Note: EDITORS – SHE INTERVIEWS RADECKI, BUT KENT IS NOT INCLUDED IN THE HEALTH QUESTION. WE DO NOT VOTE ON THE HEALTH DEPARTMENT INCREASE… HENCE, THAT’S WHY IT IS LOSING; RAVENNA, KENT AND AURORA HAVE THEIR OWN HEALTH DEPARTMENTS. I’D EDIT IT OUT. B

Anchor Intro: Deciding what politicians to vote into office isn’t the only thing Portage County voters have to think about for the upcoming election. There are also two separate Issues on the ballot. TV2’s Lauren Mazza has all the details on Issues 9 and 10 and how they will affect you.

With the economy in its current state, the last thing most people want to hear about is raising taxes, but the Portage County Health Deparment is asking voters to agree to do just that with Issue 10.

If it passes, the money will help to provide early detection and health screening programs and develop a mosquito control and larvacide program.

Currently, the Health Department has the lowest operating budget of any similar size Health Departments in the state.

Despite the need for more money, KSU junior Caitlin Radecki still will not vote to pass Issue 10.

CAITLIN RADECKI/KSU STUDENT: WHY INCREASE PEOPLE’S TAXES WHEN WE BASICALLY HAVE THE SERVICES AVAILABLE.

Speaking of taxes….it will cost the average homeowner of a 100 thousand dollar home an extra dollar and 5 cents per month, or and extra 12 dollars and 60 cents per year. The taxes will last for five years.

LAUREN MAZZA/TV2 NEWS: THE HEALTH DEPARTMENT HAS BEEN STRUGGLING TO PASS THAT LEVY FOR YEARS, BUT THE PORTAGE COUNTY BOARD OF DEVLOPMENTAL DISABILITES HAS HAD BETTER LUCK AND HOPES TO RENEW ISSUE NINE.

Issue 9 is another 5 year tax renewal.

If renewed, the money will continue to help fund programs for people with disabilities.

This includes residential services, community support services, recreation and leisure activities and transportation services to approximately 800 people.

The money will also help with operating costs for Portage Industries, which provides employment for adults with disabilities, and Happy Day School that educates children.

Gwen Reddick is the grandma of a student at the school and believes the levy should renewed.

GWEN REDDICK/GRANDMOTHER OF STUDENT: THEY DO NEED FUNDING AND THEY DO NEED THIS PROGRAM TO CONTINUE BECAUSE I BELIEVE IT’S HELPED OUR GRANDSON AND IF THEY DON’T RECEIVE IT, THEY’RE NOT GOING TO CONTINUE.

Remember, this levy will NOT lead to an increase in taxes, it is simply renewing the taxes you pay….about 27 dollars a year.

For TV2 news, I’m Lauren Mazza.

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