10 levies before voters again

YOUNGSTOWN — No doesn’t always mean no.

In fact, when it comes to tax levies for school and government programs, a “no” by voters at the ballot in one election sometimes is interpreted as “maybe,” as the issue frequently shows up again at the next election.

That scenario is playing out 10 times across Mahoning, Trumbull and Columbiana counties in Tuesday’s elections. Ten levies rejected in November, ranging from a 9.5-mill tax proposal for the Youngstown city schools to a 1.25-mill emergency services levy in Liberty Township, are before voters again.

The Youngstown schools, struggling to recover from a $15 million budget deficit, has already had voters turn down the 9.5-mill, five-year levy — twice. A state fiscal oversight commission has directed the district to put the issue up for a vote again, saying Youngstown can’t return to solvency without new revenue.

The school board is trying to put a face on the levy request this time by incorporating pupils in the campaign to win voter support, said Shelley Murray, school board president.

One of the most visible was Ammie-Marie Littke, an East High School student who is a student member of the school board.

She got the opportunity to seek support for the levy during a presidential campaign stop at Chaney High School by U.S. Sen. Hillary Rodham Clinton.

Littke urged voters to vote yes, asking them not to think of the school administration when they enter the voting booth, but to remember her face as a representative of children in the district seeking a good education.

The district has also been working on more cuts to reduce spending.

For the complete story, see Sunday’s Vindicator and Vindy.com.