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    <title>Dayton Daily News fairness forum</title>
    <link>http://discussions.western-star.com/list.php?79</link>
    <description><![CDATA[]]></description>
    <language>EN</language>
    <pubDate>Thu, 13 Nov 2008 10:55:41 -0500</pubDate>
    <lastBuildDate>Thu, 13 Nov 2008 10:55:41 -0500</lastBuildDate>
    <category>Dayton Daily News fairness forum</category>
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    <item>
      <title>Please go to www.change.gov and make your voice heard about HR676</title>
      <link>http://discussions.western-star.com/read.php?79,82581,82581#msg-82581</link>
      <author>sugarfree</author>
      <description><![CDATA[Thank You]]></description>
      <category>Dayton Daily News fairness forum</category>
      <guid isPermaLink="true">http://discussions.western-star.com/read.php?79,82581,82581#msg-82581</guid>
      <pubDate>Thu, 13 Nov 2008 10:55:41 -0500</pubDate>
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      <title>Know the truth</title>
      <link>http://discussions.western-star.com/read.php?79,79521,79521#msg-79521</link>
      <author>truth4u</author>
      <description><![CDATA[Know the Truth!

Truth  ,Who is responsible for the banking crisis? You be the judge. Watch the whole thing you will be shocked!! 
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=blcC_kCnf8U

 Fannie CEO and the Democrats are one big family http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cLQU7uNR5bM

Truth on Oil/ Drilling http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VobxUtOEM7M

Another on drilling our own oil, This one is pathetic and makes me sick http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1teACBS-1cc

Here is proof- Joe Biden sayes no to clean Coal in America  
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iJ55UzAsp6M

You deserve to know the Truth!!!]]></description>
      <category>Dayton Daily News fairness forum</category>
      <guid isPermaLink="true">http://discussions.western-star.com/read.php?79,79521,79521#msg-79521</guid>
      <pubDate>Sat, 01 Nov 2008 00:24:17 -0400</pubDate>
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      <title>Would the Last Honest Reporter Please Turn On the Lights?</title>
      <link>http://discussions.western-star.com/read.php?79,78158,78158#msg-78158</link>
      <author>Jayne756</author>
      <description><![CDATA[Would the Last Honest Reporter Please Turn On the Lights?
By Orson Scott Card

Editor's note: Orson Scott Card is a Democrat and a newspaper columnist, and in this opinion piece he takes on both while lamenting the current state of journalism.

An open letter to the local daily paper — almost every local daily paper in America:

I remember reading All the President's Men and thinking: That's journalism.  You do what it takes to get the truth and you lay it before the public, because the public has a right to know.

This housing crisis didn't come out of nowhere.  It was not a vague emanation of the evil Bush administration.

It was a direct result of the political decision, back in the late 1990s, to loosen the rules of lending so that home loans would be more accessible to poor people.  Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac were authorized to approve risky loans.

What is a risky loan?  It's a loan that the recipient is likely not to be able to repay.

The goal of this rule change was to help the poor — which especially would help members of minority groups.  But how does it help these people to give them a loan that they can't repay?  They get into a house, yes, but when they can't make the payments, they lose the house — along with their credit rating.

They end up worse off than before.

This was completely foreseeable and in fact many people did foresee it.  One political party, in Congress and in the executive branch, tried repeatedly to tighten up the rules.  The other party blocked every such attempt and tried to loosen them.

Furthermore, Freddie Mac and Fannie Mae were making political contributions to the very members of Congress who were allowing them to make irresponsible loans.  (Though why quasi-federal agencies were allowed to do so baffles me.  It's as if the Pentagon were allowed to contribute to the political campaigns of Congressmen who support increasing their budget.)

Isn't there a story here?  Doesn't journalism require that you who produce our daily paper tell the truth about who brought us to a position where the only way to keep confidence in our economy was a $700 billion bailout?  Aren't you supposed to follow the money and see which politicians were benefiting personally from the deregulation of mortgage lending?

I have no doubt that if these facts had pointed to the Republican Party or to John McCain as the guilty parties, you would be treating it as a vast scandal.  &quot;Housing-gate,&quot; no doubt.  Or &quot;Fannie-gate.&quot;

Instead, it was Senator Christopher Dodd and Congressman Barney Frank, both Democrats, who denied that there were any problems, who refused Bush administration requests to set up a regulatory agency to watch over Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac, and who were still pushing for these agencies to go even further in promoting sub-prime mortgage loans almost up to the minute they failed.

As Thomas Sowell points out in a TownHall.com essay entitled &quot;Do Facts Matter?&quot; ( http://snipurl.com/457townhall_com] ): &quot;Alan Greenspan warned them four years ago.  So did the Chairman of the Council of Economic Advisers to the President.  So did Bush's Secretary of the Treasury.&quot;

These are facts.  This financial crisis was completely preventable.  The party that blocked any attempt to prevent it was ... the Democratic Party.  The party that tried to prevent it was ... the Republican Party.

Yet when Nancy Pelosi accused the Bush administration and Republican deregulation of causing the crisis, you in the press did not hold her to account for her lie.  Instead, you criticized Republicans who took offense at this lie and refused to vote for the bailout!

What?  It's not the liar, but the victims of the lie who are to blame?

Now let's follow the money ... right to the presidential candidate who is the number-two recipient of campaign contributions from Fannie Mae.

And after Franklin Raines, the CEO of Fannie Mae who made $90 million while running it into the ground, was fired for his incompetence, one presidential candidate's campaign actually consulted him for advice on housing.

If that presidential candidate had been John McCain, you would have called it a major scandal and we would be getting stories in your paper every day about how incompetent and corrupt he was.

But instead, that candidate was Barack Obama, and so you have buried this story, and when the McCain campaign dared to call Raines an &quot;adviser&quot; to the Obama campaign — because that campaign had sought his advice — you actually let Obama's people get away with accusing McCain of lying, merely because Raines wasn't listed as an official adviser to the Obama campaign.

You would never tolerate such weasely nit-picking from a Republican.

If you who produce our local daily paper actually had any principles, you would be pounding this story, because the prosperity of all Americans was put at risk by the foolish, short-sighted, politically selfish, and possibly corrupt actions of leading Democrats, including Obama.

If you who produce our local daily paper had any personal honor, you would find it unbearable to let the American people believe that somehow Republicans were to blame for this crisis.

There are precedents.  Even though President Bush and his administration never said that Iraq sponsored or was linked to 9/11, you could not stand the fact that Americans had that misapprehension — so you pounded us with the fact that there was no such link.  (Along the way, you created the false impression that Bush had lied to them and said that there was a connection.)

If you had any principles, then surely right now, when the American people are set to blame President Bush and John McCain for a crisis they tried to prevent, and are actually shifting to approve of Barack Obama because of a crisis he helped cause, you would be laboring at least as hard to correct that false impression.

Your job, as journalists, is to tell the truth.  That's what you claim you do, when you accept people's money to buy or subscribe to your paper.

But right now, you are consenting to or actively promoting a big fat lie — that the housing crisis should somehow be blamed on Bush, McCain, and the Republicans.  You have trained the American people to blame everything bad — even bad weather — on Bush, and they are responding as you have taught them to.

If you had any personal honor, each reporter and editor would be insisting on telling the truth — even if it hurts the election chances of your favorite candidate.

