There has been much debate regarding the proposal put forth for a new library (issue 6) and subsequent operating levy (issue 7). If passed, both of these issues will have a significant financial impact on our residents, especially seniors and others on fixed incomes, for years to come.

There is no doubt that Avon needs to address our current library situation. It is not suitable for a city of our size and needs to be upgraded or replaced. There is not one person that I have spoken to while campaigning that does not support the library in spririt. However, issues 6 and 7, are put before the voters at the wrong time, and I dare say with poor financial feasability preparation to convince the voters otherwise.

And another point is that if 6 (for the new library) fails and 7 (operating levy) passes, as some have suggested, it will dramatically and unecessarily  increase the operating budget with no new building to use it for. This means that funds paid by Avon City taxpayers could potentially be used in other cities.  Even though Avon residents have a tremendously generous track record of supporting renewal levies, issue 7 was placed on the ballot as a continuing levy. That means forever folks!

There is no doubt that the proposal for the new library provides a state of the art facility that any resident in any town would be proud of. However, that is not the point. This is put before the voters in a precarious financial climate and puts undue responsibility on the taxpayer.

Unfortunately, as much as I would love to support issues 6 and 7, the Lorain County Public Library System provided us with an all or nothing choice that makes no financial sense for our residents at this time. I do not support either issue.

That being said, I am hopeful that if issues 6 and 7 are defeated (and according to the residents I have spoken to on the campaign trail they will not pass), that as Ward 3 city councilman I will be able to work with the system on a more appropriate solution to put before the voters in 2011.

Brian Parsons

Elect Brian Parsons to Avon 3rd Ward

I am writing on behalf of Avon City Council 3rd Ward candidate Brian Parsons.

I have known Brian and his family for several years, and I believe he will be an excellent choice to represent Avon’s 3rd Ward.

Brian has made an effort to stay involved in the key issues that affect Avon. He is concerned about managing development, improving sidewalks, easing traffic con­gestion and managing our money wisely.

I am confident that he will expertly manage these and other key issues. He is a hard worker who will bring his business experience, opti­mism, common sense and practicality that we need in city government. I firmly believe that Brian is the best choice for the 3rd Ward in Avon.

MICK SMIGEL Avon

Parsons Offers Rebuttal (11/1)

To the Editor: Regarding Mr. Jeff Smith’s letter Saturday, I’d like to set the record straight. It is true that Mr. Yonchak was involved in finalizing the recycling and leaf pickup programs in Avon. However, residents deserve to know that as co-chair of the Lorain County Solid Waste Management Committee, I co-wrote the new solid waste policy that made it possible in the first place. I personally presented this plan to Avon City Council and the service committee upon completion, and urged them to move forward in the best interests of Avon residents. This plan brings $425,000 in grant funds to the city, which made the truck for leaf pick up possible and increased overall recycling by 133 percent in Avon (and produced similar excellent results throughout the county). Contrary to your statement, all three candidates for Ward 3 share a similar opinion on the proposed library project and have stated so publicly. It is quite regrettable that despite the importance of the issue and the potential financial impact it could have on the city for years to come, I was the only city council candidate in attendance at both forums on the topic last week.

Brian Parsons, candidate, Avon City Council Ward 3

Elect Yonchak to Ward 3 Avon Council (10/31)

To the Editor: I urge voters to elect Mark Yonchak for Avon Ward 3 City Council seat. Mr. Yonchak has pushed forward both the recycling program in Avon as well as the leaf pickup program. He has been involved in many council committees (Service, Finance and Parks and Rec) and has demonstrated his leadership by trying to provide citizens the facts about the costs of the proposed library. I am glad to see someone back up their words when they speak about fiscal responsibility like Mr. Yonchak has with the library issue. His opponents have made claims about fiscal responsibility but have largely been silent on where they stand on this issue. I don’t think silence on such a key issue is what Avon needs.

Jeff Smith, Avon