To the editor:
My name is Tom Simone and I am a Wintersville village resident. I am also a fiscal conservative and a proponent of limited government and low taxes.
Regarding the Wintersville police levy, I am not normally in favor of higher taxes, but I am in favor of smart community investments. I have spent some time researching this issue and based on that research I support the levy and urge the voters in Wintersville to support it as well. This levy is so much more than a tax. It is an investment in Wintersville and its police force. The police levy is not just about funding. It's about maintaining a standard of safety that we've come to rely on in our community.
One of the most important roles of our police officers is to build trust with the community. By investing in our police department, we can ensure officers are visible in neighborhoods, interacting with residents and working to prevent crime before it happens. The Wintersville Police Department is an asset to our community and worthy of this investment.
This levy will help retain officers. The Wintersville Police Department has been a feeder system for other departments and agencies and this levy will help provide more stability within the police department through retainment. The challenges facing law enforcement today are more complex than ever and continuity in the workforce is an underappreciated need.
A 24/7 365 days a year police force means faster response times and the ability to have officers available to proactively address crime before it happens.
I understand that any increase in taxes can feel like a burden. But when we look at what this levy really means for our community, the cost is a small price to pay for the security and peace of mind it brings. In fact, failing to support this levy would have consequences that could be far more costly in the long run--in terms of public safety, property value and the quality of life we all enjoy here.
When we invest in our police department, we are investing in our collective future. We are investing in safe schools, secure businesses and neighborhoods where families can grow and thrive. A vote for this levy is a vote for a stronger, safer community. I urge the voters in Wintersville to support our community by voting yes for this levy.
I applaud the village for making tough decisions for the betterment of the residents. I applaud the Wintersville Village Council for unanimously voting to place this levy on the ballot. Governing isn't always easy. If it was, anybody could do it, and I appreciate the work they all put into this village.
Thomas M. Simone
Wintersville