Because that's what honorable people do.  Honest people tell the truth even when they don't like the probable consequences.  That's what honesty means .  That's how trust is earned.

Barack Obama is just another politician, and not a very wise one.  He has revealed his ignorance and naivete time after time — and you have swept it under the rug, treated it as nothing.

Meanwhile, you have participated in the borking of Sarah Palin, reporting savage attacks on her for the pregnancy of her unmarried daughter — while you ignored the story of John Edwards's own adultery for many months.

So I ask you now: Do you have any standards at all?  Do you even know what honesty means?

Is getting people to vote for Barack Obama so important that you will throw away everything that journalism is supposed to stand for?

You might want to remember the way the National Organization of Women threw away their integrity by supporting Bill Clinton despite his well-known pattern of sexual exploitation of powerless women.  Who listens to NOW anymore?  We know they stand for nothing; they have no principles.

That's where you are right now.

It's not too late.  You know that if the situation were reversed, and the truth would damage McCain and help Obama, you would be moving heaven and earth to get the true story out there.

If you want to redeem your honor, you will swallow hard and make a list of all the stories you would print if it were McCain who had been getting money from Fannie Mae, McCain whose campaign had consulted with its discredited former CEO, McCain who had voted against tightening its lending practices.

Then you will print them, even though every one of those true stories will point the finger of blame at the reckless Democratic Party, which put our nation's prosperity at risk so they could feel good about helping the poor, and lay a fair share of the blame at Obama's door.

You will also tell the truth about John McCain: that he tried, as a Senator, to do what it took to prevent this crisis.  You will tell the truth about President Bush: that his administration tried more than once to get Congress to regulate lending in a responsible way.

This was a Congress-caused crisis, beginning during the Clinton administration, with Democrats leading the way into the crisis and blocking every effort to get out of it in a timely fashion.

If you at our local daily newspaper continue to let Americans believe — and vote as if — President Bush and the Republicans caused the crisis, then you are joining in that lie.

If you do not tell the truth about the Democrats — including Barack Obama — and do so with the same energy you would use if the miscreants were Republicans — then you are not journalists by any standard.

You're just the public relations machine of the Democratic Party, and it's time you were all fired and real journalists brought in, so that we can actually have a news paper in our city.

This article first appeared in The Rhinoceros Times of Greensboro, North Carolina, and is used here by permission.]]></description>
      <category>Dayton Daily News fairness forum</category>
      <guid isPermaLink="true">http://discussions.western-star.com/read.php?79,78158,78158#msg-78158</guid>
      <pubDate>Tue, 28 Oct 2008 13:46:40 -0400</pubDate>
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      <title>Re: Gas prices</title>
      <link>http://discussions.western-star.com/read.php?79,69805,77223#msg-77223</link>
      <author>kurt</author>
      <description><![CDATA[You could run a steam engine powered car EXCEPT water is $5/gallon in Arizona.Get out of there,they have no natural resources and Everything will sky-rocket in that state in the coming months]]></description>
      <category>Dayton Daily News fairness forum</category>
      <guid isPermaLink="true">http://discussions.western-star.com/read.php?79,69805,77223#msg-77223</guid>
      <pubDate>Wed, 22 Oct 2008 21:44:52 -0400</pubDate>
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      <title>HR676 is less expensive than giving your money to insurance companies</title>
      <link>http://discussions.western-star.com/read.php?79,75680,75680#msg-75680</link>
      <author>sugarfree</author>
      <description><![CDATA[All Republicans need to read What's the matter with Kansas to help them understand to vote Republican one is either rich or stupid.]]></description>
      <category>Dayton Daily News fairness forum</category>
      <guid isPermaLink="true">http://discussions.western-star.com/read.php?79,75680,75680#msg-75680</guid>
      <pubDate>Tue, 14 Oct 2008 09:41:38 -0400</pubDate>
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    <item>
      <title>Gas prices</title>
      <link>http://discussions.western-star.com/read.php?79,69805,69805#msg-69805</link>
      <author>tmpe</author>
      <description><![CDATA[Just throwing this out there, since maybe someone has more knowledge than I do.  I recently spent several days in Sierra Vista, Arizona (8-16 Sep 08).  I flew into Tuscon on the 8th and gas was $3.38/gal, when I arrived in Sierra Vista (about an hour away) gas was about $3.55/gal.  These prices did not change during my entire stay, in fact, prices in Sierra Vista dropped by about 2 cents/gal.  I did look it up and Arizona receives gas from refineries in TEXAS.  So,how could hurricane Ike affect prices so dramatically here in the midwest and not Arizona?  Is it that our state taxes on gas are that much higher?  Just curious, maybe someone out there knows the answer.]]></description>
      <category>Dayton Daily News fairness forum</category>
      <guid isPermaLink="true">http://discussions.western-star.com/read.php?79,69805,69805#msg-69805</guid>
      <pubDate>Sat, 20 Sep 2008 22:19:37 -0400</pubDate>
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      <title>Mike Turner and HR676</title>
      <link>http://discussions.western-star.com/read.php?79,69026,69026#msg-69026</link>
      <author>sugarfree</author>
      <description><![CDATA[Forget about the soap opera politics. You deserve the same health care benefits that we are paying for Mike Turner to have. 

Write Mike Turner and let him know you can't support him if he can't support You, by signing the single payer health care bill HR676.]]></description>
      <category>Dayton Daily News fairness forum</category>
      <guid isPermaLink="true">http://discussions.western-star.com/read.php?79,69026,69026#msg-69026</guid>
      <pubDate>Mon, 08 Sep 2008 09:09:47 -0400</pubDate>
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      <title>Kettering Police Officer</title>
      <link>http://discussions.western-star.com/read.php?79,68208,68208#msg-68208</link>
      <author>Lisa 12001</author>
      <description><![CDATA[Kettering police Sgt Mike Gabrielson gets honored as officer of the year and it is burried on page 5. The minuet he defends himself with a weapon and he gets the front page . SAD SAD SAD !!]]></description>
      <category>Dayton Daily News fairness forum</category>
      <guid isPermaLink="true">http://discussions.western-star.com/read.php?79,68208,68208#msg-68208</guid>
      <pubDate>Thu, 28 Aug 2008 06:50:12 -0400</pubDate>
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    <item>
      <title>CFL Danger</title>
      <link>http://discussions.western-star.com/read.php?79,67115,67115#msg-67115</link>
      <author>MichaelLWagner</author>
      <description><![CDATA[Compact-Fluorescent light bulbs CAN BE VERY DANGEROUS!!!

Read: Mercury leaks found as new bulbs break (The Boston Globe).

