A lesson in Liberty: Votes should count for something

Opinion: February 11, 2008 at 12:00a.m.

EDITOR:

Ever hear the statement, “Why vote, it doesn’t make a difference anyway.” If you were one of the 5,200 out of 8,500 registered voters who did not participate in last November’s election in Liberty Township, you gave up your vote so someone else’s was worth more. Depending how you would have voted on the two new levies, a renewable levy was passed for the Fire Department and the 911 Communications Levy was rejected. Since taxes don’t pay for themselves, all the residents will feel the effects in their second half taxes this year. The failure or passage of a levy requires a minimum of fifty percent of the vote plus one and the Communications Levy failed by seventy-three votes. It’s back on.

The Trustees decided that if more people would have voted and if the wording wasn’t confusing (police levy and communications levy), the levy would have passed. The rationales are about as misleading as calling a big box store, a gas station, and seven check cashing establishments on Belmont Avenue, “Economic Development”.

Liberty voters were not confused and uninformed. Every registered voter received in the mail a four page flyer from “The Liberty Family” detailing their positions. No less than six times was there a clear, distinct, difference made between the communications levy and the police renewal levy. An article in the Liberty Community news delivered to every home in the township made the same, clear distinction. If all it takes is more voters feeling the economic pinch from higher energy and grocery prices, plant closings, and decreasing wages to pass the levy, then let the administration show real confidence; let’s place all three levies on the ballot again.

Liberty voters were absolutely aware there were two options for a 911 Call Center. Voters could have created a new department funded by a continuous additional tax burden, or forego the tax increase and realize the substantial savings to the township by membership with the Trumbull County 911 Call Center. The voters chose the latter and anticipated that the administration, which never met a new tax it didn’t like, would adhere to the election outcome.

During this new levy campaign, you will probably be wowed with, “we didn’t give any raises this year because we’re trying to hold down costs, but funding of the 911 call center will be difficult without the levy passage.” That’s small consolation after years of raises and benefits packages rivaling any in the private sector. The Trumbull County treasurer’s “2007 Rate of Taxation Report” gives Liberty Township the number one ranking in the total rate column.

We were told in word and print by the administrator, the trustees, and the police chief, “let the voters decide the issue.” Those who voted said “No.” What part of no didn’t the administration understand? For once, wouldn’t it be good to know local government feels your pain and offers you “liberty from taxes?” Family safety — the ability to keep a roof over your head, pay the bills and put food on the table — is every bit important as public safety.

EDWARD E. PALUMBO Jr.

Liberty