webadmin

June 16, 2010

Community Journal

Kudos to Ed Dyer. He is the director of operations for the West Clermont schools. On a number of occasions, Mr. Dyer has addressed the school board regarding construction, maintenance and other issues. He also has invited the taxpayers to tour the facilities and see the equipment first hand.

I recently took Mr. Dyer up on his offer. As promised, he gave me a tour of the Glen Este complex, including the boiler room. He explained how the equipment works and answered all of my questions. I was very impressed with Mr. Dyer’s knowledge and his demeanor.

It is comforting to know that my tax dollars are being diligently cared for and that competent public servants, such as Ed Dyer, are in charge.

John Becker

Eastgate

May 19, 2010

The Community Journal

Dear Editor:

Since I am a resident of Union Township, I will not advise the residents of Milford on whether or not their former mayor should be allowed to stay on as a member of city council. However, if a Union Township Trustee were to have a sexual relationship with any Union Township employee, I would call on that Trustee to resign in disgrace. None of them are Bill Clinton and the Civic Center is not the Oval Office.

John Becker

May 18, 2010

The Cincinnati Enquirer

Dear Editor:

Gail Collins opined much anti-gun rhetoric: (“Fighting for the right to bear arms in airports,” May 18). She doesn’t understand that it is reasonable to assume that bad guys will take their guns anywhere they want. Therefore, it is equally reasonable to allow good guys to carry guns into the same places. Secured areas in courthouses and airport terminals are obviously off limits and should stay that way. Bars are not secured areas. Anybody can take weapons into them. I’m okay with good guys carrying weapons into bars as long as they are not consuming alcoholic beverages.

John Becker

December 18, 2009

The Cincinnati Enquirer

Dear Editor:

I’m very disappointed by the budget deal that the Ohio legislature has agreed to. This agreement is a breach of contract between the administration and the taxpayers. It appears that when push comes to shove, the taxpayers get screwed. This never had to be a choice between stabbing the taxpayers in the back and further underfunding the schools. The schools need to be fully funded. State government could help the schools by eliminating unfunded mandates. One billion dollars can be saved annually by restructuring and consolidating state government. Unfortunately, Columbus is doing what’s easy rather than what is best.

John Becker

Eastgate

August 19, 2009

The Community Journal

Dear Editor:

Kudos to Union Township Fire Chief Stan Deimling. He is an outstanding public servant who is under recognized for his dedication to Union Township. Under his leadership, the UT Fire Department earned accreditation by the Commission on Fire Accreditation International and also maintains an excellent rating by the Insurance Services Offices.

On a personal note, Chief Deimling made arrangements to care for my infant daughter during a medical emergency until I arrived home. All worked out well. It was comforting to know that he was on the scene.

Additionally, I’ve also found Chief Deimling to be most professional and personable. Although he was busy working with parents and children at the recent National Night Out event, Chief Deimling took the time to explain to me the various options for organizing fire districts. He outlined the advantages, disadvantages, financial, and political impact of potential changes.

Chief Deimling is clearly one of Union Township’s best assets. His wealth of knowledge, high energy level, professionalism, and public persona are second to none. We are very fortunate to have him.

John Becker

June 30, 2009

The Cincinnati Enquirer

The June 28th guest column, “Raise taxes to care for the weakest among us,” argued that Ohio’s budget should be “balanced on the backs of those of us who can afford to pay.” I strongly disagree.

We as individuals, families, churches and non-profit groups need to shoulder this burden. The state government cannot and should not attempt to be all things to all people.

A better approach is to reduce income and business taxes. The resulting economic growth would increase jobs, personal income, tax revenues, and donations to churches and non-profit groups so that they can better serve the poor.

John Becker

March 15, 2009

The Cincinnati Enquirer

Dear Editor:

Now that I’ve joined the ranks of the unemployed, I’m wondering if I ever really need to find a job. With our new socialist government continuing to extend unemployment benefits and planning “free” healthcare, I may be able to stay unemployed long enough to retire. That’s only 15 years out. I think I can get used to socialism.

John Becker

February 23, 2009

The Community Journal

Dear Editor:

After hearing a number of complaints and concerns regarding the government of Union Township, I decided to attend their February 10^th meeting. What I found was exactly the opposite of what I was looking for.

The Trustees voted to put all meeting minutes and other public documents on the township web site. They also voted to double their public meetings to every 2^nd and 4^th Tuesday. Additionally, Trustee Donnellon, outlined and explained in simple terms, the Ivy Point complex and how the investment has benefited all parties involved including Union Township. (This movement toward openness and full disclosure is in addition to several reforms that they have instituted over the last several months to prevent improprieties and better control expenses.)

Several citizens addressed the Trustees on various issues. Every concern was publically discussed with the person in a respectful and professional manner.

Broad conclusions can’t be drawn from attending one meeting, but first impressions are drawn. Frankly, I’m impressed. My confidence in our Trustees has been restored. I intend to continue attending their meetings and I encourage others to do the same. Public scrutiny is always a good thing.

John E. Becker

February 22, 2009

The Cincinnati Enquirer

Dear editor:

Unfortunately, the West Clermont Board of Education unanimously voted to place a 1 percent income tax on the March 4, 2008 ballot. Although the Board members are good people, mean well, and are performing a thankless task, they have made a mistake by moving forward with this.

A school income tax will shift the primary burden of funding from all property owners (including businesses) to middle class wage earners. The very rich will be exempt because income from interest, dividends, and capital gains are not considered “earned income” and therefore not subject to the additional 1 percent tax. Business owners will contribute less to school funding as current property tax levies start to roll off.

The bottom line is that the income tax will shift the primary burden of taxation from all residential and business properties and concentrate the burden on middle class wage earners who live in West Clermont. No reciprocity is available regardless of where we work. And no one living outside of West Clermont will be subject to the tax even if they work here.

Taxes, of any kind, are punitive and widely despised:

• Income taxes discourage production
• Sales taxes discourage consumption
• Property taxes depress real estate values
• Intangible taxes (stocks, bonds, capital gains) discourage investment

The income tax is the most destructive of these. Lack of a local income tax was one of the key reasons that I chose to move to this community. Additionally, if a local income tax becomes law, high income people will be discouraged from moving into this community. And those considering leaving will be given a push. West Clermont does not need more low income people demanding more and more community resources. We need to encourage high income people to move here, not drive them away.

I understand the need to fund the schools and strong schools foster a strong community. Being as a school system can’t enact a sales tax, the property tax is the best option. Property taxes are paid by everybody living in the community. (Landlords pass on the tax as part of the rent.) An income tax would shift the burden of school funding to only those residents with earned income. West Clermont needs more residents with earned income, not fewer.

John Becker

February 22, 2009

The Cincinnati Enquirer

Dear Mortgage Company:

As you know, I am current on my mortgage and have never been late on a payment. However, we need change and I’ve decided to embrace socialism. Therefore, effective immediately, I will no longer be making any mortgage payments. Please forward all future invoices to 1600 Pennsylvania Ave., Washington, DC 20500.

Thank you for your time expended in this matter.

John Becker