TO: The future of Blendon Township does rely on our vote November 3rd.
I do not normally contribute to the pre-election rhetoric, however, a recent posting by an anonymous contributor in which I was mentioned, deserves some clarification. The unidentified writer stated that Jan Heichel, candidate for Blendon Township Trustee, while at the Q & A Candidates night "stated several times that Huber Ridge is referred to as a 'ghetto'." I was present that night and Mrs Heichel did not make that statement as the writer described. She stated in one of her answers that a co-worker had asked her where she lived. Mrs. Heichel responded that she lived in Huber Ridge. The co-worker then commented that Huber Ridge was known as Westerville's ghetto. Mrs. Heichel stated that the co-worker's words hurt and offended her. She pledged to ensure that, if elected, she would continue to support the efforts by the Board of Trustees to upgrade the infrastructure and enforce the maintenance code.
The writer then questioned why I am only recently concerned about the infrastructure. The writer, by this question, has revealed that he/she has attended few Board meetings....if any. I, along with the other Trustees and Financial Officer, have always been concerned about the infrastructure and have made many improvements each and every year that I have served as a Trustee. Money is budgeted every year for improvements, however, "budgeted" is the key word. The Board has to work within a budget since, unlike the State or Federal Governments, we do not engage in deficit spending. Money also has to be allocated for Police Protection, Fire Protection, Cemetery, Equipment, Wages, Benefits, Building Maintenance, Maintenance Code Enforcement and the list goes on. Although available to us, the Board has elected not to seek and form a "Road District" which would allow us to raise additional revenue through taxing the residents. We chose to work with the money available to us annually. Holding down costs and taxes has always been a priority of the Board.
I personally placed a resolution before the Board recently to spend $100,000 each year to replace deteriorated curbs and gutters. I am proud to say that the other two members of the Board agreed and the Financial Officer was able to budget the amount. I credit our Financial Officer for his insightful ability to move funds in such a way that has a minimal effect on other budgeted services.
It should also be mentioned, for the sake of clarity, that the Ohio Revised Code did not allow Townships to write or subscribe to and enforce a "Maintenance Code" for the community. It was not until 2007 that the Ohio Legislature passed a law that permitted Townships to do so. The law took effect in March of 2008. The Board enacted our Maintenance Code in December of 2008 and it took effect in January of 2009. I, along with Mr. Stew Flaherty, spent many hours devising a plan of approach to develop our own "Maintenance Code." It was all new territory since no other Township in Franklin County had one. Prior to our efforts, problems of blight, infestations or other neighborhood deterioration had to be addressed through Franklin County. They, of course, were overloaded and few problems found satisfactory resolution. Because the Board of Trustees, without the inspiration from any candidate, had continuously sought solutions to the lack of its ability to address the deteriorating properties, we saw opportunity in the new "Maintenance Code" law. The Board hired a Code Enforcement Officer who has done a fantastic job working with the residents in correcting problems with their property. Now, rather than going to Franklin County for assistance, the Board can correct the problems even to the point of demolishing a structure that cannot be corrected. The Franklin County Auditor has willingly partnered with the Board to demolish such structures by supplying the required funds to hire the demolition company.
The writer also eluded to my friendship with Mrs. Heichel and her husband, Tom. I am proud to declare my friendship with both. I watched as they raised two fine sons who attended Huber Ridge Elementary and other schools in the Westerville School District. Tom was the Police Chief in Blendon Township for 35 years. I first met him when he hired me as a Reserve Police Officer in November of 1977. He and I patrolled the streets and roads of Blendon Township together on many occasions. When I was the only officer on duty and in need of assistance, Chief Heichel was always available night or day. Over the years, as your Trustee, I observed Chief Heichel, on his own time, mow grass in the Township right-of-way, fix broken signs, pick up dead animals and help residents clean up their property when sickness or other circumstances prevented them from doing so themselves. Many people do not know about these things because Tom, like his wife, Jan, do not like to boast or call attention to themselves. They truly have a servant's heart and an unquestioned dedication to Blendon Township and its residents.
Let me be perfectly clear, this response is not to be considered a criticism of Mr. Welch. We have lived next door to each other for the past eight years. During that time, he has been a good neighbor and we have enjoyed many neighborhood social functions together. His skills as a professional automobile mechanic have saved my old cars many times over.
Elections tend to bring out the good and sometimes the bad in people who want their candidate to win. Facts are many times distorted to lend weight to the arguments. Unfortunately, that is the nature of an election season. It is my hope that the writer's reference to the "romper room" and the "Tom and Jerry" show will be seen for what it is and each candidate's qualifications will be weighed fairly by each voter.
The Board of Trustees meets every other Wednesday at 6:30 PM in the Senior Center. Due to scheduling conflicts, we sometimes have to change the starting time of the meeting, so you may call 882-1270 to confirm the time. All are welcome to attend these meetings.
May God continue to Bless our community.
Jerry L. Ward - Trustee
