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Dave Larsen writes about higher education.Home > Blogs > On Campus > Archives > 2008 > March > 04 > Entry
Sinclair levy squeaks out a win
11:30 p.m.
With 95 percent of Montgomery County votes tallied, Sinclair’s 10-year, 3.2-mill levy is passing with 52 percent of voters approving it and 47.25 percent rejecting it. Sinclair officials, after calling the race and announcing the win to employees at a post-election party on campus, called it a squeaker
The passage rate was consistent with what Cleveland-based political consultant Bill Burges expected, he said after the calling the race a win. As the levy campaign’s political consultant, he’s been nervous for a year, he said.
“This is the worst economic environment we’ve been in probably since the rust-belt recession in 1979 to 1983,” he said. “I knew they were going to need every bit of effort they went through to get it passed. Considering recent economic news, this very, very good.”
Sinclair’s last levy, which passed in 1998 and expires at the end of this year, passed at a much higher rate, about 73 percent.
Issue 39, the 10-year, 3.2-mill property tax levy that passed today, March 4, will replace that 1998 levy, which was 2.5-mills. It will cost Montgomery County homeowners $98 a year for every $100,000 in current property value, a $42 increase over the amount homeowners currently pay, beginning in 2009.
The new levy will bring in about $32 million per year each year in tax receipts from Montgomery homeowners, a $12 million increase over the $20 million the college receives from the current levy.
10:15 p.m.
Sinclair Community College’s party for celebrating, officials hope, the passage of its 10-year, 3.2-mill levy in today’s Ohio primary is already starting to dwindle a little as people here seem pretty confident it’s passing and feel it’s safe to go home.
With a little over 60 percent of Montgomery County precincts reporting, Issue 39 is staying above water at a 55 percent passage rate.
9:45 p.m.
With 42 percent of Montgomery County precincts reporting results, the approval rate for Sinclair’s 3.2-mill levy has bumped up to 55.5 percent. About 44.5 percent are rejecting it.
Of Montgomery County’s 368,500 registered voters, a little more than 62,000 have voted on the levy, according to unofficial early results at the board of elections.
9:00 p.m.
It’s still VERY early, but first results from the Montgomery County Board of Elections — a tally of absentee and early voting ballots — shows about 54 percent of 14,614 ballots cast approving Issue 39, the 3.2-mill levy for Sinclair Community College. About 46 percent are rejecting it. About 900 votes were blank, meaning those voters chose not to vote at all on the issue.
The polls closed at 7:30 p.m., and the Montgomery County Board of Elections on Third Street is now a flurry of traffic and activity as poll workers start turning in the ballots from their precincts. As the board of elections starts tallying, it starts posting results at 9:00 p.m.
At Sinclair’s Building 12 across the street, Sinclair officials and supporters are gathered in the Charity Earley Auditorium awaiting the results.
Sinclair is seeking a 10-year, 3.2-mill property tax levy to replace a 2.5-mill levy already on the books that was approved in 1998 and expires at the end of this year. It will/would cost Montgomery County homeowners $98 a year for every $100,000 in current property value, a $42 increase over the amount homeowners currently pay.
The new levy would bring in about $32 million per year each year in tax receipts from Montgomery homeowners, a $12 million increase over the $20 million the college receives from the current levy.
The board of elections expects to have final, unofficial results around midnight tonight, later than usual. Check back for additional updates as the results come in.
