All taxpayers have the right to share their positions on tax issues

I’d like to address something I said during the May levy campaign.  At the time, two local businesspeople who do not live in Milford were campaigning heavily against the levy.  I said I felt this was not appropriate, as they do not live here and cannot vote.

A good friend challenged me after seeing a post on Facebook, pointing out I did not have a problem with non-residents who support the levy.  I argued with him, saying I did not agree with non-resident district personnel working for the levy campaign (there is a difference between providing information, which our administration does through a variety of means, and actively campaigning).

However, as I thought about it, I realized he was right:  I was more than happy to tout the endorsements of local businesses, many of which are not owned by residents.  In addition, I was anxious for the Clermont Chamber’s endorsement, even though, once again, most of the committee members who decided on the endorsement were non-Milford residents.

This caused me to re-think my position a number of times:  is it only appropriate for voters to take a stand (thus eliminating support from places like the Chamber), or does any property owner in Milford, whether or not they live here and can vote, have a right to chime in?

Since all property owners are affected by taxes, they have every right to share their position on the school levy and any other local tax issue.  Being caught in the emotion of the levy, as I looked toward reductions I knew would hurt our students and community, I was blinded to this.  For that, I apologize.