Letter: Southwest Licking utility trustee responds to concerns over expansion contract
Southwest utility tried to work with others
I wish to respond to the editorial, Sunday (Nov. 20) critical of the Licking County Commissioners agreement with the Southwest Licking Community Water and Sewer District.
NOT SO FAST. Condemning the Licking County Commissioners for extending a 20-year agreement is rather shallow when all the bereaved parties have buried their heads in the sand for over 15 years in determining their own fates with the possibilities along the 161 Corridor.
The Licking County Foundation's "plan to plan" is a good idea, just a little late. The Southwest Community Licking Water and Sewer District has been in operation for over 30 years. We have been in communication with all the all the indignant critics in some fashion over the past 10 years and no one thought to ask us for ideas on how to deal with issues in the 161 Corridor, and we already have an agreement with the Commissioners to address them.
Our unofficial motto is "Development pays for Development." That is the practical side of growth in our territory. We have encouraged our prospective neighbors to become partners for the benefit of all without burdening our existing customers. That requires a plan. Does anyone else have a plan? We asked and received from the commissioners, permission to negotiate with any and all entities that are interested in not being annexed. All needs must be addressed. We come to the table without the baggage and all the expertise to find solutions.We applaud the commissioners for their help in moving with us, to address the challenges that lie ahead.
Larry Kretzmann, Trustee, Southwest Licking Community Water and Sewer District
Newark must be more transparent
Despite numerous requests, Service Director Rhodes has not provided even one piece of evidence to substantiate his multiple false statements at an official meeting of the Public Services Committee on 11-19-18.
We pay your salary, Director…so provide the evidence that could prove you did not intentionally deceive the Public Services Committee and City Council with numerous bogus claims to pass a pet project.
Director, we thought a little incentive might help you fulfill your obligation for transparency with the public. We are prepared to donate $10,000 to your favorite 501(c)(3) Licking County charity. All you need do is corroborate all of your statements to the Public Services Committee. Don’t worry—we only want you to corroborate the four most egregious claims.
Maybe the Director, Mayor and Council members should read the following Quotes from Attorney General Dave Yost when introducing the 2022 Ohio Sunshine Law:
"Each of us has the right to know what government is doing in our name with our money.""Government of, by and for the people must be ‘open’ to the people.""I encourage all Ohioans to explore these rights vigorously."
Even more disturbing, perhaps, is that Mayor Hall and City Council, after learning of the numerous fabrications, sat on their hands. It appears that City leadership has chosen to protect “one of their own “ over what was best for the taxpayers.
Dave Froelich, Newark
This article originally appeared on Newark Advocate: Letter: Utility trustee responds to concerns over expansion contract
