editorial

Hempfling, Wintrow, Walkey for Council

Villagers have reaped a wealth of new ideas and energy from those running in the Nov. 3 election. Thanks to all of the candidates for Village Council, school board and the Miami Township trustees for sharing their insights and enthusiasm.

For Council, incumbents Judith Hempfling and Karen Wintrow and first-time candidate Rick Walkey are the best choices.

As Council president, Hempfling has done an outstanding job. She cares deeply about environmental sustainability, staying small, preserving green space and promoting diversity, and her first-term efforts have strengthened the village in these respects. Unlike the other two incumbents, Hempfling actively supported the alumni effort to save Antioch College, a stance that arguably contributed to the successful college revival. Hempfling consistently encourages citizen participation, and unfailingly treats those with whom she disagrees with respect.

Wintrow, as executive director of the Chamber of Commerce, brings to Council a more business-oriented and regional approach to many issues, and that diversity of perspective is good for the Village. A hard worker, Wintrow sometimes seems to be everywhere at once. She is a fair-minded, knowledgeable and committed Council member.

While incumbent Kathryn Van der Heiden undoubtedly cares about the village, her behavior has too often undermined Council’s ability to engage in civil discourse. Walkey is the better choice. Walkey has in his campaign emphasized the village’s potential to be a model of sustainable living. He’s been a strong supporter of an independent Antioch College, an activist for green space preservation and a committed Home Inc. board member. He would bring to Council new ideas and a passion for the values of affordability and environmental sustainability.

Maruyama, Wright for school board
Faced with the upcoming search efforts for two key administrators, the school board would seem to need stability right now. But this board also needs shaking up, as it has too often appeared to dodge difficult but critical discourse in favor of the appearance of unanimity. For the board, an effective balance of innovative thinking and seasoned experience would be newcomer Benji Maruyama and incumbent Angela Wright.

Maruyama is an exceptional candidate. A materials scientist, he brings to the board a deep knowledge of science and math at a time when the schools are struggling with these critical subjects. The whole town benefitted from Maruyama’s technical and communication skills when he led the Village Electric System Task Force that saved the Village $3.5 million.

Wright has won the support of many parents and teachers with the generosity of her commitment to young people and her accessibility to those with concerns. While it would be good if Wright could smooth out her sometimes confrontational manner with other board members, she also provides a valuable questioning voice.

For the third open seat, either of the other two incumbents, Aïda Merhemic or Anne Erickson, has been a competent and caring board member and would be a solid choice.

Incumbents for Township
Longtime Miami Township Trustee Lamar Spracklen made a good point at a recent candidate forum when he said of the current board of trustees, “If it’s not broken, don’t fix it.” He and the second incumbent, Mark Crockett, seem, along with current member Chris Mucher, to be a well-functioning team that has worked well together to preserve farmland and oversee the fire department and should be returned to their seats.

Villlage and Township residents will also be asked to spend a small amount more for the fire-rescue service with Issue 22, a replacement of the fire levy — specifically, an increase of about $15 yearly per each $100,000 of property value. The local fire department is a truly great deal, and it deserves our support.

Residents of Precinct 442 will vote on permitting liquor sales on Sunday. A yes on this issue would be good for downtown restaurants and businesses.

— Diane Chiddister