On the campaign trail...

So some of you might have heard me (with Jason Given and Scott Nelson) on the radio this morning touting the importance of the upcoming emergency school levy. We are coming back to voters on February 6th on this issue...and it is a hot-button topic in this community.

I appreciate people who are openly debating us on this issue. It is a conversation we need to have in the community.

One point I do want to make is that in Coshocton County we have had our fair share of hardships the past couple of years. No one disputes that. I get frustrated, however, with the idea that we can't do anything about it. I seem to be hearing a voice from the opposition that says, "Times are tough. So we won't support this levy."

Well times ARE tough. But what would you have us do? Give up? We absolutely have the ability to change our situation (as individuals and as a community). That is what makes our country great!

We need more people who say "What can I do?" and fewer who cry "Why me."

In addition it is worth noting that we are frustrated with the current funding situation too. In a sense, we are on the same side. I think we need to spend more time contacting state legislatures about funding education in Ohio and less time bickering locally.

So here are some folks you can directly contact about the issue. Let's let them know how important education is to the future of our state!

Joy Padgett
Telephone: (614) 466-8076
Email: sd20@mailr.sen.state.oh.us

Jim Aslanides
Telephone: (614) 644-6014
Fax : (614) 719-6994
Email Address: district94@ohr.state.oh.us

I think we have good representation...but how will they know what is important to their constituency if we don't let them know?

On the Talk Show

We want to thank WTNS for allowing members of the levy committee to be on the talk show. We were able to answer a few questions. The real debate seems to have begun (as we thought it might) after we left.

One comment...if we truly have an issue with the ways schools are funded, then we need to address our current state legislatures.

Upcoming Levy

We created this blog in order to better communicate with those who want to learn more about the upcoming levy. This can be a very interactive way for us to give you our thoughts on our local educational system AND allow you to comment back!

We believe having a strong school system in place is not only vitally important to the children of our community (i.e. the future of Coshocton) but it also plays a huge role in economic development and job retention (i.e. the present and the future!).

This will be a place for open discussion about the idea! Enjoy!