...Even cleaning-up the dust from a broken bulb is very dangerous...!!!]]></description>
      <category>Dayton Daily News fairness forum</category>
      <guid isPermaLink="true">http://discussions.western-star.com/read.php?79,67115,67115#msg-67115</guid>
      <pubDate>Tue, 05 Aug 2008 19:52:23 -0400</pubDate>
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      <title>figuring this out</title>
      <link>http://discussions.western-star.com/read.php?79,66372,66372#msg-66372</link>
      <author>lynn10</author>
      <description><![CDATA[I am just trying to figure out how this whole message board works before posting any more.]]></description>
      <category>Dayton Daily News fairness forum</category>
      <guid isPermaLink="true">http://discussions.western-star.com/read.php?79,66372,66372#msg-66372</guid>
      <pubDate>Sat, 28 Jun 2008 20:03:14 -0400</pubDate>
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      <title>http://www.postimage.org/image.php?v=aV2wg5f9</title>
      <link>http://discussions.western-star.com/read.php?79,65491,65491#msg-65491</link>
      <author>Old Cold Warrior</author>
      <description><![CDATA[http://www.postimage.org/image.php?v=aV2wg5f9]]></description>
      <category>Dayton Daily News fairness forum</category>
      <guid isPermaLink="true">http://discussions.western-star.com/read.php?79,65491,65491#msg-65491</guid>
      <pubDate>Tue, 20 May 2008 12:30:35 -0400</pubDate>
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      <title>In all seriousness now and looking at issue 39 calmly and with out rantings and ravings and bashing individuals.</title>
      <link>http://discussions.western-star.com/read.php?79,53991,53991#msg-53991</link>
      <author>WONDERFUL</author>
      <description><![CDATA[In all seriousness now and looking at the issue, without going into any rantings and ravings and tossing people under the bus here is how I truly look at this. The issue of the levy Sinclair is presenting in hopes of getting their renewal plus an increase passed by us the &quot;citizens&quot; of Montgomery County. 

FIRST of all, when Sinclair came to us in 1998 asking for help we understood that it would be for only 10 years. This was to help them to establish one of the best community colleges in the state of Ohio. 

Sinclair did just that, of course the property owners &quot;helped&quot; them do that a big way with a whole lot of our hard earned money. Before anyone asks I did vote for that issue and I had no problems doing so because I believed that once they became established and at the ten year mark it would stop. 

SECOND of all every time the county came around and reappraised our property and raised the valuation what happened. Sinclair also received an increase. That was the added bonus to Sinclair from us the &quot;property owners&quot;. 

THIRD Sinclair wanted to expand into other areas because why, they were land locked here in Dayton. With all the criticism towards DDN and other companies who &quot;scooted&quot; out of the city there was no way Sinclair could do that. At least not without being &quot;bashed repeatedly&quot; by us. Sure they could have relocated to anywhere in the county but they knew where their bread and butter came from, us who helped pay for that campus downtown, block by block. 

FOURTH in order to expand and &quot;capture&quot; some of that untouched resource, students (young and old) they had to consider relocation. So they established classrooms in Greene County. This was to get those wanting a four year degree but who just did not have the funds to pay for Wright State or other higher priced Universities. These individuals use the &quot;two year&quot; degree offered as a stepping stone into the pricey Universities because why? Most of the credit hours they take at Sinclair can be &quot;transferred&quot;. Kind of cuts the students cost quite a bit now doesn't it. 

WPAFB civilian and military workers became a great source of income to Sinclair. Then at the current rate of $73.50 per credit hour. All I can say is damn that is a whole lot more than those attending here in Montgomery County pay. Sinclair made a good bit of money off of those citizens in Greene county. But did you notice something? Sinclair did NOT build a campus they only &quot;rented&quot; class rooms at WPAFB and at some of the local schools. Cheaper than a campus so therefore a whole lot more money into the bank. 

FIFTH now this is where my kindness came to an end. Warren County was Sinclair's next target. One of the fastest growing areas around us, a whole lot more than what is going on here in Montgomery County. An untapped resource of what, students (young and old). The number of students they could get to attend was amazing. Too many to spread out in rented classrooms all over the area. BUT Sinclair ran into a road block, Sinclair could not get a levy passed to support them in their wishful dreams. 

Sinclair went back to the drawing board and with a size-able donation, from a donor, whose name I shall not print here, they were able to purchase the ground and start building their campus in Mason. With that donation, and the subsidy from the state of Ohio and by charging the students $73.50 per credit hour they are now up and running, or rather teaching. 

I think that they have had enough from us the property owners. Ten years should have given them plenty of time to have laid the groundwork out. Plenty of time to have raised that tuition to not only the residents of Montgomery County but to those coming to the Dayton campus from other counties. 

SIXTH with the increase we incurred when the human services levy passed the increases in property tax was &quot;eye opening&quot; to say the least. I had a jolt and I do not mind telling you that I did NOT research what the impact of the human services would be. 

So in summary, as if you really have read any of this with the hit that we, the property owners took with the human services levy and the hit Sinclair wants to give us with their levy I will vote no. 

Sorry Sinclair but you had the past ten years to get your ACT together and find funding another way. For that matter two years ago Sinclair started planning on how to get this levy and the increase passed on to us the property owners. That was &quot;two years&quot; they could have worked on increasing the tuition here. 

Greene county and Warren county students (young and old) pay $73.50 per credit hour and I think it is about time for the students (young and old) in Montgomery county to do the same. 

VOTE NO ON ISSUE 39 MAKE SINCLAIR PUT THE COST INTO THE TUITION NOT ON OUR PROPERTY TAXES.]]></description>
      <category>Dayton Daily News fairness forum</category>
      <guid isPermaLink="true">http://discussions.western-star.com/read.php?79,53991,53991#msg-53991</guid>
      <pubDate>Sat, 01 Mar 2008 15:08:48 -0500</pubDate>
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      <title>again this is an important issue facing the property owners of montgomery county</title>
      <link>http://discussions.western-star.com/read.php?79,53612,53612#msg-53612</link>
      <author>WONDERFUL</author>
      <description><![CDATA[please read the information one individual has researched and colleted  you need to read this to make an informed dicision in how you vote march 4th on sinclair issue 39


================================

Clark State Community College has a facility near the Fairfield Mall and charges $77.50 per credit hour. Sinclair MUST RECONSIDER raising their tuition cost and not keep their hand in my pocket book.
Posted by: Watching
Date: February 28, 2008 08:01AM

Clark State has a campus in Greene County and they charge $77.50 per credit hour more than Sinclair 
Posted by: Watching 
Date: February 28, 2008 07:59AM 


Clark State announces new location in Greene County 

Springfield, Ohio, February 1, 2007 - Greene County residents will soon have a new option for a high-quality, affordable college education close to home, with a personal touch. Clark State Community College is establishing the Clark State/Greene Center (CSGC), providing classes and student services in a new facility being constructed on a 15-acre campus on New Germany Trebein Road adjacent to I-675, about 0.5 miles west of North Fairfield Road. 

Synergy-Mills Morgan is overseeing the construction of the 52,000 square foot building, which is expected to be completed in August 2007. A groundbreaking ceremony is scheduled for Monday, February 26 at 11:30 a.m. 

In the meantime, Clark State classes will begin on March 26, 2007, at a temporary 13,000 square foot facility in partnership with Wright State University in University Park, 3825 Colonel Glenn Highway. 

Clark State has already benefited from federal and state funding sources for the Greene County expansion. State Senator Austria helped secure $150,000 in the state capital budget for initial facilities expenses. In addition, the project has benefited from federal funding secured with the help of Rep. David Hobson for AVETeC. AVETeC enabled Clark State to receive assistance from the Greentree Group in developing the project business plan and @#$%&amp; the present and future technical curriculum needs of the area. 

