Limited home rule for Sugarcreek Twp. would help fend off annexation

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4:24 PM Thursday, October 22, 2009

A pit bull at rest appears peaceful, but is a monster to those who have been a victim of its viciousness. That is Centerville today, waiting for the Sugarcreek-Bellbrook Merger Commission report.

Voting yes for Issue 21, limited home rule, could help Sugarcreek fend off Centerville annexation like Washington Twp. tries to hold Centerville at bay.

I am against more government, but must now favor more equal government that allows us to help control our future. Limited home rule needs to pass Nov. 3, in the event the Bellbrook-Sugarcreek merger vote fails when that vote is held November 2010. We must have flexibility now to help block aggression.

If Centerville annexes, there will be significant impact to our schools. (School districts are not annexed with the land.) Centerville depends on income taxes; apartments have a higher concentration of taxable residents.

I am extremely concerned Sugarcreek will spiral downward to just a bedroom community, losing more commercial and other taxable land to annexation that could have lowered our taxes. The reduced tax base will cripple Sugarcreek. Higher taxes on the ballot won’t pass. Less revenue will cut our now premier fire/EMS, police, roads, and administration/zoning service levels. No one will be happy except those who annexed us.

— Dick King

Sugarcreek Twp.

Mr. King is a Sugarcreek Twp. trustee.

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