Spring Break
The votes are in: Oxford reflects on results
Talawanda tax levy fails while city supports Charter Amendment by 59 percent approval
Erin Bowen
Issue date: 11/9/07 Section: Front Page
Mike Crowder, a Miami chemistry research professor and a proponent of Talawanda Together, which supported Issue 16, said he was very disappointed with the results.
"We knew that a significant number of Talawanda taxpayers are against all bond issues and tax levies, regardless of details," Crowder said. "We have heard today that a large number of people didn't like the income tax part of Issue 16 while another large group disliked the property tax portion. We really believed that Issue 16 was a fair compromise."
In an Oct. 19 letter to The Oxford Press, Oxford resident Shirley Burgher defended her stance against Issue 16.
"This multi-million dollar project is to build a new high school and new middle school which we do not need," Burgher wrote. "Student enrollment in the Talawanda schools has gone down by 18 percent over the last few years."
Miami sophomore Laura Godfray expressed disappointment about the issue's failure to pass.
"Education is such an important opportunity for children," Godfray said. "I hope something can still be done to improve Talawanda schools."
Keebler, Currie and Rutherford also all shared disappointment with Issue 16's failure.
"I do believe the children of our community are the future," Rutherford said. "Education is a way for them to compete in this world and tomorrow's world, yet I understand that some people were against this method of funding."
Crowder said the widespread opposition was unexpected.
"I am very surprised so many voters were against Issue 16 given the very low number of criticisms and concerns voiced by people at meetings, presentations and door-to-door interactions before the vote," Crowder said. "Each time the issues fail, the kids ultimately suffer."
While Issue 16 failed to pass, Issue 20 was accepted with 1,355 votes and 59.02 percent. Issue 20, the Charter Amendment, will allow uptown development for apartment buildings with more than three housing units, while attracting business to the uptown district. All of the new city council candidates were in favor of the issue.
"We knew that a significant number of Talawanda taxpayers are against all bond issues and tax levies, regardless of details," Crowder said. "We have heard today that a large number of people didn't like the income tax part of Issue 16 while another large group disliked the property tax portion. We really believed that Issue 16 was a fair compromise."
In an Oct. 19 letter to The Oxford Press, Oxford resident Shirley Burgher defended her stance against Issue 16.
"This multi-million dollar project is to build a new high school and new middle school which we do not need," Burgher wrote. "Student enrollment in the Talawanda schools has gone down by 18 percent over the last few years."
Miami sophomore Laura Godfray expressed disappointment about the issue's failure to pass.
"Education is such an important opportunity for children," Godfray said. "I hope something can still be done to improve Talawanda schools."
Keebler, Currie and Rutherford also all shared disappointment with Issue 16's failure.
"I do believe the children of our community are the future," Rutherford said. "Education is a way for them to compete in this world and tomorrow's world, yet I understand that some people were against this method of funding."
Crowder said the widespread opposition was unexpected.
"I am very surprised so many voters were against Issue 16 given the very low number of criticisms and concerns voiced by people at meetings, presentations and door-to-door interactions before the vote," Crowder said. "Each time the issues fail, the kids ultimately suffer."
While Issue 16 failed to pass, Issue 20 was accepted with 1,355 votes and 59.02 percent. Issue 20, the Charter Amendment, will allow uptown development for apartment buildings with more than three housing units, while attracting business to the uptown district. All of the new city council candidates were in favor of the issue.
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