Carroll Commencement
Fairborn commencement
Badin graduation
Ellen Belcher is the Dayton Daily News opinion pages editor. She writes about state government, education, the environment, higher education and all things Dayton.
Martin Gottlieb is an editorial writer and columnist for the Dayton Daily News opinion pages. He focuses on the political process itself and does such national issues as war, the economy, taxes and Social Security, as well as a hodge-podge of local and state issues.Home > Blogs > A Matter of Opinion > Archives > 2009 > October > 13
Tuesday, October 13, 2009
Editorial: Hadley, Jarvis, Wallace are top picks for Beavercreek Council
2009 ELECTION
If there’s one issue that gets everyone’s attention in Beavercreek, it’s taxes.
The city is one of just a handful in the state that does not have an income tax, with voters having repeatedly rejected the idea.
At the same time, Beavercreek is a growing city, and its relationship to the surrounding Beavercreek Twp. is a major question, with the possibility of a merger always bubbling in the background.
The decisions ahead — whether the city should try again for an income tax and whether it should seek a merger with the township, and when and how those efforts might happen — are difficult. They will require city council members who can balance residents’ concerns with the practical financial realities of running a city.
On Nov. 3, Beavercreek voters must choose three council members from a field of six candidates. They are:
• Scott Hadley, a printing company owner, the former mayor and a council member since 1994.
• Brian Jarvis, a quality assurance manager for a military contractor who was appointed to a council seat in February and is seeking election for the first time.
• Linda Borgert, a paralegal.
• Tony Corvo, a research scientist for an aerospace company.
• Debborah Wallace, who runs her own insurance and financial services brokerage. Steve Stratton also is on the ballot, but declined to be interviewed by the Dayton Daily News editorial board, saying he has decided to no longer make the campaign a priority. Voters should support Mr. Hadley, Mr. Jarvis and Ms. Wallace.
Mr. Hadley has had a bumpy last term. As mayor in 2007, he was dismissive of criticism that he had a conflict of interest when it became public that his company did printing work both for the city of Beavercreek and for The Greene, a major development that sought services and financial incentives from the city.
Mr. Hadley’s company ultimately did discontinue that work, even as he argued that he did not do anything wrong. Nonetheless, he apologized, and no charges resulted from a state investigation.
While Mr. Hadley should have known better, those incidents should not negate his many contributions. He is deeply knowledgeable, having served on committees that helped bring about the incorporation of Beavercreek and write its charter. He’s also had active roles in selecting good personnel for key jobs like city manager and police chief. The council benefits from his input.
Mr. Jarvis, in his short time on the council, has impressed others with his study of issues and good judgment. He is especially practical in his approach to taxes, recognizing that any income tax discussion would require lots of parties at the table. He and Mr. Hadley said new proposals for a merger or income tax could come in 2011 or 2012 if there is enough community support.
Mr. Jarvis preaches patience with the process and said there must be an ironclad connection to reduced property taxes if the city moves forward with an income tax. Ms. Wallace shares those views. A former budget analyst for the city of Dayton who has a master’s degree in public administration, she has shown a deep commitment to Beavercreek in a variety of roles.
Ms. Wallace serves on Beavercreek’s planning commission and previously was a member of the board of zoning appeals. She is also active in the chamber of commerce. She would be a good fit for the council.
Mr. Corvo and Ms. Borgert also have constructive thoughts on a merger and taxes. But Mr. Hadley, Mr. Jarvis and Ms. Wallace give Beavercreek the best chance to successfully overcome the challenges ahead.
Permalink | Comments (6) | Post your comment | Categories: 2009 endorsements, Editorials, Scott Elliott, Suburban Communities
