BAYBERRY BUGLE

  WHY MERGER IS NEEDED
In the July issue I gave my views about merging Randolph Township and the Village of Clayton. I attended the Merger Commission meetings with an open mind and was persuaded by the compelling evidence that merging the Village and Township is the right thing to do.

Most of us are satisfied with the rural flavor of a Township or are happy with village life. Township government has served us well for many years and a merger would evolve a City of over 13,000. There must be some powerful reasons to merge.

Here are five important considerations:

We live in this community by choice, for the quiet neighborhoods, for the rural setting, for the fine schools, and a stable way of life. Forces outside our community are attempting to rip us apart.

We need the best Police, Fire, and EMS services 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. We must unite to defend our fine services from being diluted.

As this area grows, change will come. We can't stop it, but we can control it. When we merge, we can elect our own representatives and make our own decisions about our own community.

We are tired of all the political squabbles. We are destabilized by neighboring governments and do NOT have an equal voice in the future of our community. Townships and villages have less political authority than cities. By merging, everyone in this area achieves that equality.

After all, our homes are a major investment. A merger protects that investment, by allowing us to create our own municipal council. We determine our own need for services and control our future by electing members to council who share our ideas and ideals.

That's why we must merge and yet think beyond the merger. A CHARTER is the key to our future. This area must be well represented on a Charter Commission for any future form of government to be responsive to our needs.

Yes, it will cost a little. But there are two costs, the cost if we merge and the cost if we do not.

All ten Commission members voted to endorse the merger and place it on the November ballot. I respect Don Imbus and John Beattie, the Commission co-chairmen, for all the work they are doing to preserve our local community. They firmly believe a merger is necessary and good.

The government of Englewood is agressive and growth oriented. Clayton/Randolph residents prefer a more rural, relaxed, and neighborly atmosphere and do not appreciate, being brushed aside in the name of `progress.

Presently, under Ohio Law, we are permitted to merge. That's because we meet the current criteria. Your vote is very important, since we may not receive another opportunity.

It is time for serious thoughts about merger. Only Clayton and Randolph residents will be voting, so weigh outside arguments very carefully. I believe the way for us to control our own destiny is to vote FOR the merger on November 5th.