Pickerington Area Taxpayers Alliance

Another Editorial

Mark:
I read your recent editorial where you stated that as Wes Monhollen was the top vote getter in the last school board election, the other school board members should get in line and vote as Wes does. While I don't agree with your logic (those elected represent all those that voted and needn't tow the line of the top vote getter), I wish you'd submit another editorial applying your same logic to the Pickerington City Council. As David Shaver was the top vote getter in that race, shouldn't the other council members line up behind him and his views? After all, you shouldn't apply your logic selectively.

Amy Stang

Monhollen and Shaver

Amy,

Yes, Dave Shaver was the top vote-getter in City of Pickerington. And, I believe, the most central issue in the City of Pickerington election was the frequent use of emergency legislation. It signals to the population on a continuing basis that there is a ?“situation of a serious nature demanding immediate attention (Webster dictionary)?”. I also believe the use of emergency legislation stifles public input and any barrier to input is wrong public policy. For what it is worth, I have shared my opinion with City officials.

However, Shaver?’s public mandate pales to Wes Monhollen?’s huge vote of confidence. Monhollen set election records. Monhollen was the top vote getter in 26 out of the 35 (74.2%) PLSD precincts in a field of six candidates for three board positions. Among only five candidates on the ballot for four Council slots, Shaver received first place votes in only 5 of the 10 (50%) City precincts. Monhollen received an unprecedented % of the vote in his home precinct, receiving 68% of the vote in his Violet E and received 67.3% of the vote here in my home precinct, Violet O. No where in the City did Shaver score huge wins like Monhollen did.

Out of the 6701 PLSD voters and 6 candidates for three board positions, 52.6% voted for Monhollen; 43.8% voted for Lori Sanders and 37.2% voted for Gail Oakes. 8.8% more voters cast ballots (586 votes) for Monhollen than the second place finisher in a much larger vote total and in a larger candidate field.

Out of the 1868 City of Pickerington voters and again only five candidates for four positions, 57.3% voted for Shaver, while 54.5% voted for Jeff Monebrake. A difference of only 2.8% or only 52 votes separated Shaver from Monebrake. In scientific terms, less than 3% is an insignificant difference.

Finally, I want to take this opportunity to praise Wes Monhollen for understanding his mandate to unite the board and rolling up his sleeves and going to work from day one. His leadership at board meeting, I understand from all observers, has been stellar!