Politics & Government

Levy Passage Brings Cheers, Dismay

Narrow victory of levy results in comments, cheers and concerns.

The passage of Issue 10 by a 52 percent margin means a good portion of the community is breathing a sigh of relief, but almost half are frustrated.

Passage of the 10-year levy will result in a tax increase of $253.58 for every $100,000 of home valuation.

“Avon Lake City Schools has to say ‘thank you,’” Superintendent of Schools Bob Scott said on Tuesday night, immediately following the election. “I’ve been here 8 years and they’ve been so supportive the whole time. We’re in a really tough situation right now and have been for a couple of years. This vote is saying not just how important education is to the kids, but the community itself.”

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Scott said the district has known for awhile how difficult the cuts from the state would be and wanted to make sure graduating students were college ready.

“We’re going to be good stewards of (taxpayers’) money," he said. "We’re not going to just go out and spend money willy nilly.”

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Parents expressed support. Leslie Knox, who handled social media for the campaign, said it was a positive move for the community.

“These funds will allow our district to work hard to maintain all it currently provides for our families,” Knox, who has three children, said. “The passage of this levy means opportunities will continue to be available for all our kids and allows them to continue to grow and be well rounded individuals. I feel the levy was imperative because I value education and believe our community deserves the best we can offer.”

Others weighed in on Facebook and Avon-Avon Lake Patch’s main site, where more than 40 comments were posted by noon the following day.

“Avon Lake is a school oriented city,” Terska posted. “Without our great schools we would be another Lorain County backwater. I wish the school haters in Avon Lake would move. The demand for houses in Avon Lake is excellent now. I know of homes selling even before the signs go up. Please sell and let a school friendly family take advantage of our excellent schools.”

Some however, felt passage meant an unfair bump in taxes.

“We moved to Avon Lake 13 years ago and built a new house on the foundation of the lower taxes in the area,” William Schleckman posted. “ Since that time, our taxes have increased from $2,800 a year to now almost $6,000 a year with the new 2013 passing levies. In the last 13 years my salary has increased ( over all ) only 1% a year with our (poor) economy, and we have no children in school any more in Avon Lake schools. Please tell me what is wrong with this picture? Concerned for my future!”

Poster John Kenny laid out a detailed message and earned praise. (Read the comments here.)

Parent Nicole Whisner Cheon submitted this story's photo with a comment.

"Thank you Avon Lake from the Cheon Family," she said. "Drew, Eric, and Trey are future Shoremen. Thank you for supporting this levy and giving them a great start to their education."


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