November 1, 2007

Editorial

Election recommendations

Yellow Springs voters are fortunate that many capable, committed villagers are running for public office this season. Kudos to all of the candidates, and to the Smart Growth Task Force and the Men’s Group for providing forums that promote community dialogue. The candidates brought new ideas and fresh energy to many vital issues and our town is better off for those conversations.

All of the candidates for school board have impressive strengths, but two stand out. A passionate promoter of local schools, Richard Lapedes in his first term proved a visionary thinker and creative problem-solver, and he deserves more time to follow through on his concerns. Sean Creighton offers as strengths his professional interest in education, his volunteer work on several school levy campaigns and his connection to many young, engaged families in town. Lapedes and Creighton would be excellent choices for school board.

Several letter writers to the News described this Village Council election as one that offers a clear choice of values and visions for our town. In their campaigns, Lori Askeland and John Booth have championed the values which make Yellow Springs distinctive, and which they fear are in jeopardy. This concern seems valid and timely; for this reason, Askeland and Booth seem strong choices.

Askeland and Booth have boldly stated that Council needs to take a proactive stance on affordability. The statistics are clear: we’re becoming older, richer and whiter in Yellow Springs; we’re becoming more gentrified. To maintain our village tradition of diversity, to attract new young families and more people of color, we must make affordability a priority.

While all Council candidates emphasize the need for economic development, Askeland and Booth would seek new businesses that reflect local values, especially those related to the arts and environmental sustainability. It seems clear that Yellow Springs should play to its strengths rather than become a more homogenized town.

Askeland and Booth both support moderate residential growth but they view future annexations with caution. Rather, they favor smart growth principles and infill developments that would maintain our town as walkable and bikeable. Yellow Springs can best maintain its distinctive nature by remaining within its current boundaries. We need to remember that, regarding growth, there is no need to panic. Census figures from 1970 through 2000 show that the village’s population declined only among those 25 and under; a decline that reflects the diminishing student body at Antioch College as well as the trend toward smaller families. The adult population in Yellow Springs has, over those three decades, steadily grown. Yes, the village needs more young families to keep our schools vital, but we can restore our village population in careful ways that reflect local values.

Askeland and Booth have stated strong concerns about the Village signing on to a 50-year contract for the AMP-Ohio coal-powered plant. Rather, they urge caution and faith in the new technologies that are emerging daily for alternative energy sources. Again, their stance reflects Yellow Springs’ rich history of innovative thinking. Yellow Springs should be leading the way toward sustainable energy practices, not following past practices that contribute to global warming.

A third seat is open on Village Council. Brian Chase, Jerry Sutton and Kathryn Van der Heiden are all competent candidates and would each bring strengths to the job. However, the News is not making a recommendation for the third seat.

To prosper, the village must maintain its values, its diversity and its unique character. That’s why Lori Askeland and John Booth are excellent choices for Village Council.

—Diane Chiddister