Registration for Spring Quarter begins Monday, February 12, 2007 at the University Park location. Interested students can contact the Greene Center admissions specialist on site, by calling (937) 429-8819 or by visiting www.clarkstate.edu. 

Greene County is part of Clark State’s state-designated service area, which also includes Clark, Champaign and Logan counties. 

Clark State Community College was recognized as one of the top 50 fastest growing two-year colleges in the nation among institutions of its size by Community College Week. Enrollment has increased nearly 40 percent in the past five years and the College is currently serving 3,340 students, 4,000 non-credit students and 197 Post Secondary Option (high school) students. Clark State offers 50 degrees and certificate programs, including transfer degrees to four-year institutions and more than 130 online courses.














Warren county residents do pay a higher cost per credit hour
Posted by: Watching
Date: February 27, 2008 09:15PM

Re: Just say NO = post by DOC 2/27/08 
Posted by: Watching 
Date: February 27, 2008 06:00PM 


Re: Issue 39, let's keep the facts where we can see them. 
Posted by: DOC HOLIDAY 
Date: February 27, 2008 04:27PM 


i did some research and watching is correct warren county did not impose a property tax levy to support sinclair 
Posted by: WONDERFUL 
Date: February 27, 2008 06:45AM 


although the residents and students attending sinclair in warren county do pay more than montgomery county residents attending here 

any tuition that is collected in warren county stays with that campus and likewise any tuition that is collected in montgomery county stays with this campus 

it is noted below that revenue to fund this leased warren county campus on courseview drive will come from warren county student tuition, fees and state subsidy 

the residents of warren county defeated a levy placed before them to fund sinclair in their county 

so where did the start up fees come from did they fall from the sky they probably took out a loan to get the center started and i wonder which property has the greatest lein on it the one in montgomery county or the one in warren county 

------------------------------------------------ 


Ground Broken for the new Sinclair Community College Mason Campus 
From President Steven Lee Johnson 

Sinclair broke ground on the new campus center in Warren County (Courseview Drive in Mason) on Monday, February 19, 2007. This will allow us to move and grow from our current leased facilities within Warren County to those that will be more available and more appropriate for Sinclair's continuing use. 

This is yet another milestone in our continuing efforts to improve both the high quality and the quantity of higher education; this in response to the dramatic calls in our region and from our state for more and improved higher education. These dynamic efforts on Sinclair’s part include our initiative with the Dayton Public Schools Tech High School, our AQIP and our Achieving the Dream initiatives, the new STEM partnership with Wright State, our growing system of high school academic resource centers, our new library, the Out-of-School Youth Initiative, the ever-growing Tech Prep Consortium, the coming Wright-Patterson Air Force Base BRAC realignment, and the Fast Track Centers at the YMCAs. 

Sinclair is dynamic and is progressively responding to community needs. 

The Warren County Courseview Drive campus center in Mason will be leased from owner Tipton Development, Inc. The one-story, 17,645 square-foot building will be located on approximately 4.5 acres at 5380 Courseview Drive, south of State Route 741 and across I-71 from King’s Island. It will house 10-12 classrooms and support facilities and provide approximately 300 parking spaces. The site allows for potential expansion with the addition of 10-12 classrooms if needed. We plan to open the center in time for fall of 2007. 

Although for years we have been providing educational programs for hundreds of Warren County residents at our Dayton campus, satellite locations in Warren County, and through distance learning, the opening of this Warren County campus on Courseview Drive will establish the next phase of Sinclair’s permanent presence within Warren County and marks the dawn of a new era for those seeking affordable, high quality higher education in this fast-growing county. This regional expansion is aligned with the regional college market as realistically existing today, with the ability to be appropriately adjusted for the realized needs in the future. 

Sinclair was assigned responsibility to serve Warren County by the Ohio General Assembly in 2005. Since that time, we have looked at more than 75 properties and facilities in Warren County before deciding on the Mason site. Criteria for a Warren County campus site required that it be located far enough south as not to duplicate Sinclair’s Montgomery County offerings and as close to the center of the Warren County population as possible. Additional criteria included that the site be highly visible from a heavily traveled roadway and in a facility that is small enough to be affordable but have room for expansion, and that it be able to offer ample commuter parking. 

Warren County has a remarkably low two-year college-going rate by Ohio standards, and research by Sinclair and by others has indicated that the lack of programs within a close commute is a big part of the reason for this low college-going rate. We also know that Warren County is not in reality filled with people who are only going to expensive Ivy-League schools, nor is there a need for new expensive university degrees. Like all areas of our region, Warren County has, and will have more, jobs and people needing certificates and two-year programs. 

While Sinclair is already the two-year college of choice for Warren County students driving to colleges outside of the county, it is becoming clear that if Sinclair did not provide additional Warren County-based county options then other colleges would be assigned to that service duty. Warren County is on a growth track that will take it from its current 200,000 population to 300,000 in short time. If the Warren County community college enrollment rises to the very modest proportion of 2% of the population (in Montgomery County enrollment is 3% of the population) – then there is a need to serve 6,000 headcount students per term. Simply the county growth of 100,000 in population at 2% is 2,000 additional headcount students to be served by some two-year college. Now it is assured that this will be Sinclair. 

The development of this next phase of Sinclair Warren County operations is measured, calculated, cautious, and yet progressive. Sinclair is not investing in big campuses and fronting tens of millions in funds – even though all indications support the idea that in the not-too-distant future a campus to serve several thousands would probably be needed. Sinclair is progressively moving to the next phase in a careful and measure way, and testing the assumptions along the way. Any next phases in the future will be based on the tried and tested. 

Revenue to fund this leased Warren County campus on Courseview Drive will come from Warren County student tuition, fees and state subsidy. These Warren County sources of revenue are projected to reach approximately $2 million annually within three years of operations, and conservatively projected to reach approximately $5 million annually by the tenth year of operations. 

By state law, no funds derived from Sinclair’s Montgomery County property tax levy are expended in Sinclair’s Warren County operations. Sinclair’s Montgomery County levy funds a Montgomery County tuition rate that is currently $45 dollars per credit hour, the lowest in Ohio. Sinclair students residing in Warren County pay the much higher $73.50 per credit hour rate because Warren County does not have a Sinclair levy. 

Sinclair will offer general education courses at the Courseview Drive campus, and the facility upon opening will accommodate support courses for the physical sciences, mathematics, engineering, and medicine/health career.. The college will also offer short-term and flex-time credit offerings that are shorter than the traditional 10-week academic quarter. It is expected too that a variety of non-credit, work force development courses and workshops will regularly be offered at the Courseview campus in Mason. The campus is expected to attract more than 750 credit headcount students each quarter by the end of its third year of operations. 

As we progressively respond to higher education goals being promoted by Governor Strickland and the leadership in Ohio’s legislature, Sinclair alone cannot meet all of the needs of the residents of Warren County (or of the larger region). In the coming months, I expect to announce additional higher education partners that will offer upper level baccalaureate and graduate level courses at Sinclair’s Courseview campus in Warren County. We have had extensive planning discussions with the University of Cincinnati and are working on our possible public announcement in the coming weeks. Also, Sinclair continues progressive and optimistic discussions with Wright State University, Wilmington College, and Great Oaks Technical Career Center. 

