Support urged for Chardon Schools levy Providers of freedom

I am writing to express my support for the Chardon Schools operating levy on the ballot Nov. 7.

I am a graduate of Chardon High School and have my own business here in the city.

This levy is a critical issue for our community.

The state has put Chardon Schools in a real dilemma, by significantly reducing state contributions to our district.

Without new monies from a 3.9-mill levy, there is no way Chardon Schools can continue its excellent record of achievements and progress.

Columbus legislators and regulators have made clear: If you want great schools, it will take local dollars to make it happen. This levy is not for new buildings or facilities; it is to pay ordinary and critical expenses.

Make no mistake: If the levy fails in November, Chardon Schools will have to undertake serious cuts just to stay even.

That is no way to maintain Chardon’s current reputation for excellent schools.

I love how Realtors often brag in their advertisements for home sales: “Chardon Schools!” It is truly a selling point.

I am proud of our system, grateful for the economies the school system has already imposed on itself in recent years, and anxious for the upcoming generation that it will not get the education it deserves without passage of a levy.

Selfishly, my business and others in our area need well-educated young people to survive and grow.

Please vote “yes” on Nov. 7 for the Chardon Schools operating levy. John Shiffler Chardon

I honor and respect our flag and the national anthem of this great country. Our flag stands for freedom, a freedom that is paid for by members of the military, our veterans, police and fire.

The Cleveland Browns play with a brown leather ball and chase each other around on the grass.

And sadly for them, they are not even good at that.

The men who play with the ball have the right to disrespect our national anthem and our flag, because of the men and women who gave their lives to provide them this freedom. Judy K. Zamlen-Spotts

Chester Township