THUMBS UP to the Oxford Township Board for making it clear last week that if there is to be a safety path millage proposal on the November ballot, it will not include Oxford Village.
Board members voted 5-2 to direct the Safety Path Committee to put together a millage ballot proposal for the unincorporated portion of the township only. Once the proposed language is completed, it will return to the board for review and possible approval (i.e. placement on the ballot).
The township board demonstrated sensitivity toward village residents that should be applauded and recognized.
Board members realized it would be unfair to ask village residents to help pay for safety paths within the unincorporated township, when they already pay to maintain a complete sidewalk system in the village.
As Supervisor Bill Dunn correctly pointed out, asking village residents to do this would amount to a ‘double tax? on them.
It’s nice to see the township board is still looking out for the interests of village residents despite the nasty rhetoric we constantly hear from village and township officials about each other.
That being said, THUMBS DOWN to the township board for looking into placing the safety path issue on the ballot at all.
It’s not that we’re against giving voters a choice via the ballot or that we’re opposed to the clear benefits of safety paths. We believe money for safety paths can be found within the township’s existing budget and revenue sources.
We agree with Trustee Jerry Dywasuk there is waste in township spending, which if curtailed could help pay for the construction of safety paths over time.
We realize given how expensive safety paths can be, finding and saving money over time would be a much slower process than having a dedicated millage.
But we would prefer it to asking the voters to approve yet another tax.
Although safety paths are positive things for township residents, they are not an immediate need, something that must be done right away.
There are already plenty of places to walk, bike, hike, jog and run, if increasing residents? physical activity and fitness is one of the main goals as stated by Trustee Pat Fitchena.
Let’s not forget the Polly Ann Trail we hear so much about or the nature trails through the village’s Scripter Park and the township’s Powell Lake Park.
Creating more pedestrian ways does not automatically mean people will use them. You can build all the safety paths you want, but if individuals are unwilling to leave their couches and recliners or go anywhere without their vehicles, the paths won’t do a lick of good.
It’s up to the individual whether or not they wish to be physically fit and thin or out-of-shape and obese, not government. It’s up to parents to make sure their children grow up healthy, not the township board.
We understand officials also wish to install safety paths so township residents have alternative, non-motorized ways to get to places like township parks, the library and even to the village.
But it’s not an absolute necessity to be able to get to these places on foot or bike from anywhere in the township. It’s a pleasant thing, a nice extra, a luxury.
Safety paths neither need nor merit a dedicated millage, another property tax.
We strongly urge the township board to NOT place a safety path millage proposal on the November ballot. Examine other funding sources.
Look for the money within the existing budget. Cut wasteful spending. Save money over time. Solicit private donations from individuals, developers and corporations. Apply for more grants.
But read our lips, ‘NO NEW TAXES!?