We are working on setting up a temporary Sinclair office for the Courseview Drive campus to open in February at 5158 Cedar Village Drive. Please check the Warren County Courseview Drive campus center web site for photos and updates on the construction and program development. 

My thanks to the Sinclair Board of Trustees for leading this initiative and recognizing early on that integrated, consolidated, and seamless Sinclair education across the region is the future. Thanks also to the many leaders within MontgomeryCounty who have helped make the way for Sinclair to realized a merged MontgomeryCounty and Warren County Community College System, and who are so very excited about the new relationships and partnering opportunities with their counterparts within WarrenCounty. My thanks to Senior Vice President Ken Moore, Vice President Jeff Boudouris, General Counsel Saunie Schuster, Director Madeline Iseli, Senior Director Tom Raga and the many others who have been diligently working with Tipton Development on the thousands of details (literally) required to set a project of this magnitude in place. We are excited to be on the verge of bringing Sinclair’s high quality education and training to WarrenCounty in a beautiful new campus center.





 


The reason WHY is because the residents of Warren County said NO to a levy to support Sinclair
Posted by: Watching
Date: February 27, 2008 09:20PM

THAT IS WHY THE COST PER CREDIT HOUR IS HIGHER THAN WHAT IS CHARGED BY SINCLAIR TO MONTGOMERY COUNTY RESIDENTS. 

Excuse me for yelling above but come on now each of you can read. At least I am hoping you are smarter than a 5th grader. 

Sinclair had tried since 2004 to get a foot hold established in Warren County. It wasn't until the Ohio Revised code, posted below, which cleared the way. 

So dang it if Warren County can get away WITHOUT a levy then Montgomery County had better rethink their situation. 

I VOTED NO ON ISSUE 39 AND IF YOU WERE SMARTER THAN ANY 5TH GRADERS YOU WOULD TO. 


============================================== 


Re: Just say NO = Ohio Revised Code = » CHAPTER 3354: COMMUNITY COLLEGES 
Posted by: Watching 
Date: February 27, 2008 06:07PM 


3354.25 Warren and Montgomery county community college district. 

( A ) The provisions of this section prevail over conflicting provisions of this chapter; however, except as provided in this section, the community college district and its board of trustees created by this section shall comply with the provisions of this chapter. 

( B ) (1) The territory of Warren county is hereby added to the territory of the community college district of Montgomery county, creating the Warren county Montgomery county community college district and replacing the former community college district of Montgomery county. The district created in this section may be known as and operate under the name of the Sinclair community college district. 

( 2) The community college district created by this section shall be divided into separate taxing subdistricts, one consisting of the territory of Warren county, and another consisting of the territory of Montgomery county. 

Taxes for the benefit of the community college district shall be levied and the benefits from the revenues of those taxes shall be apportioned among the subdistricts only in accordance with this section. 

( C ) The board of trustees of the two-county community college district created by this section shall consist of eleven members. 

( 1) Nine members of the board of trustees shall be residents of Montgomery county. The initial Montgomery county members shall be the same members of the board of trustees of the former community college district of Montgomery county, as it existed prior to the effective date of this section, whose terms shall expire and whose successors shall be appointed as they would have otherwise under division ( B ) of section 3354.05 of the Revised Code. 

( 2) Two members of the board of trustees shall be residents of Warren county, one of whom shall be appointed by the board of county commissioners of Warren county, and one of whom shall be appointed by the governor with the advice and consent of the senate. Each of the initial appointments under division ( C )( 2) of this section shall be made within ninety days after the effective date of this section. At the time of the initial meeting of the trustees of the community college district created by this section, a drawing among the Warren county appointees shall be held to determine the initial term of each appointee, one trustee to serve for a term ending three years after the expiration date of the Montgomery county trustee’s term that is the first to expire after the effective date of this section, and the other trustee to serve for a term ending five years after the expiration date of the Montgomery county trustee’s term that is the first to expire after the effective date of this section. Thereafter, the successive terms of the Warren county members of the board of trustees shall be for five years, each term ending on the same day of the same month of the year as did the term which it succeeds. Each trustee shall hold office from the date of the trustee’s appointment until the end of the term for which appointed. Any trustee appointed to fill a vacancy occurring prior to the expiration of the term for which the trustee’s predecessor was appointed shall hold office for the remainder of that term. Any trustee shall continue in office subsequent to the expiration date of the trustee’s term until the trustee’s successor takes office, or until a period of sixty days has elapsed, whichever occurs first. 

( D) The board of trustees of the community college district created by this section shall continue to comply with division ( G ) of section 3354.09 of the Revised Code, regarding tuition for students who are residents of Ohio but not of the district, and for students who are nonresidents of Ohio. The tuition rate shall be based on the student’s county of residence and shall apply to all Sinclair community college classes in all Sinclair community college locations. Except as provided in division ( G )( 2) of this section, students who are residents of Warren county shall continue to be charged tuition at the same rate as Ohio residents who are not residents of the district. 

( E )( 1) Unless the conditions prescribed in division ( F ) of this section are satisfied, the trustees from each respective county of the community college district created by this section shall have no vote on any of the following matters pertaining to the other county: 

( a) Tax levies; 

( b) The expenditure of revenue from tax levies; 

( c) Levy-subsidized tuition rates. 

( 2) As long as either of the conditions prescribed in division ( F ) ( 1) or ( 2) of this section are satisfied, each member of the board of trustees shall have full voting rights on all matters coming before the board. 

( 3) At all times, on any matter related to community college programming or facilities within one county or the other, both of the following are necessary: 

( a) The affirmative vote of a majority of the full membership of the board of trustees; 

( b) The affirmative vote of at least fifty per cent of the trustees from the affected county. 

( 4) If the millage rate of the Warren county tax levy described in division ( F) of this section is subsequently reduced by a vote of the electors of Warren county to the extent that it no longer satisfies a condition prescribed in either division ( F ) ( 1) or ( 2) of this section, the voting restrictions prescribed in division ( E ) ( 1) of this section again apply to the board effective on the first day of the tax year that begins after the reduction is approved by the electors. 

( F ) The voting restrictions of division ( E )( 1) of this section apply until the electors of Warren county approve a tax levy, in accordance with division ( G ) ( 3) of this section, equivalent to the tax levy approved by the electors of Montgomery county for the support of the former community college district of Montgomery county prior to the effective date of this section. For this purpose, an equivalent tax levy is a tax levied in Warren county that either: 

( 1) In the first tax year for which the tax is collected, yields revenue per capita equal to or greater than the yield per capita of levies of the community college district in effect that tax year in Montgomery county, as jointly determined by the county auditors of Montgomery and Warren counties; 

( 2) In the first tax year for which the tax is collected, imposes a millage rate that is equal to or greater than the effective tax rate of levies of the community college district in effect that tax year in Montgomery county, as jointly determined by the county auditors of Montgomery and Warren counties. 

As used in division ( F ) (2) of this section, “effective tax rate” means the quotient obtained by dividing the total taxes charged and payable for the taxing subdistrict for a tax year, after the reduction prescribed by section 319.301 of the Revised Code but before the reduction prescribed by section 319.302 or 323.152 of the Revised Code, by the taxable value for the taxing subdistrict for that tax year. 