Permalink | Comments (67) | Categories: Sinclair Community College
Comments
By uke51
March 4, 2008 10:41 PM | Link to this
My only question is how much was spent in ads for TV, newspapers and billboards? Maybe they could have spent some of that money instead of my tax dollars.By lz
March 4, 2008 10:54 PM | Link to this
No college money was used to promote the levy. And I wonder how many of us are aware that Sinclair offers the best quality education at a fraction of the real cost. Finally, let’s all keep in mind that having a community with an educated work force benefits the entire community—through better jobs, meaning a better quality of life. Sinclair is one of the best things going on in this area. Even if you didn’t or don’t go there, odds are your nurses did, your auto mechanic did, your fire fighter did, and many many others either took some classes or graduated from Sinclair and is now making this area a better place to live. Thanks, Sinclair!!By lz
March 4, 2008 10:55 PM | Link to this
No college money was used to promote the levy. And I wonder how many of us are aware that Sinclair offers the best quality education at a fraction of the real cost. Finally, let’s all keep in mind that having a community with an educated work force benefits the entire community—through better jobs, meaning a better quality of life. Sinclair is one of the best things going on in this area. Even if you didn’t or don’t go there, odds are your nurses did, your auto mechanic did, your fire fighter did, and many many others either took some classes or graduated from Sinclair and is now making this area a better place to live. Thanks, Sinclair!!By the truth
March 5, 2008 12:03 AM | Link to this
Another tax levy passes. Another reason for leaving Montgomery county.By joe
March 5, 2008 12:31 AM | Link to this
I can’t believe this passed. College education should not be funded this way. I do not see myself going to class any time soon. I received notice last week, that my house payment went up 49.00 a month.Higer education should be paid for by those who can afford it. This disgust me.I agree anothe reason to leave Mont.Co.By dsto
March 5, 2008 1:44 AM | Link to this
What? Another Tax increase? I have a child going to Sinclair and this is irritating to a long time Dayton homeowner. Now I am paying for everyone’s child to go to Sinclair as well. I appreciate the service and education given by Sinclair,but I would be willing to pay more in tuition than to keep opening the door of tax levies even further. I want my government to keep out of my pockets. I want people to stand up and take care of themsleves and stop relying on excuses and the government to do everything for them. If you want to go to school,or send your child, buck up ,sacrifice and do it yourself. I just hope all those other people I am sending to college do not expect a graduation gift from me, my pockets are bare…..By Dennis McFarland
March 5, 2008 4:05 AM | Link to this
Once my property taxes go up. I wonder if eveveryone who lived in worked in Montgomery c ountyhad to pay a tax to support Sinclair Community College whether the outcome would be the same, my guess is this issue would have gone down in defeat handily. This is the problem when you target on segment of the population with taxes that go to improve the life of the community. If our property taxes are going to increase with someone wantiong to place a levy on the ballot, the only voters wo should be voting on the levy issue should be the property owners themselves. But the people with money and power in this community/county have figured out a sure fire way of getting what they want. They have set op the table so they that they only win. The rest of us just pay more.By Dan
March 5, 2008 7:00 AM | Link to this
I wonder what money they used for the party?By mjm
March 5, 2008 7:02 AM | Link to this
Once again it is the PROPERTY OWNERS like myself that are footing the bill. Our only salvation would be when Montgomery County lowers our property apraisial. You can bet I will do my best to see that the value is decreased. With the economy the way it is I cannot believe that this levy passed. The ones voting for it must have been those that DO NOT own their own homes. I am tired of paying YOUR way in the world. So when the rest of the homes in Dayton are under forecloser and sold at auction for pennies where will the tax come from for Sinclair. They may be hurting after all and if they raise their tuition it will be a tell tale sign that they could have done this all along.By Annie G
March 5, 2008 7:18 AM | Link to this
All the money to run the campaign and host the party was raised from private individuals and local companies. As for raising tuition to pay the bills, the governor has prohibited any raise in tuition.By Annie G
March 5, 2008 7:19 AM | Link to this
All the money to run the campaign and host the party was raised from private individuals and local companies. As for raising tuition to pay the bills, the governor has prohibited any raise in tuition.By Shawn
March 5, 2008 7:25 AM | Link to this
It’s plain and simple. If the young kids (or old) can’t get an affordable education then the city of Dayton will suffer. If businesses can’t recruit educated people in the skills they need, then they will take their business elsewhere. Not what Dayton needs.. Let’s face it Dayton isn’t exactly the smartest city in America, and we need all the help we can to keep the businesses that we already have from leaving. This levy helps Dayton grow putting business tax dollars back into our local economy. What’s a few bucks a year if to give kids a chance to make a life for themselves and keep Dayton growing. Also, no jobs in Dayton means no money in Dayton which means more crime, which is never a good thing. If there are no jobs in Dayton then you will never sell your house because who would want to move to a city where there are no jobs. So it all works out in the end because your property value will go up. You just have to link the two together and you will see it was a good thing to pass this levy.By Shannon
