Middletown vs. Moeller
Pyramid Hill light show preparation
Were you spotted tailgating?
Sunday, November 14, 2004
Here are this week’s “thumbs up” and “thumbs down” selections:
Thumbs up to the AK Steel Foundation for its generous pledge of $1 million over five years for the new home of the Middletown Area Senior Citizens. The seniors citizens organization, a well-respected local institution, has plans to build a new $5.2 million center on the former John XXIII School site on Central Avenue, and hopes the foundation’s gift will lead the way to a few more donations.
We agree with the Franklin Board of Education’s unanimous decision this week to delay seeking another tax levy until next May. The district’s 9.79-mill levy was defeated again at the Nov. 2 election, and we think school board members are wise not to rush another issue on the ballot in February. The district’s financial needs are well-documented and serious, but school officials know they need a new approach — before going to voters again. Waiting until May gives them more time to gather feedback from the community and to put a winning campaign together.
Thumbs down to the conspiracy lovers who have tried to find some sinister plot behind the restricted access to the Warren County administration building on Election Night while ballots were being counted. County officials said they were playing it safe against any security threats, but Internet chatter is suggesting it was a plot to rig the results. Not very likely. Warren County is such a “red” county, it wouldn’t have been much of a surprise if the county’s vote for President Bush had been unanimous.
Middletown City Council is deserving of a thumbs up for reaching a tentative consensus Thursday evening on a balanced budget for 2005. Council members, who had varying opinions on budget cuts, were able to talk through the difficult issues respectfully and to give departing City Manager Ron Olson a going-away gift at his final council meeting — general agreement on the budget he had proposed.
A lot has already been written and said about them, but we will add our warmest congratulations to the 2004 Ohio state cross country champions — the Middletown Middies. Your school and community are very proud of your achievements. Great job.
