Perrysburg Messenger Journal Letters to the Editor
Policy on Letters
We welcome readers' opinions on matters of interest to our community.
The weekly deadline for Letters to the Editor is noon on Friday. Letters should be limited to 300 words. Letters from the same writer will be accepted no more frequently than every 30 days.
Due to limited space, coverage of community news, and production costs, only two letters regarding a certain issue will be printed each week. All other letters will be posted on this web site.
The newspaper reserves the right to accept or reject letters, and to edit them for clarity and length.
Letters must be accompanied by the author's full name, address, and daytime phone number for verification purposes.
Please limit letters to 300 words.
You may use this form to submit your letter via email.
Dear Editor:
Shhhh–you are in the Way Library low-key, off-election levy zone. Make sure there is low voter turnout to avoid November, when the true wishes of Perrysburg would have been realized due to a large voter turnout. It is not only a new tax but also a replacement levy, adding insult to injury. The following demonstrates the difference from the replacement compared to the new tax. Property taxes: one-mill replacement, $598,000 (current $534,000), increase of $64,000, which equals 12 percent; 1.5 mill new tax replacement of $884,000 (current $534,000), increase of $350,000 which equals 65 percent. Wages with benefits: Director, $95,000 in 2007; $110,000 in 2009, an increase of $15,000 or 16 percent. Assistant, $55,000 in 2007; $66,000 in 2009, an increase of $11,000 or 20 percent. Clerk, $55,000 in 2007; $64,000 in 2009, an increase of $9,000 or 16 percent. Wages represent 70 percent of the operating levy. The token cost savings obviously do not include any kind of wage cuts. Why should the library and schools be inflation proof while our community suffers with homes that cannot be sold and those on fixed income? Where do we go to get a 65 percent increase to pay for their wayward library taxes? A renewal would have been responsible; a replacement more than enough, and a new tax is outrageous, not counting the irresponsible cost to run a special election. I value having the biggest video store and entertainment center and meeting place in Perrysburg, and they will survive. The per capita comparison of Way Library to the Wood County Library is costing us three fold more. Make sure you mark your calendar to vote on August 5 and not allow a small group increase your taxes 65 percent. I know it is a feel good; but there must be some point we stop loading more onto our house tax burden. In November, maybe Way can tell us what they can do–not what they can’t do. Phil Caron
Dear Editor:
My daughters have always participated in the many creative and wonderful children’s programs at the Way Public Library including story times, FLASH, and the summer reading program. It is such a joy to see them walk into the library with such confidence and excitement knowing that Miss Pat, Miss Martha, or Miss Kathy will be there–always remembering their names and always so willing to help. On July 9, it was my turn for fun, when I attended a wonderful and extremely well attended adult program put on by the generous bakers at Thrush’s. Everyone in the packed room received their own cake, bowl of frosting, decorating tip, and wonderful instruction from Marcia Thrush. It was such a delightful and fun way to spend an evening. I feel so incredibly fortunate that my family has access to such a warm, creative, and fun-filled learning environment. As such, my husband and I will be voting yes for the replacement library levy on August 5. I was dismayed to learn that, if this levy fails, the library will have to cut their materials budget, reduce staff, hours, and programming, and forego planned technology updates. My family would be incredibly saddened if the library could not continue to operate at its current “first class” level. Understanding how incredibly busy summertime is for most of us, I am asking you to please mark your calendars and remember to vote on August 5. Megan Lazor
Dear Editor:
Perrysburg is fortunate to have outstanding resources available to its residents, but for the 32 years I have lived here, my consistent favorite is Way Public Library. What a gem it is. This is a community resource that clearly has something for everyone, since there is programming for children beginning at 6 months of age through teen years to adults of all ages with some wonderful intergenerational programs. The programming, like the many reading and listening materials available is educational, informational, and entertaining. While my personal favorites include the large audio book collection along with the movies, I see many programs I would like to attend. I have decided to attend different groups this year in order to meet more of my neighbors in the community and to find people interested in areas similar to mine. My friends from other communities are surprised when I tell them that our library has three book discussion groups, a PBS Program Club, computer classes, a health series, movie viewing and discussion groups (Reel Art/Reel Talk) and more. Since our library is always there for us, it becomes easy to forget that it costs money to provide the wide and varied services for all of us. It is easy to take this Perrysburg gem for granted, but we cannot afford to do that anymore because the state no longer provides money to libraries that it used to. The library is placing a four-year, 1.5-mill operating levy on the August 5 ballot. This levy replaces the 1-mill levy that expires December 2008 and provides .5 mill to help cover increased costs for maintaining our library and the outstanding programs we have so close to home. Please vote and visit our library. Joy Skeel
Dear Editor:
During the late 1970s, the athletic director of Perrysburg High School, Mr. Steinecker, developed his forward thinking ideas with great joy. As one of the first group of female student athletes to benefit from Title IX (equal opportunity for female athletes), I went through some growing pains about identity. When I wondered if a girl “could” or “should” be stronger than expected, Mr. Steinecker offered acknowledgement, encouragement, optimism, and humor. He helped me understand how integrity connects people in sports. With everyone’s hard work, our 1979 girls volleyball team became Perrysburg’s first team state champions. Several years later, a chance meeting led to a genuine exchange about future plans. I know I was just one of hundreds of student athletes, but I felt his continued pressure to grow was based on seeing my experience as a gift. A lesson I continue to share. AllyCatherine Wild
(formerly Cathy Wise) PHS class of 1980
