

Carrie Leetch, a records clerk in the police department, works at the games and on several other levy subcommittees.

Concerned about jobs

As rumors of a levy defeat prompting layoffs flurry through the government center, Leetch acknowledges concerns for her job and those of others.

“I don’t want to see anybody get laid off,” she said.

That’s why she says she’s doing her part to help pass it.

A fun fair is planned from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday at the township government center, Market Street, as part of the levy effort.

McGruff the Crime Dog will make an appearance and vehicles from the road, police and fire departments on display.

“It’s geared for the kids,” said Fire Chief James Dorman, who also works on the levy effort.

Levy information also will be distributed there.

Employees also will be at the Boardman Rotary’s Oktoberfest Sunday at Boardman Park.