( G ) ( 1) The board of trustees may propose to levy a tax on taxable property in Montgomery county to be voted on by the electors of Montgomery county as provided in division ( G ) ( 3) of this section. Any money raised by a tax levied by the former community college district of Montgomery county or a subsequent tax levied in Montgomery county in accordance with division ( G ) ( 3) of this section shall be used solely for the benefit of Montgomery county residents attending Sinclair community college in the form of student tuition subsidy, student scholarships, and instructional facilities, equipment and support services located within Montgomery county, shall be deposited into a separate fund from all other revenues of the district, and shall be budgeted separately. 

( 2) The board of trustees may propose to levy a tax on taxable property in Warren county to be voted on by electors of Warren county as provided in division ( G ) ( 3) of this section. Any money raised by the tax shall be used solely for the benefit of Warren county residents attending Sinclair community college in the form of student tuition subsidy, student scholarships, and instructional facilities, equipment and support services located within Warren county, shall be deposited into a separate fund from all other revenues of the district, and shall be budgeted separately. If the tax is approved in accordance with division ( G ) ( 3) ( c ) of this section, the board of trustees may adjust the rate of tuition charged to Warren county residents commensurate with the amount of that tax the board of trustees dedicates for instructional and general services provided to Warren county residents. 

( 3) For each taxing subdistrict of the community college district created by this section, the board of trustees may propose to levy a tax in accordance with the procedures prescribed in section 3354.12 of the Revised Code, except as provided in divisions ( G )( 3)( a) to ( c ) of this section. 

( a) Wherein section 3354.12 of the Revised Code the terms “district” and “community college district” are used, those terms shall be construed to mean the appropriate taxing subdistrict described in division ( B ) ( 2) of this section, except that the “board of trustees of the community college district” means the board of trustees for the entire community college district as described in division ( C ) of this section. That board of trustees may propose separate levies for either of the two taxing subdistricts. 

( b) “Tax duplicate,” as used in section 3354.12 of the Revised Code, means the tax duplicate of only the appropriate taxing subdistrict and not the tax duplicate of the entire community college district. 

( c) The resolution of the board of trustees proposing a tax levy in the Warren county taxing subdistrict is subject to approval of a two-thirds vote of the board of county commissioners of Warren county. If so approved by the board of county commissioners of Warren county, that board shall certify the resolution to the Warren county board of elections, which shall place on the ballot for the electors of Warren county the question of levying the tax proposed in the resolution on all taxable property of the county. If approved by the electors of the county, the tax shall be levied as provided in section 3354.12 of the Revised Code and anticipation notes may be issued by the board of trustees in accordance with that section. 

( H ) ( 1) The board of trustees of the community college district created by this section may issue bonds in accordance with section 3354.11 of the Revised Code; however, the board may limit the question of approval of the issue of those bonds to the electors of only one of the two taxing subdistricts described in division ( B ) ( 2) of this section, in which case the board also may limit the use of the property or improvements to the residents of that subdistrict. 

( 2) A resolution of the board of trustees proposing the issuance of bonds for only the Warren county taxing subdistrict is subject to approval of a two-thirds vote of the board of county commissioners of Warren county. If so approved by the board of county commissioners of Warren county, that board shall certify the resolution to the Warren county board of elections which shall place on the ballot for the electors of Warren county the question of issuing bonds as proposed in the resolution. 

Effective Date: 09-29-2005





The special meeting of the Board of Trustees of Sinclair Community College was called to order on Tuesday, November 30, 2007
Posted by: Watching
Date: February 27, 2008 10:06PM

Minutes 
Sinclair Community College 
Board of Trustees 
November 30, 2007 
8:30 a.m., Building 12, Room 131 

The special meeting of the Board of Trustees of Sinclair Community College was called to order on Tuesday, November 30, 2007, in Building 12, Room 131 of the college by Chairperson Katherine Hollingsworth. 

I. Roll Call 
Trustees Present: Ms. Mary Boosalis, Mr. Richard Chernesky, Ms. Marva Cosby, Mr. Robert Corbin, Mr. Gregory Edwards, Ms. Ethel Washington-Harris, Mr. Gerald Hauer, Mr. Allen Hill, Ms. Katherine Hollingsworth, Mr. Lawrence Porter 



Also Present: Ms. Natasha Baker, Director of College Relations, Mr. Jeff Boudouris, Vice President for Business Operations; Ms. Annesa Cheek, Assistant to the President; Dr. Mary Gaier, Vice President for Organizational Development; Dr. Helen Grove, Senior Vice President and Provost; Mr. Gary Honnert, Director of College Communications; Dr. Tom Huguley, Associate Provost; Ms. Madeline Iseli, Director of Government Relations; Ms. Denise Jepsen, Secretary to the Board; Dr. Robert 
Johnson, Senior Vice President, Dr. Steven Johnson, President; Ms. Megan Laughter, Administrative Secretary, Administrative Operations; Dr. Ken Moore, Senor Vice President; Ms. Deb Norris, Vice President for Workforce Development and Corporate Services; Mr. Tom Raga, Senior Director of Regional Strategy and Development; Dr. 
Nick Reeder, President of Faculty Senate; Ms. Saundra Schuster, Esq., Legal Counsel; Dr. Nancy Thibeault, Director of Distance Learning; Ms. Charlotte Wharton, Dean of Business and Public Services 

II. WELCOME TO SPECIAL GUESTS – KATHERINE HOLLINGSWORTH 
Chairperson Katherine Hollingsworth recognized Commissioner Dan Foley, Strategy 
Committee Chair, Citizens for Sinclair; Ms. Stephanie Gottschlich, Education 
Reporter for the Dayton Daily News; Mr. Ron Hicks, Reporter for WDTN-TV; and Mr. 
Dan Sadlier, Treasurer and Finance Chair, Citizens for Sinclair. 

III. DISCUSSION OF TAX LEVY MILLAGE – KATHERINE HOLLINGSWORTH 
The Trustees held a discussion to determine the tax levy millage. Highlights of the 
discussion are listed below. 
Principles and Considerations for the Levy Mill Rate Decision 
• Respect for the citizens of Montgomery County 
• Need for affordable higher education 
• Emerging needs in critical workforce areas 
• The financial need of the college in moving forward to meet community needs 
Ohio Since 1998 
• The Governor’s Commission on Higher Education calls for more students enrolled 
and more college attainment 
• Governor Strickland calls for significantly increased college enrollment over ten 
years 
• The Ohio Legislature focuses on higher education reorganization and more STEM 
education 
Survey Results Indicate the following: 
• 78 percent responded that Sinclair is very important to the future of 
Montgomery County 
• 67 percent responded with a very favorable overall opinion of Sinclair 
• 49 percent of Montgomery County residents have personally taken classes at 
Sinclair 
Sinclair Tuition 
• 40 percent lower than the average of public two-year colleges in Ohio 
• The ability to increase tuition over the next decade is expected to be limited. 
o Tuition increases have been limited and capped for the past six years by the 
legislature; tuition is frozen for this year and next year. 
Efficiency 
• During recent years of reduced state funding, the college has been pro-active for 
example: 
• Reorganization and Realignment ($4 million) 
• Three rounds of budget cuts ($3.5 million) 
• Average class size increase ($2.2 million) 
The current ten-year levy was approved in November 1998, and expires in 
December 31, 2008. 