March 5, 2008 7:30 AM | Link to this
I can not believe Sinclairs levy passed, just one more reason to leave Dayton. How many times can they bleed us HOMEOWNERS! Shame on you Sinclair! We need more people like David Esrati who has real solutions to the valleys problems. You that did not vote missed your chance.By Phil
March 5, 2008 7:55 AM | Link to this
I wonder what it will take for homeowners to wake up and say “enough is enough’. Funding the issues via property taxes has got to stop.By Phil
March 5, 2008 7:56 AM | Link to this
I wonder what it will take for homeowners to wake up and say “enough is enough’. Funding the issues via property taxes has got to stop.By Phil
March 5, 2008 7:56 AM | Link to this
I wonder what it will take for homeowners to wake up and say “enough is enough’. Funding the issues via property taxes has got to stop.By Mike
March 5, 2008 8:03 AM | Link to this
Uke51, I saw that it was around 800,000$ mostly from local business’s. The big winners here are the business that gets employees or future employees trained and educated at the expense of the rest of the Counties residents. Spoken like a true socialist Shawn, its ok if it’s a good cause right? It’s about the children right? Well I have something’s I think are good causes too let’s get them on the ballet, anyone else need a levy? “A democracy cannot exist as a permanent form of government. It can only exist until the voters discover that they can vote themselves largesse from the public treasury. From that moment on, the majority always votes for the candidates promising the most benefits from the public treasury, with the result that a democracy always collapses over loose fiscal policy, always followed by a dictatorship.” — Professor Alexander Tytler over 200 years agoBy Reality
March 5, 2008 8:20 AM | Link to this
You people that are upset just don’t get it!! You must feel very secure with your career. I AM A HOMEOWNER with a 4-yr degree in business from Wright State who couldn’t find a job in this economy after National City eliminated 1500 jobs, including mine…2 years ago! Now I am going to Sinclair and for a total cost of about $2,500 will get an Airline Dispatcher License and a new career in less than a year…and, yes, they are in demand, even in Dayton, so I WILL have a job the day after I graduate! I wouldn’t have even known about this if it wasn’t for Sinclair. I hope you don’t have to go through what I went through, but if/when you do you’ll be VERY thankful Sinclair is there to help!By CR
March 5, 2008 8:25 AM | Link to this
Maybe Dennis McFarland should take a class at Sinclair so he can learn how to spell? As for the employers of Montgomery County getting workers trained at the expense of Montgomery County property owners, if they can’t find qualified workers, do you think they will stay in Montgomery County?By CR
March 5, 2008 8:25 AM | Link to this
Maybe Dennis McFarland should take a class at Sinclair so he can learn how to spell? As for the employers of Montgomery County getting workers trained at the expense of Montgomery County property owners, if they can’t find qualified workers, do you think they will stay in Montgomery County?By CR
March 5, 2008 8:25 AM | Link to this
Maybe Dennis McFarland should take a class at Sinclair so he can learn how to spell? As for the employers of Montgomery County getting workers trained at the expense of Montgomery County property owners, if they can’t find qualified workers, do you think they will stay in Montgomery County?By Rob
March 5, 2008 8:33 AM | Link to this
Super! Another tax imposed on county residents by the West Side. Oh please tax me some more so I can subsidize tuition for all at a community college that is opening branches in other counties. What a deal! Can I now assume that the West Side will assist me with my two kids @OSU? What? Silence?By Rob
March 5, 2008 8:33 AM | Link to this
Super! Another tax imposed on county residents by the West Side. Oh please tax me some more so I can subsidize tuition for all at a community college that is opening branches in other counties. What a deal! Can I now assume that the West Side will assist me with my two kids @OSU? What? Silence?By Geoff
March 5, 2008 8:34 AM | Link to this
Someone please remind me again how much Sinclair is spending to expand into Warren County, and why I should be paying for them to do this?By judy
March 5, 2008 8:43 AM | Link to this
I voted for the levy so there would be enough educated people in Dayton to pay Social Security. I’ve paid it for 40 years and I hope others get a good education and can afford to pay mine when (and if) I retire.By Don
March 5, 2008 9:00 AM | Link to this
To the voters: PLEASE STOP COMPLAINING ABOUT THE MORTGAGE CRISIS, ESPECIALLY WHEN YOU VOTE TO RAISE TAXES AGAIN WITH ISSUE 39! GEEZ, DO YOU PEOPLE THINK?By John
March 5, 2008 9:02 AM | Link to this
My wife is starting school soon at a private medical technical school paying $19,000 to go. She had the option of going to Sinclair for a fraction of that price at less than $5,000. She picked the higher priced school because she’s in an accelerated program and will graduate faster, and into the work place. Lucky for her, she has that option; however a majority of those that go to Sinclair do not have that option. It’s either go to Sinclair or work at McDonalds. Education always pays for itself both directly and indirectly. If it helps the community out then I’m all for it. Give something back to your community. It about $84 extra a year from what they are paying now for a $200K home. That’s $7 a month or a little more than a combo meal at McDonalds. You are not going to miss it. Sinclair’s expansion into Warren County. That’s a good point I never thought about. Does anybody know if they pay higher tuition because they are not Montgomery County?By CONGRATS SCC!!!
