Poland schools worth supporting

Poland schools worth supporting

Why do people move to Poland? Why do natives, like me, come back to Poland to raise their families? I’ve heard reasons ranging from the small town atmosphere to the affordable cost of living. While there are many different reasons, there is one I’ve heard more often than the others: our school district.

I’m writing because on Nov. 2 Poland residents will be asked to approve or reject a school levy. In support of this levy our school district has produced a document titled “Why Is A Levy Needed?” that is available at www.poland.k12.oh.us. Since the the facts and figures are detailed in this document I’m not going to regurgitate them. But I do want to mention what I consider to be pretty compelling points.

First, our district exceeded expectations set after the 2003 levy by sustaining the school system for two years beyond the promised five years.

Second, since fiscal year 2005-06 our district has seen its annual state support cut by $444,689.

Third, when compared to the other 13 Mahoning County school districts our district ranks ninth in operating tax millage and ninth in per pupil spending.

I know it’s not the best time to be asking a community to support any type of levy, but I feel our district has shown itself to be cost effective with our tax dollars while maintaining a level of academic excellence.

For those of us with children in school the decision will probably be pretty easy. But for the empty nesters it may not be. So, for those of you without school aged children I ask you to think about the reasons that brought you to Poland. Our school district is just as important as the many other reasons that make our community what is.

Bill Hegarty, Poland

McKinley Library is a bargain

Please vote for the McKinley Memorial Library levy this election period and election day.

Among the many good reasons to vote for the levy is that the McKinley Library offers the opportunity for taxpayer-thrifty independent study. Anyone who has thrown himself into an inexpensive self-directed tutorial lasting weeks or years knows the awe and humility that accompany genuine, disinterested scholarship.

The staff is dedicated, interlibrary loans and reference helps are available, as are computers and work space.

The levy will help restore operating hours, rebuild staff, and return reference materials that were given up during the unexpected statewide budget cutbacks.

Jack Labusch, Niles

Protecting Boardman’s future

As a 33-year veteran mem- ber of the Boardman Police Department, I can tell you that nothing is more important to me and my fellow officers than protecting the lives, homes and property of the residents of Boardman Township.

I am proud to serve with men and women who are willing to do whatever it takes to keep our community safe and a nice place to call home.

As chief of police, however, I am equally bound to inform the community that the 3.85-mill police levy on the Nov. 2 ballot represents a serious turning point for us all. Passage of this levy is not a luxury — it is critical to ensure the safety of Boardman Township families.

In the last few years our manpower has dropped from 63 full-time sworn officers to just 47. Meanwhile, the threat of serious crime has increased, as the bad guys recognize that our force is overwhelmed.

The spillover crime from the city is alarming and getting worse at our northern border every day, as criminals attempt to continue their professions and pay for their addictions.

Adding to the problem is the County Jail, which is running at significantly lower than capacity. Criminals are being released right back onto the streets, and they head to the suburbs — where there are more retailers to hold up, more valuables in homes to steal, and plenty of young people to tempt with illegal drugs.

We are slowly being overrun, and the thugs have become way too comfortable. We need to draw a line and refuse to put up with this attack on our community.

The police department needs the tools and manpower to do what needs to be done. Only the passage of the police levy can put the department back to a level of strength and capability sufficient to deal with the issues we face today.

As a police officer, I ask you to give us the tools and manpower we need to protect your family and fight the ever-growing threat of serious crime we are facing. As chief, I ask you to vote yes on the police levy and help keep Boardman Township a (safe and) nice place to call home.

Jack Nichols, chief of police

Boardman Township