Pickerington Area Taxpayers Alliance

there doesn't seem to be much organized opposition to the proposed levy. i think there is some massive silent opposition to any proposed tax extention or increase in this economy.

i can see both sides of it -- it is money that the state is ''giving away'' so we should have our hands out for the ''free'' money. but if we really don't ''need'' it right now -- the proposed usage stretches over many many years -- should we pass on it and let another district that ''needs'' it worse have at it?

thoughts?

Misleading

I'm angry about the misleading tactic that the school board has chosen to use in order to try and sell this levy. No matter how you slice it, this is a NEW TAX INCREASE. The current levy was passed years ago with the promise that is would last x-number of years. Once that term was complete, the tax would go away. Now they're coming back and asking that the deal be disregarded and the number or years of the tax be doubled or tripled. That is a new deal and a new tax. This spin of no new taxes is nothing more than a way for the board to condone keeping their hands in our pockets.

All that being said, my family moved here because of the schools. We vowed to support the schools because we believe our kids are getting a great education. Therefore we will support the schools in the voting booth... regardless of how foolish the board behaves.

By Central Mom

Wait for a better time!!

This levy is a real hard choice for me. It is clear that the reason our schools lack funding with the way our state and educators can blow through money. This $50 million will certainly be wasted in maintenance projects that are currently not needed. In fact I have talked with some construction managers and what the schools are doing may very well exacerbate the costs in the future. Replacing the HVAC systems in buildings not correctly engineered for new technology will create problem long term and will more than likely be a waste of money for everyone.

We were told that with our high rate of group here in Pickerington that we needed a $70 million levy to build three schools. The voters were once again suckered and the money which was supposed to be used for future buildings didn?’t really materialize now did it?

The fear that I have heard from those close to the schools is that it will be $50 million for the district. But the district has no say in how it is spent. The state and those making the decisions will not be here when the trouble in the new HVAC systems begin.

I think I am going to vote against this levy and force the school board to get in line for when the day comes that we really need those buildings. If the OSFC allowed the district to encumber the money for a new school building or some other worthwhile project then I might be inclined to support it. I think the voters will make a terrible choice by approving this levy and not forcing the OSFC to better manage our free money.