March 5, 2008 9:04 AM | Link to this
First, allow me to say CONGRATULATIONS SINCLAIR!!! I think that some of you should know the facts before making any comments!! How could anyone complain about this? Sinclair is one of the best things Dayton has to offer! Where do you people think our nurses, police officers, and firefighters come from? They don’t train themselves. So maybe the next time you are in an emergency situation and need assistance, find someone in Montgomery County that has never attended Sinclair, since you obviously don’t support it, and see who is there to help, with the knowledge and training that is needed! Way to go Sinclair!!!By Heidi
March 5, 2008 9:05 AM | Link to this
I honestly believe that if you don’t vote don’t complain. Although I truly stand by this, I see why people don’t vote now…I voted last night and I STRONGLY disagree with this levy. I need to be explained as to why my husband and I should pay higher property taxes just so that other people may attend college. He is a graduate of a 4 year University and I am a graduate of Sinclair C.C. I personally do not feel that this school has helped me to be where I am now. I chose to attend school here because it was more affordable than a 4 year university BUT I also feel that this school was worth the PRICE I paid. If you are going to get a degree then go get a 4 year degree not a 2 year. I was promised a lot by my professors and such. The job placement center in Sinclair was supposed to ASSIST me in obtaining a job and well…they did no such thing. I continuously went to the job assistance center to look for jobs through the college and they couldn’t even help me get an intership anywhere! I am not saying that Sinclair is not a good school by there are PLENTY of financial aid, scholorship opportunities that no one takes advantage of. I never received any REAL assistance from my counselor who was supposed to COUNSEL me in my career field and help with picking out the correct classes. All in all I feel that this levy is a joke and I honestly believe that people voted because they hear the word “levy” and without having the proper knowledge of what that means…voted “yes”! If this school wants to pass a levy without a hidden agenda then please educate our future leaders of america of what exactly that word really means.By Heidi
March 5, 2008 9:05 AM | Link to this
I honestly believe that if you don’t vote don’t complain. Although I truly stand by this, I see why people don’t vote now…I voted last night and I STRONGLY disagree with this levy. I need to be explained as to why my husband and I should pay higher property taxes just so that other people may attend college. He is a graduate of a 4 year University and I am a graduate of Sinclair C.C. I personally do not feel that this school has helped me to be where I am now. I chose to attend school here because it was more affordable than a 4 year university BUT I also feel that this school was worth the PRICE I paid. If you are going to get a degree then go get a 4 year degree not a 2 year. I was promised a lot by my professors and such. The job placement center in Sinclair was supposed to ASSIST me in obtaining a job and well…they did no such thing. I continuously went to the job assistance center to look for jobs through the college and they couldn’t even help me get an intership anywhere! I am not saying that Sinclair is not a good school by there are PLENTY of financial aid, scholorship opportunities that no one takes advantage of. I never received any REAL assistance from my counselor who was supposed to COUNSEL me in my career field and help with picking out the correct classes. All in all I feel that this levy is a joke and I honestly believe that people voted because they hear the word “levy” and without having the proper knowledge of what that means…voted “yes”! If this school wants to pass a levy without a hidden agenda then please educate our future leaders of america of what exactly that word really means.By O
March 5, 2008 9:09 AM | Link to this
Whine, whine, whine. Sinclair is educating a community desperately in need of more varied skills, for a fraction of the cost of other institutions. With the decline of manufacturing, we have to re-educate the community and we have to pool our resources to do it as cheaply as possible. If your already laid off, you can’t come up with high tuition and you can’t get back on a paying basis without the education. Sinclair makes this area a better place. And by the way, the levy is assisting Montgomery County residents with tuition costs; out of county pay more.By reality
March 5, 2008 9:14 AM | Link to this
Hey Rob…about your 2 kids at OSU…it’s a STATE school that gets STATE FUNDING (that is why it’s cheaper than UD). Guess who pays for that STATE FUNDING??? That’s right…OHIO TAXPAYERS!! STOP COMPLAINING…you’re getting helped by “West Dayton”! What?? Silence??By Reality
