Fixing Streets Cost Money

10/19/15

To editor;

Reference the News Journal's Wilmington council at large candidate interview 10/17/15.

In the run up to last May's primary election several people running for city council seats made the easiest promise a council person can make. “if elected I will not increase taxes”. This infers that council has a choice in the matter of increasing city property or income taxes. In reality council has no choice. Only we voters the can make that decision.

In the referenced interview for the at-large election Councilperson Milburn was quoted as saying “I think that it's possible to have the best of both worlds”. In spite of the fact that she has no official choice in the matter she said, I'm not for a tax increase...(and) I don't think we need to cut any of our city services” How a voodoo budget would accomplish this feat she left to our imagination. With no funds for repairing rapidly deteriorating streets, a budget cut to the bone and as much as $1 million required in state matching dollars to repair just a few miles of the worst streets on the horizon, prospects are dim.

Councilman McKay and candidate Swindler agree that the voters be given a choice to vote on a street repair tax levy. Candidate Eichelberger indicated that she would need to do more research on the street funding issue.

After much research on the matter I offer my own ideas for increasing revenue for street repairs.

A five year two mill dedicated (can only be used for streets) property tax can be put on the ballot for next spring's primary election.

The $500 thousand annual revenue from the levy could be used to secure a $2 million or more bond or note to finance a one time citywide repair-repaving project that would get us back on a normal maintenance schedule wherein normal budgeting could pay the maintenance bill. After the five years the levy will expire no matter what council does.

The purpose of the one time mass repair is to get more bang for the buck. The bigger the project the cheaper the cost per mile. A a half mile this year and a half mile next year is a very inefficient method.

A two mill levy would cost the average Wilmington home owner less than $6 per month. A senior home owner would pay $4 per month.

Some are suggesting a quarter percent, non-dedicated income tax levy that would generate over $1 million per year and cost a family with a $60 thousand income, $13 per month.

Paul Hunter 

Ohio Voter Decision

 No matter our opinion for or against the marijuana amendment (issue 3 on the ballot) I submit that a real threat to Ohio's voters rights is issue 2 which is intended to place the legislature's preferences above the voter's right to choose.

When a single political party controls all of the State government the voters are at the mercy of the legislature whether or not the voters approve of the actions of that body. The amendment process is the only option to undo one party rule excesses. The most recent example was the passage of legislation limiting the rights of labor organizations. (Senate Bill 5) The passage of a constitutional amendment repealing the law is proof the the people disagreed with the Ohio government position.

That is just one example, it could be just as possible that in the future a one part government of different party would pass legislation giving Unions super powers over industry and against the interest of the people. The only recourse to correct the law would be a constitutional amendment. It's a precious right not to be squandered over the political agenda of the few in government. The current legislature is saying, in effect, that the people don't have the ability to correctly choose the right path on issue 2.

I believe that this is one issue where true Libertarians, Conservatives and Liberals can agree to vote no on.

Paul Hunter  

Pay Attention Ohio Legislature

You should reverse course on your short term and backward approach toward the alternative energy movement. Coal is a fading commodity and that political money will soon fade as well. You are on the wrong side of the energy future.

From the NY Times

“Nine major companies are expected on Wednesday to join a global coalition of firms intent on converting to renewable energy. The new members include Johnson & Johnson, Procter & Gamble, Starbucks,Walmart and Goldman Sachs.”

Posted by Paul Hunter

Need I Say More?

[Ohio's] “Unionized workers earned about 32 percent more than non-union workers, $20.17 an hour compared to $15.27, according to Policy Matters’ research, but the number of unionized workers is a fraction of what it once was.” Dayton Daily News 9/23/15

Some of our own legislators want to go even further and continue their Union busting crusade by creating a Right to Freeload law, AKA Right to Work law for Ohio.

Posted by Paul Hunter

Work to Consume, “TaTa”

Another canary in the coal mine of the “work to consume” economic model.

Where's the labor value, excess or otherwise, in this product?

The value goes to the owner of the printer or other automation systems.

Doctor creating 3D printed stethoscope for $2.50 for underserved, war-torn areas

Dr. Tarek Loubani says that his 3D printed stethoscope can be made for $2.50 and works as well as higher-end counterparts. This is great news for areas that are  The idea for this came after his experiences in Gaza City's main hospital back in 2012.

Posted by Paul Hunter

Ask Your Dentist

Politics vs. public health.

A few Ohio cities are exempt from mandatory fluoridation due to 1970 referenda

Is it time to revisit Wilmington's 1970 vote against fluoride? The city is one of only 22 cities out of hundreds of Ohio cities without fluoridation.

After all, the silly 1960s propaganda that fluoridation was a communist plot has been rendered moot by the fall of the Soviet Union.

Note: The Supreme Court of Ohio rejected plaintiff’s arguments, holding that the prevention of dental caries was a proper public health matter for the city to regulate, and that the introduction of fluoride into the municipal drinking water did not violate plaintiff’s constitutionally protected rights.

Ohio Department of Health

https://www.odh.ohio.gov/odhprograms/ohs/oral/oralprev/fluoridation.aspx

1. Community Water Fluoridation

The ODH has called community water fluoridation“the single most important step a community can take to improve the dental health of its residents.” More than 70 years of research and community experience have shown that fluoridation works.

The following information provides answers to frequently asked questions about community water fluoridation. A one-page fact sheet is also available.

What is community water fluoridation? Fluoride is naturally present in all water. Community water fluoridation is the adjustment of the natural fluoride level in public water systems to an optimal level to prevent tooth decay. In Ohio, most water systems that serve more than 5,000 persons are currently required by law to adjust the fluoride level.

What is the status of community water fluoridation in Ohio? About 91 percent, or 10.5 million Ohioans, are served by public water supplies. Of those, 92 percent are served by systems with adequate fluoride levels. Nationally, Ohio ranks 11^th in the percentage of persons on public water systems receiving fluoridated water. However, about 822,000 Ohioans on public water systems do not receive fluoridated water.

How does the Ohio Department of Health (ODH) promote community water fluoridation? ODH provides information on the safety, benefits and cost of fluoridation and gives technical assistance to communities considering water fluoridation. ODH also recognizes community water systems that have fluoridated for more than 50 years by presenting the National Fluoridation 50 Year Awards. Please see the list of the 2015 recipients, which includes a list of past recipients as well.

Compiled by Paul Hunter

A Thought For This Labor Day

The headline reads “Ohio job gains colored by stagnant wages”. Please remember that labor has value. A lot more value than the Wall St. money shifters can generate. Without labor there is no wealth for them to play with. Without labor there is no economy. Case closed.

Paul Hunter