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November 30, 2006
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November 30, 2006 |
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Editorial An opportunity for Council Issue 21, the Yellow Springs property tax levy, may have squeaked by with the slimmest possible margin. According to the official count this week, out of 2,077 ballots cast, the levy won by one vote. Given that astonishingly slight lead, next week’s recount could reverse the tally, so the final result remains less than clear. But some things about the levy vote scream with clarity. First and foremost, villagers were deeply divided over whether this levy is the best way to address the Village’s financial challenges. While some who voted against the levy no doubt opposed more taxes, others voted no for quite different reasons. As expressed in letters to the editor in this paper, those villagers said they understood that the Village needs additional revenue and want to contribute their share, but felt this levy, as promoted by most members of Village Council, could undermine long-revered village values of affordability, diversity and sustainable economic development. Some also felt Council used unneccesary scare tactics that undermined trust. Unfortunately, in Yellow Springs’ recent history, this sort of divided community is nothing new. Villagers were almost as equally split over controversies around the Glass Farm affordable housing project and the recall referendum. What’s also clear is that a divided town doesn’t work very well. While Council members, and Village Council Manager Eric Swansen, may have succeeded in passing the levy, they may also have paid a price. They may find from many villagers less good will, energy and creative support than they would have found with a more popular levy. Council could take a step now to address this challenge. On Monday Council members will decide how to fill the seat of Jocelyn Hardman, who is leaving Council. Most Village Councils of the past decade, whether more liberal or conservative, seemed focused on pushing the agenda of a narrow constituency. In doing so, they deepened community resentments already present. When those Council majorities had the opportunity to fill an empty seat, they most often filled it with someone who supported their views rather than someone who might represent other perspectives. Given the current divisiveness in the village, this Council would be wise to take a different approach. They would be wise to reach out to other constituencies, to bring new voices to the table. In so doing, Council will open the door to the sort of lively and substantive debates that have been lacking in Council chambers for a number of years. It will also become the more broadly representative Council that Yellow Springs needs to address the complex and exciting challenges faced by our town.
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