March 5, 2008 9:20 AM | Link to this
For all of you against this…there are a lot of paved roads in Ohio that I don’t drive on (that you probably do). My taxes go to your roads and I don’t think they should. My point? There are a lot of things that our tax money goes to that we don’t directly benefit from. You probably want to see Dayton’s economy get better so there are more jobs and your house value goes up. Education helps this happen. An uneducated workforce hurts this. Be glad that your taxes will finally go to something that could overall better the Dayton area.By Rich
March 5, 2008 9:38 AM | Link to this
I’m surprised that this levy was easily defeated. If the people that voted for it new what they were paying for…free feminine napkins, free day care, free food for the recipients of day care…maybe they would have thought twice about voting for it…or perhaps they are recipents. Rejoice, we’re the only idiotic county around that pays for a community college…or maybe there was a “glitch” in the electronic voiting machines???By Brooke
March 5, 2008 9:57 AM | Link to this
There may have been a glitch in the machines that would explain why Clinton won last night. I am a recent graduate of Sinclair and I voted for the levy yesterday. I am now attending WSU and I have no debt compared with the other juniors who attended Wright State the whole time. I will graduate with a four year degree just like them but will wind up paying a little over half of what they paid. Sinclair gave to me, and I have no problem giving back. I could have always just not gone to college at all and collected welfare so I could give you something else to complain about. Look at the bigger picture, more people with education lead to better communities.By Rob
March 5, 2008 10:03 AM | Link to this
Hey reality…West Dayton paying taxes?!?! Yer killin’ me…Sheet, only dem rich white folk down south in da county be paying dat. Odd thing, both of my kids are shouldering loans. Guess all that support must be going somewhere else. Raise the tuition @Sinclair and compete in the marketplace like a real school.By Kevin
March 5, 2008 10:08 AM | Link to this
I voted for the levy. I’m a homeowner. It is only an additional $49.00 per year. It is an investment I want to make. I know many Republicans decided to sit out this election since they didn’t like the presidential candidates. It’s their own fault for not voting. I have also taken classes at Sinclair. (…and that was several years after I received my Master’s degree!)By Charles
March 5, 2008 10:09 AM | Link to this
Why do I have to subsidize the tuition of those who refuse to own a home but probably have 2 big screen tv’s and new cars. As a black man I believe that people should make their own way in life and not expect society to pay for them. What’s next do i subsidize your car payment and cable bill.By Charles
March 5, 2008 10:09 AM | Link to this
Why do I have to subsidize the tuition of those who refuse to own a home but probably have 2 big screen tv’s and new cars. As a black man I believe that people should make their own way in life and not expect society to pay for them. What’s next do i subsidize your car payment and cable bill.By Mike
March 5, 2008 10:16 AM | Link to this
CONGRATS SCC said “Where do you people think our nurses, police officers, and firefighters come from? They don’t train themselves. So maybe the next time you are in an emergency situation and need assistance, find someone in Montgomery County that has never attended Sinclair, since you obviously don’t support it,” That’s wonderful Monica surely then they would be willing to sign a contract stating that if they take county tax payers money they will not move or take jobs outside Montgomery Co for say 5 years?By Rob
March 5, 2008 10:18 AM | Link to this
BTW, the numbers are $98 a year for every $100K in property value. This info comes right out of the DDN. All those $98’s add up…Remember the Human Services levy…that one was “Just” what, twice as much? The crap adds up…By Charles
March 5, 2008 10:23 AM | Link to this
It’s not just the $98 per 100K that is the big issue. When do we stop taxing the homeowners for everything. When those who chose to rent get a FREE ride.By JPL654
March 5, 2008 10:24 AM | Link to this
Another nail in the coffin of struggling Dayton homeowners. This will benefit the copper thieves ruining all the current and future abandoned homes. Wake up people. Why do you keep letting them tax us right out of our homes?By J
March 5, 2008 10:34 AM | Link to this
