Learn about May 6 levies, issues at community event
The League of Women Voters of Wayne County will host a community event April 15 to educate voters about the tax levies and bond issues to be decided on the May 6 ballot. The event will be held at 7 p.m. in the Wooster High School gymnasium, 515 Oldman Road, Wooster.
“(The event is for) anyone interested in how bonds, levies and ballot issues work, as well as for taxpayers who would like to make an informed decision on what is being requested to provide the resources children need in our public schools,” said Karen Skubik, who serves on the board of the League of Women Voters of Wayne County as programming co-chair.
Speakers include Wayne County Auditor Russel Robertson and Wayne County Board of Elections Director Julie Leathers-Stahl.
“We continually see school levies on the ballot, and people wonder why the schools need to keep coming back to the voters asking for more money,” Skubik said. “In the state of Ohio, local property taxes, which are the primary source of funding for schools, are capped by a state law while expenses continue to increase, causing a constant need to cover the gap. We’ve asked our speakers to explain how this works.”
The speakers also will discuss the difference between bonds and levies and why there is a need to put these issues before voters. Additionally, Robertson will provide information on how voters can enter their address on the Wayne County Auditor’s website to know exactly how much a levy or bond will cost an individual household.
In May voters will see Wooster City Schools requesting support for a bond while Waynedale, Hillsdale and Norwayne local schools all have levies on the ballot. The league has invited representatives from each school district to attend the event. When the speakers conclude, constituents from the different districts will be invited to breakout rooms, where they will have the opportunity to learn more about the specific measures from their district representative.
“Our league has not taken a stance on any of the local issues; however, we are working to educate the public on the three school levies and one school bond issue in our county so voters can make their own informed decision on how to vote in the May 6 election,” Skubik said. “It can often be hard to weigh the pros and cons of any vote, especially when it impacts your personal finances. It is our hope we can provide citizens with the information they need to make a choice they feel is best for both their household and their community.”
The League of Women Voters is a national nonpartisan organization that encourages informed and active participation in government and believes freedom to vote is a nonpartisan issue. The league works to increase understanding of major public policy issues and influences public policy through education and advocacy.
“As a respected national grassroots organization, we welcome all interested individuals who wish to be engaged in creating positive change to join our organization,” Skubik said.
Find the League of Women Voters Wayne County at www.lwvwaynecounty.org. For more information or questions regarding the upcoming event, email lwvofwaynecounty@gmail.com.
“Our democratic government depends on the informed, active participation of its citizens,” Skubik said. “In order for our schools, city council members, commissioners and all government officials to know the will of the people, we need to vote, even on off-year or special elections.”
