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Good Advice
I've been talking about this with our elected officials for some time. I think it's important, however, to build some core support for the idea, and to rehearse and refine the arguments pro and con, before going public. It's also important to pick the right time to go public.
I'm still hoping to use this forum to start a productive discussion of the matter, to identify issues, and maybe even to build some support. When the time is right, I suppose I might be willing to make a power point presentation or the like at meetings of the city council and board of trustees. This is not something I am anxious to do, given this community's rather poisonous political environment, but I think this matter is that important.
Thank you, in any case, for your advice. I hope that you'll continue to join me in spotting issues, refining arguments and maybe even gathering some data, when the need for data arises.
By Yosemite Pam
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? for Pam
If you don't mind, which elected officials have you talked to about merger? It might help for others to approach the same ones, too. The more they hear it and from more than one person, it may have a stronger impact.
By Merger Curious
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Another Good Question
As I said, I've been talking about this with folks for years. In fact, it's been on my mind since I first moved here sixteen years ago, and realized that I did not actually live in Pickerington.
I recall discussing the matter, after a council meeting many years ago, with the old city council (which then included two future mayors), and with Mayor Gray. I know that I have discussed it with Mayor Shaver and Councilman Hackworth, and with former Councilman O'Brien, among others. I believe I've also broached the subject with Trustee Weltlich, and with several current members of the School Board, particularly Mr. Monhollen.
I raised the subject with the entire city council, the board of trustees and the school board at one of those joint forums several years ago. That last discussion, as I recall, led to the Board of Trustees' infamous (and, I agree, somewhat loaded) public opinion poll.
The old city government supported merger, but were convinced the township government would never go along with it. Others have thought that the city income tax would stand in the way in the township.
At those old public forums I mentioned, however, the City Council actually seemed to back off the idea. They brought in a lawyer, who discussed what an arduous process carrying out such a merger would be, and the idea did not come up again.
It's my sense that many elected officials who have thought through the matter think that a merger could well be a good idea, but are reluctant to raise the issue publicly until someone else has somehow gotten it onto the public agenda, and built some public support for it.
That is what those of us in the community who support the idea would have to do. However, I frankly do not know how to go about that myself, though I imagine it would require a multi-front effort. It's not easy to get people talking about such a thing. Any suggestions?
By Yosemite Pam
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New Annexation law
Pam
I am glad you did read and understand the problem facing the City if Pickerington and Violet Township with this recent court ruling and it affects on the PLSD.
Our wonderful Township trustees are trying to make the case that Cities can't annex without their cooperation under the new law. That is how they have convinced the Pickerington Mayor (your friend) and Jeff Fix. In turn, Jeff has convinced the other three air heads on council that if we don't enter into this agreement then we will constantly fight with the township. Maybe we need some new trustees that spend OUR money wiser.
You should be aware that Violet Township tried last year to stop Lithopolis from annexing into Violet Township. Violet Filed a motion for an injunction but the judge threw it out. The moral of the story Litholopis annexed over 150 of Violet Township territory last year and they could not stop it. In talking with Lithopolis officials I learned that the reason that they annexed was to stop Canal from annexing into the Bloom Carroll School District south of Canal and building homes.
Now tell what good does it do Violet and PLSD to restrict Pickerington from building homes and at the same they say nothing when Canal builds homes in the PLSD? Why is it bad for Pickerington to annex and build homes and it is alright to build homes in the township? At least over the last FOUR years the city has enacted the two lots per acre zoning which is lower density than the township and they have enacted design standards and impact fees. Remember impact fees helps pay for this growth.I don't care what you all say the city has been responsible and the township has remained status quo.
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