Rob - you’re absolutely right - that $98 a year does add up. It adds up to less money my husband and I have to pay for diapering our two children who we work very hard to raise without assistance from the govn’t or anyone else. That $98 is $98 less that we will have this year to put away for our own children’s educations. We HAVE to live in the City of Dayton because my husband works for the fire department. That $98 is $98 less that he and I will have to send our kids to decent private/parochial schools because Dayton schools are so incredibly awful. That $98 is $98 just another $98 that non-homeowners do not have to fork over causing my husband and I more angst when the taxes come due. I’m tired of paying for everyone else’s children. As a former teacher, I fully understand the need for everyone to have an inexpensive way to get an education. However, my husband put himself through WSU by working two jobs and WSU’s tuition is definitely NOT $40/credit hour! If we keep handing things out for free, no one will be able to appreciate what they have gotten. It’s time to make people step up and take responsibility for what they need. I was not looking to have two children in two years but you will NOT see me standing around with my hand out - I’m already working more hours at my job and my husband has already taken on a part-time job on his days off. Come on people - stand up and take responsibility for yourselves. In the long-run you will be happier you did.By J Piccone
March 5, 2008 10:42 AM | Link to this
Time to move out of Montgomery County. Sinclair is poorly managed. Sinclair needs to stop growth in order to improve their operations. Why am I paying for a Warren County campus???????By J Allgood
March 5, 2008 10:43 AM | Link to this
Time to move out of Montgomery County. Sinclair is poorly managed. Sinclair needs to stop growth in order to improve their operations. Why am I paying for a Warren County campus???????By KB
March 5, 2008 10:48 AM | Link to this
I think some of you should have more background information into what Sinclair offers before you fly off the handle about this situation. I have taken full advantage of taking the majority of my undergrad classes at Sinclair to save money (and I AM a property owner in Montgomery County as well) and I feel that it is a sound investment in the future of Dayton. Tuition this low is very helpful for young students like me who have to work full time while getting through school. We are not all taking advantage of the system. I also agree that Sinclair provides great training for trades in Dayton in addition to the scenario that I am in with trying to save money on my 4 year degree. It stimulates the economy in Dayton by keeping a steady flow of educated young people in the job market. Many people wouldn’t have a chance without the lower tuition. It does cost you more if you don’t live in the County, for those who haven’t been properly informed. I think many of you are grumpy old people who are not satisfied with your own lives and feel the need to complain about this tiny bit of an increase in your property taxes to create a future for Dayton students. Many of you just sound like stupid hillbillies ranting like you are…more need for Sinclair’s education being up for grabs!By KB
March 5, 2008 10:57 AM | Link to this
Oh and one more thing—do we all forget that property taxes are tax deductible????By This hurts
March 5, 2008 11:00 AM | Link to this
As a property owner, I am very displeased at ANOTHER tax hike! How many levy’s am I going to have to foot the bill for? My mortgage keeps increasing to where I can barely make payments…and this makes it so much worse. Thanks for nothing. I hope all the renters see their rent go up tenfold…By This hurts
March 5, 2008 11:01 AM | Link to this
As a property owner, I am very displeased at ANOTHER tax hike! How many levy’s am I going to have to foot the bill for? My mortgage keeps increasing to where I can barely make payments…and this makes it so much worse. Thanks for nothing. I hope all the renters see their rent go up tenfold…By J
March 5, 2008 11:14 AM | Link to this
You are right KB, taxes are deductible. However, college funds for my children like Ohio 529 are also deductible. The deduction is up to $2000 a year, but now I guess it will be $1902 a year. Oh I forgot to take out for the Human services levy also…By Sissy
March 5, 2008 11:25 AM | Link to this
Everyone I talked to said, it won’t raise any taxes it is a renewal. I said look again, it is a renewal and an increase! I feel the people were duped again!By Sissy
March 5, 2008 11:25 AM | Link to this
Everyone I talked to said, it won’t raise any taxes it is a renewal. I said look again, it is a renewal and an increase! I feel the people were duped again!By KB
March 5, 2008 11:26 AM | Link to this
In response to the post by “This Hurts,” perhaps you bought too much house and maybe should downsize??? There are reasons parameters are set you know. I don’t think that you should be cutting it so close that this $7 a month puts you over the edge.By charles
March 5, 2008 11:28 AM | Link to this
Was there any organized opposition to this levy. I never did see any signs indicating NO to the levy. We made up one and put it in our yard. Maybe organization will help in the future.By j
