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Letters to the Editor

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End the 'good old boy mentality'

It's time to get rid of the good old boy mentality in Defiance Township and vote for Diana Mayer. She is a good woman and did not misuse the money at the senior center, but was railroaded by a fellow employee who wanted her job.

I was replaced on the township zoning board with not only a man, but a friend of two trustees, Richard Ankney and Dan Peck. I had been on the zoning board since 2000 and had attended all the township meetings and zoning meetings as required.

The other reason I was replaced was I did not agree with Mr. Ankney on several issues especially the one concerning his wife working for the township part-time and getting full-time benefits from the state.

Mr. Ankney and Mr. Peck refuse to listen to Mr. Bakle when it comes to road and equipment issues. I don't understand why when Mr. Bakle works for the state highway department and knows what he is talking about when it comes to equipment and care of the roads.

Remember women it is your township too. Let's get a female to represent us.

Ruthann Schofield

Defiance Township

Bakle letter was misleading

In response to Charlie Bakle's letter to the editor on Defiance Township's tractor purchase, the Case-New Holland Company with the New Holland division located in New Holland, Pa. had $6 billion in North American sales during 2008 and employs 11,000 people in the United States at nine different locations. Many of these products are also exported.

I personally spoke with represenatives at John Deere and New Holland and was informed that both tractors we bid on were made overseas. The John Deere was made in Manheim, Germany and the New Holland was made in Basildon, England.

It is very common that the size of tractor we need is produced overseas by both companies. In respect to the purchase price, the John Deere tractor Mr. Bakle mentions is not a comparable tractor to the New Holland which suits the needs of the township best. We always try to purchase local and American-made when possible. The New Holland was locally purchased, and is $3,000 less than the John Deere that was bid.

It was Mr. Bakle's brilliance to purchase a $85,000 truck with a snow belly plow for less than 25 miles of road responsibility. It frequently got stuck either on the road crown or because it was too big to maneuver on the narrow roads. The truck had to be financed with taxpayer money going toward interest. It was just paid off.

It has the dubious distinction of being the largest and most expensive piece of equipment for the smallest township in Defiance County. A one-ton vehicle with a plow would have served the township better.

As far as I am concerned, if public government our size can't buy something with cash, don't buy it. The belly plow was removed after the truck became hung up numerous times because of it. Tow bills are payed with taxpayer money too. To put things in perspective, Defiance Township has the same vehicle to remove snow and ice that's used on Pike's Peak, elevation 14,115 feet. That's government overkill at its best.

In regard to salting the roads, we would love to salt every inch of road but salt supplies and an uncertain economic future have done the dictation.

Finally, the Kiser Road project was completed this year, albeit at a later date. Asphalt prices dictated to us here again as the cost skyrocketed and our funds could simply not keep up with the escalating cost. We could not even get a contractor to bid the job last year because of the constant price increases in materials. We did, however, get it done for approximately $80,000 less than previous years.

To sum it up, yes we do need a new trustee, but Charlie is not up for election this year.

Dan Peck

Defiance

(Editor's note: Dan Peck is a Defiance Township trustee and is up for re-election Tuesday.)

Ankney has served township well

In response to the accusations made by Charlie Bakle against Richard and Mary Ankney on Tuesday, this incident, which he approved as a trustee, took place over three years ago.

A "concerned citizen" misinformed Mr. Bakle, and instead of getting the facts Mr. Bakle initiated a state audit as well as an investigation into the retirement qualifications of Mary Ankney through OPERS.

According to The Crescent News article dated Dec. 28, 2006, the investigation was not aimed at any of the current trustees at that time, including Richard Ankney. The article also stated that Mr. Ankney abstained from any votes concerning his wife.

After much public embarrasment to the Ankneys, and a cost of over $7,500 in legal fees to the taxpayers of Defiance Township, there were no findings and no charges. As a trustee, Mr. Bakle recieved a copy of this report. He should not let his personal feelings for Mr. Ankney blind him to the facts.

Richard Ankney has loyally devoted over 30 years to Defiance Township. I encourage the taxpayers of Defiance Township to re-elect Richard Ankney on Tuesday.

Marilyn Steel

rural Defiance