How much does the Sinclair levy cost a homeowner? 
Estimates based on $100,000 Appraised Home Value 
2.5 Mill 
(replacement) 
3.0 Mill 
(Replacement + 
Increase) 
3.2 Mill 
(Replacement + 
Increase) 
3.5 Mill 
(Replacement + 
Increase) 
$77 per year 
(annual increase of $21 
or $1.75 per month) 
$92 per year 
(annual increase of $36 
or $3.00 per month) 
$98 per year 
(annual increase of $42 
or $3.50 per month) 
$107 per year 
(annual increase of $51 
or $4.25 per month) 
• There is no levy connection between Sinclair Community College and Warren 
County. By law, Montgomery County tax levy dollars may not be spent in Warren 
County. 


Sinclair Staff Recommendation 
• Recognizing the need to balance Sinclair financial need with economic conditions, 
the staff recommended the highest option be rejected (3.5 mill) and the lowest 
option be rejected (2.5 mill), with a leaning toward 3.2 mill over the 3.0 mill 
option. 
• Although the mill rate needed is 3.7 mills, the Trustees discussed a 3.2 mill levy 
versus a 3.0 mill levy. 
• It is recognized that we are balancing against a period of change with raising 
tuition in the State of Ohio. 
• Based on $100,000 home, the difference between a 3.0 mill and 3.2 mill is $6 
per year or 50 cents per month. 
• In order to maintain quality, the Trustees voted on approval of the 3.2 mill level. 
The Trustees agreed that Sinclair Community College must maintain value and 
accessibility to benefit the community. 

IV. RESOLUTION #2007-32 – KATHERINE HOLLINGSWORTH 
After considerable discussion, Resolution #2007-32 was brought forward for a vote. 


LEVY RECOMMENDATION AND BALLOT LANGUAGE 
RESOLUTION 2007-32 
NOVEMBER 30, 2007 
WHEREAS, Section 3354.12 of the Ohio Revised Code provides for support to community college 
districts through voter approved local property tax levies for operating and capital expenses; and 
WHEREAS, the current levy for the Sinclair Community College District expires at the end of 2008; 
and 
WHEREAS, Montgomery County levy support has enabled the Sinclair Community College District 
to provide exceptional quality, affordable and accessible education; and 
WHEREAS, the Board of Trustees appreciates the tremendous value of that support; and 
WHEREAS, all proceeds from the Sinclair Community College District levy are used only to support 
Montgomery County students enrolled at Montgomery County Sinclair campuses, and for Sinclair 
Community College operations within Montgomery County; and 
WHEREAS, the Sinclair Community College District levy funds have provided tuition support for 
Montgomery County students, enabling Sinclair Community College to offer the lowest tuition among 
the community colleges in the state of Ohio; and 
WHEREAS, the Board recognizes the need to continue to provide degree and career programs that 
meet the community needs; and 
WHEREAS, the Board recognizes the important role Sinclair Community College plays in providing 
a skilled workforce for the local economy; and 
WHEREAS, the Board has noted the twenty-six percent enrollment growth of the College since 
approval of the current levy; and 
WHEREAS, the Board of Trustees has reviewed the College’s financial history, current financial 
status, and long range financial projections; and 
WHEREAS, the amount of taxes that may be raised within the current levy will be insufficient to 
provide an adequate amount for the necessary requirements of the District; and 
WHEREAS, it is therefore necessary to seek a replacement levy plus an increase. 
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED: 
By a two-thirds affirmative vote of the Sinclair Community College District Board of Trustees, 
that it is necessary to levy a replacement plus increase tax for operating and capital expenses, at a 
rate not exceeding 3.2 mills for each one dollar of valuation which amounts to thirty-two cents 
($0.32) for each one hundred dollars ($100) of valuation for ten (10) years, commencing with the 
2008 tax list and duplicate, with collection first due in 2009; and 


BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, 

SECTION 1 That the 

SECTION 2 That it is hereby declared that the amount of taxes which may be raised on the 
current tax duplicate will be insufficient to provide an adequate amount for the necessary 
requirements for Sinclair Community College District. 

SECTION 3 That pursuant to the provisions of the Ohio Revised Code §3354.12, it is necessary 
to levy a tax for the operating and capital expenses for Sinclair Community College District, and 
which levy is a replacement of 2.5 mills of an existing levy passed in 1998 and which expires in 
2008, and an increase of .7 mills, at a rate not exceeding 3.2 mills for each one dollar of valuation, 
which amounts to thirty-two cents ($0.32) for each one hundred dollars ($100.00) of valuation for 
ten (10) years, commencing with the 2008 tax list and duplicate, with collection first due in 2009. 

SECTION 4 That the question of approving the replacement plus increase levy be submitted to 
the electors of Montgomery County at a general election to be held on March 4, 2008, and that 
said levy be placed on the tax list and duplicate for 2008 if approved by a majority of the electors 
voting. 

SECTION 5 That the Treasurer of the Sinclair Community College District is hereby directed to 
certify a copy of this Resolution to the Board of Elections of Montgomery County not later than 
four o’clock (4:00) pm of the seventy-fifth (75th) day prior to the date of the general election, to be 
held on March 4, 2008, and to notify said Board of Elections to cause notice of the election on the 
question of levying said tax to be given as required by law. 

SECTION 6 The form of ballot to be cast at the election on the question of this tax levy shall be 
substantially as follows: 
PROPOSED TAX LEVY (REPLACEMENT AND INCREASE) 
SINCLAIR COMMUNITY COLLEGE DISTRICT 
A majority affirmative vote is necessary for passage 
A replacement of 2.5 mills of an existing levy and an increase of .7 mills, to 
constitute a tax for the benefit of the Sinclair Community College District, for 
operating and capital expenses, at a rate not exceeding 3.2 mills for each one 
dollar of valuation, which amounts to thirty-two cents ($0.32) for each one 
hundred dollars ($100.00) of valuation for ten (10) years, commencing with 
the 2008 tax list and duplicate, with collection first due in 2009. 
FOR THE TAX LEVY 
AGAINST THE TAX LEVY 


BOARD ACTION: A motion was made by Trustee Lawrence Porter and seconded by Trustee Ethel 
Washington-Harris to approve the forgoing resolution, Resolution #2007-32. The motion carried by 
unanimous vote of the nine Montgomery County Trustees. For the record, Sinclair Community 
College has two additional Trustees from Warren County who by statute cannot vote on Montgomery 
County levy issues. 

V. ADJOURNMENT – KATHERINE HOLLINGSWORTH 
Chairperson Hollingsworth thanked the Trustees in the appropriate time taken in 
deliberating the tax millage rate. She also thanked Mr. Dan Sadlier and 
Commissioner Dan Foley. 
The meeting adjourned at 9:45 a.m. Any materials referenced may be found with 
the permanent file copy of the Board agenda

 
Sinclair hordes $120 million dollars and then asks the tax payers, PROPERTY OWNERS, for $100 million more!
Posted by: Watching
Date: February 27, 2008 10:13PM

Sinclair Hordes $120 million, Asks Taxpayers for $100 million MORE 

(VOTE NO) 

November 30, 2007 
Sinclair Community College Board of Trustees voted today to place a 3.2 mill property tax levy on the March 2008 ballot. The new levy would replace the current 2.5 mill levy that expires at the end of 2008. 