March 5, 2008 11:30 AM | Link to this
One more thing KB, if working a fulltime and a part time job myself, along with my wife working two part time jobs makes me a stupid hillbilly, so be it. I do not think it is right to pay for an individual’s higher education. Part of the learning process is responsibility. How can you achieve it, by getting a job, loan, or a grant to help subsidize your education.By charles
March 5, 2008 11:35 AM | Link to this
In response to KB. Sound investments do not equate to higher taxes. I worked 2 jobs to pay my tution in college and worked 1 while obtaining my Masters. I am neither a grumpy old man or a hillbilly. I am just tired of paying the way for those who choose not to pay. If you select Sinclair as your school of choice that is a personal decision. We are saving for our children’s education and maybe others should do the same.By t
March 5, 2008 11:46 AM | Link to this
I like Sinclair, but am tired of the property taxes. This just adds to what is becoming an enormous burden for homeowners.By KB
March 5, 2008 11:48 AM | Link to this
You guys are missing the point—you are acting like the Sinclair students are getting a FREE education or something. We still pay to learn…about $130 for each class. I pay about $1,300 per class at my 4 year college to put that number in perspective. Think about the fact that each student who (like me) makes too much for grants to apply and gets some scholarship but they do not cover all of the tuition, having to take out student loans to pay for college for all four years. Think about the fact that the government is loaning me that money—and the government is going into debt to loan me that money. The government, in most cases, is paying the interest on those loans while I am in school. Now what if I were to take as many classes as possible at Sinclair to try to alleviate some of that cost burden from the government (i.e. you the taxpayers at large)? You must think of things on a grander scale, ladies and gentlemen of Dayton. I think there are too many undereducated folks in Dayton, to be honest with you. That may be part of the larger problem. The people coming into the job market with an education are pushing them out and they are pissed! Just a random thought there. But seriously, think about the concept of Sinclair keeping as many students as possible from having to borrow a lot of money to fund their education. It has a ripple effect for those of us who have to pay for it on our own. Thoughts?By OHIO & TED SUCK
March 5, 2008 11:49 AM | Link to this
You people suck! First the Human Svc levy and now this on passes. Bullcrap. These to issues that have passes promote the degenerates of society. The people who basically suck off of others! Can anyone explain why I must pay to the Human Svc and or the Sinclair levy? Do more with less and pay more tuition yourself, PERIOD! You people kill me! I hope your happy now. A huge sucking sound you here are the people and business moving out of Mont. Cty and Ohio! TAXES ARE TO HIGH HERE!By R
March 5, 2008 11:51 AM | Link to this
Let’s take more money and pay for everyone to go anywhere! Universal Education, as good of an idea as Universal Healthcare.By Chaz
March 5, 2008 12:18 PM | Link to this
Do you wonder why Montgomery County is broke. Because no one can afford to spend into the economy. I cannot believe that citizens got suckered into this one. The only ones that this is going to affect, again, is the middle class. Thanks voters.By Leanne
March 5, 2008 1:55 PM | Link to this
As a current Sinclair student, it boggles my mind to see so many citizens upset with the levy passage. I honestly believe this college is one of the greatest assets in Dayton and the skills people come out of here help to contribute to our suffering economy. Once again, misinformed voters are the first to voice their grievances. First, there is a tuition freeze amongst all public colleges/universities in Ohio so Sinclair isn’t able to raise tuition anytime soon, which students don’t need anyways. Second, the Warren County campus has nothing to do with this because they pay a higher tuition (68 percent more), thus making it virtually self-sufficient. The funds generated from this levy are, by law, not allowed to be used outside of Montgomery County. Third, had the levy failed, the result would be a loss of programs at Sinclair and more importantly, a loss of jobs. Does Dayton and Montgomery County really need that right now? By having access to an affordable college education, I am able to invest into the economy while living in here in Dayton. If $3.50 a month is too much to ensure the quality of the best college in Dayton, then maybe all of you who have threatened to leave really should. Let me know, I’ll gladly help you pack.By Way to go Sinclair!
March 5, 2008 2:16 PM | Link to this
I agree with others that many of you are not seeing the big picture here. The only way to get people off aid (which comes from Federal, State and Montgomery County taxes) is to educate them, and help them to get jobs so that they too can become productive members/tax payers of Montgomery County. When I got a divorce and became a single parent, I soon realized that I made too much to qualify for any aid, but I did not make enough to support my family. I was working two jobs and giving most of the money I made to babysitters who were spending more time with my child than I was. Then someone told me that I should look into going back to school. I checked into Sinclair and I was amazed that I could afford the tuition thanks to the Montgomery County Levy. I received my degree from Sinclair and went on to obtain a 4 year degree. I now have a good job, and I too am a homeowner in Montgomery County. I voted for the levy so that others in Montgomery County would have the same opportunity to change their lives as I did. Here are some facts about the Sinclair Levy: ALL of the money received from the levy must stay in Montgomery County. Sinclair undergoes yearly audits to make sure that they comply with this law, and have a 100% pass rate for these audits. BTW Rob, your numbers are wrong. The Sinclair levy will replace that 1998 levy, of 2.5-mills that was set to expire in December 2008, plus a 0.7 mills increase. This will cost Montgomery County homeowners a TOTAL of $98 a year for every $100,000 in current property value, which is a $42 INCREASE over the amount homeowners CURRENTLY pay, beginning in 2009. This info comes right out of the DDN in the article above, and amounts to about $3.50 per month, or if you want to think about it in real life money, it is less than a pack of cigarettes, a ½ gallon of orange juice, or a large latte at the local coffee shop. One more thing, the Courseview Campus in Warren County is not owned by Sinclair, it is being leased, and it was furnished and equipped by state funds and private donations from Warren County businesses and citizens. Warren County students do not receive any funding from Montgomery County and Warren County residents must pay an out of county tuition rate to attend classes at the site. Like Reality said “I hope you don’t have to go through what I went through, but if/when you do you’ll be VERY thankful Sinclair is there to help!”By Hey skinny aka...leanne.idle@my.sinclair.edu
March 5, 2008 3:34 PM | Link to this
You can help me pack! Does the bus line from west mia ave in dayton go to the base area.By Dennis McFarland
March 5, 2008 7:47 PM | Link to this
First, in response to CR’s comment about my typing. You do not have anything more to offer than criticism one’s typing why blog in the first place. Second, with the Sinclair Levy, Mongomery County Human Services Levy (they have 2 different levies according to their website) and then the Dayton Public Schools Levy I wonder what the total cost is to property owners in the Dayton/ Montgomery County area. None of these levies would pass if evryone had to pay their fair share. I would support all 3 levies but I take issue with the way all 3 are funded. One segment of the population is subdising these services while others pay nothing. With all 3 levies what should hhappen regarding their funding is that all residents should pay a tax which would fund all 3 worthwhile services to the community. My earlier post was written in anger and rage. I have one the few manufacturing jobs left in the area and my raise this year did not even cover the increase in my health insurance let alone the rising costs of food, gas, etc. To anyone out there who has any cconnection to either of the 3 programs funded by levies I would ask why not change the way you are choosing to fund your services. Targeting property owners only does stack the vote in your favor when it comes to increasing your revenue. I would support your services if you propsed a tax that everyone in Dayton/ Montgomery would have to pay. I hate taxes as much as anyone else but if everyone is paying the same tax at least the tax is a fair one. My opposition to this levy as well Dayton Public Schools and the Montgomnery County Health and Human Services Levy is this the levies are targeted to one segment of the comunity— property owners(I believe to ensure passage) while many don’t pay anything yet reap the benefits thanks to a few. Fairness and everyone paying their fair share is all I askBy J
March 6, 2008 9:31 PM | Link to this
Dennis - I completely agree. My husband works as a Dayton Firefighter. He goes into people’s homes all the time and most of what he sees is the worst Dayton has to offer. He sees brand new caddies with brand new out in front of subsidized housing. (Meanwhile he is driving a 12-year old truck with dents and scratches.) He goes into the home only to find multiple children running around in filth while all of the adults are watching tv on their big-screen. The reason they called 911? Because someone had a belly-ache and they didn’t want to drive themselves to the ER. Just another example of taking advantage of the situation. Stand up and take responsibility for yourselves. In all you do in life. From feeding and clothing your children to your own education. TO “way to go Sinclair” - I applaud your getting back on your feet the way you did. But I keep coming back to my arguement of “Why should I pay for everyone else’s education when I have my own children to worry about?” I took out loans, my husband worked two jobs and both of us made it through school. Yes, we now are paying our loans off but that is what is called taking responsibility for yourself. It’s called being a grown-up - it’s called not living off the system. The Sinclair levy situation is just more proof that the way we are doing things in America is not working and until someone comes up with a solution we are going to continue to grow generation after generation of people willing to do nothing becuase everything is handed to them.