The current levy is collected at an effective (net) millage of 1.82 for residential property. The replacement levy of 3.2 mill equates to a 75.8% increase. For a ten year levy that’s about a 7.5% increase per year. 

The requested increase might seem reasonable unless you consider the following: 

Sinclair currently has about $120 million in cash reserves against an annual budget of about $110 million 
Sinclair currently has the lowest cost per credit hour of any community college in the state. 
Sinclair (unlike most community colleges) has no outstanding debt. 
In other words the Board of Trustees of Sinclair Community College have decided to ask the taxpayers of Montgomery County to pay an increase of 75.8% in their taxes when Sinclair is in stronger financial condition then any other community college in the state and charges the lowest tuition fees of any community college in the state. 

Sinclair is a great community college. However the Board of Trustees have lost perspective about what it means to be a good corporate citizen. 

Asking for such a huge increase based on their financial condition during the tough financial times being faced by thousands of Montgomery County citizens is irresponsible. 

Sinclair Community College Board of Trustees: 

Mary Boosalis 

Richard Chernesky 

Robert L. Corbin 

Marva Cosby 

Greg Edwards 

Gerald Hauer 

Allen Hill 

Katherine Hollingsworth 

Lawrence Porter 

Ethel M. Washington-Harris 

Bernard Wright 


(Dayton OS


Article posted Dec 21, 2006 - Sinclair loses focus and costs go up! That is where they laid the ground work to ask us MONTGOMERY COUNTY PROPERTY OWNERS to PAY MORE!!!!
Posted by: Watching
Date: February 27, 2008 10:16PM

Sinclair loses focus- and costs go up.21Dec06 

Funded by Montgomery County taxpayers- Sinclair Community College is one of our greatest competitive advantage resources. Unfortunately, since President Steven Johnson took over, it’s as if the college caught the sprawl bug. 

Remote classrooms in YMCA’s, expansion into Greene and Warren Counties- it seems as if there are no limits to what the school thinks it can do. 

Then reality hits. This all costs money. In today’s Dayton Daily News, the groundwork is being laid to ask tax payers for more money- when what might be really needed is restraint and a refocusing. 

Management consulting guru, Tom Peters, said it best in In Search of Excellence, stick to the knitting- providing an amazing education at low cost for Montgomery County residents. Sinclair is a great resource for Montgomery County- and we pay for it. Before anymore talk of building a new campus in Warren County for Sinclair comes forward- let Warren pass a tax levy to pay for it. 

Below is an excerpt from the Dayton Daily News: 

Sinclair looks for cuts to align income, costs 
“We’re spending about $5 million a year more than we can afford,” President Steven Johnson said Wednesday. “It cannot be business as usual around here.” 
Sinclair’s expenses in 2006 oustripped revenue by $6.3 million, according to a draft report of a state audit completed in October. 

In 2005, Sinclair began tapping about $2.5 million from its Tuition Stabilization Fund â€” a practice it can sustain for about five years if things were left unchanged, Johnson said. 

â€¢ Raise enrollment by thousands of students next year, to increase revenue from tuition.â€¢ Ask Montgomery County taxpayers for a higher levy in 2008.
 
The &quot;Pulse Journal&quot; has taken an interest.
Posted by: Watching
Date: February 27, 2008 10:26PM

Try doing a copy and past this into your browser. 

If all else failes just google the EXACT information below. 

Kind of interesting in that we are &quot;out there on the net&quot; for all to see and ponder. 

SMILE for the internet please and still VOTE NO! 


discussions.pulsejournal.com/read/4/53276/53276]]></description>
      <category>Dayton Daily News fairness forum</category>
      <guid isPermaLink="true">http://discussions.western-star.com/read.php?79,53612,53612#msg-53612</guid>
      <pubDate>Thu, 28 Feb 2008 16:59:41 -0500</pubDate>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Tax issue for Sinclair</title>
      <link>http://discussions.western-star.com/read.php?79,52901,52901#msg-52901</link>
      <author>tom37</author>
      <description><![CDATA[You recently published an editorial supporting the tax issue for Sinclair.  However, as a property owner, age 70+, it appears that Sinclair is a growing and prosperous business that doesn't need our tax dollars.  I have used our local educational facilities, University of Dayton 6 years, and have been paying property taxes for over 45 years and I say enough is enough.

You've heard all this before ... about retirement and fixed income, etc. ... but it's all too true.  Property taxes appear to have no ceiling to those who have access to its use and they use it way too often.  People are moving out of California because of high taxes and the same will happen to Montgomery County if the property taxes continue to build without regard to the property owner and the older retiree.]]></description>
      <category>Dayton Daily News fairness forum</category>
      <guid isPermaLink="true">http://discussions.western-star.com/read.php?79,52901,52901#msg-52901</guid>
      <pubDate>Mon, 25 Feb 2008 12:27:52 -0500</pubDate>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Return that old &quot;bump to the front&quot; feature that kept popular topics current with up-to-date posts.</title>
      <link>http://discussions.western-star.com/read.php?79,47941,47941#msg-47941</link>
      <author>Old Cold Warrior</author>
      <description><![CDATA[Most posters want that bump-to-the-front feature that kept popular topics current and on the first page until they got too large and faded away to be replaced.]]></description>
      <category>Dayton Daily News fairness forum</category>
      <guid isPermaLink="true">http://discussions.western-star.com/read.php?79,47941,47941#msg-47941</guid>
      <pubDate>Mon, 28 Jan 2008 19:07:35 -0500</pubDate>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Where...</title>
      <link>http://discussions.western-star.com/read.php?79,21670,21670#msg-21670</link>
      <author>beth650</author>
      <description><![CDATA[...did all the topics go???]]></description>
      <category>Dayton Daily News fairness forum</category>
      <guid isPermaLink="true">http://discussions.western-star.com/read.php?79,21670,21670#msg-21670</guid>
      <pubDate>Fri, 21 Sep 2007 17:43:15 -0400</pubDate>
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    <item>
      <title>Archives of this board that are important...ATTENTION JUDGE GORMAN..this is the same guy that's emailing you other frivolous garbage. His name is DOC HOLIDAY!</title>
      <link>http://discussions.western-star.com/read.php?79,17449,17449#msg-17449</link>
      <author>dond</author>
      <description><![CDATA[everyone here thinks you're a By eyes on you 
BUM. 

Of course they are correct in that assumption. 

You are a bum, slaker, loafer, deadbeat...pick your poison. 

You're a little bitty guy, so I got that wrong. 

Now if I find you, I'll just take your lunch money and send you home crying. 

What you did to the board on Saturday and Sunday shows very well what kind of a deadbeat you are. Oh and women don't really like little guys who can't get an erection. There are pills for that, but as a taxpayer, I don't want to pay for yours. 

Or your shack or your welfare. You have no reason that you can't work, you just won't work. Big difference. 

Dew was actually nice to you one there stinky, and of course you made a butthole of yourself and no one likes you. 

Thank you for the picture of my truck and the small amout of landscaping we did. We love cats, and birds and squirlls, and raccoons, so we take care of them. 
As for that place on wilmington, I have little notes I will be dropping at there doors so they can contact you directly. Get the phone fixed, we can talk buddy. 


Oh my &quot;Fish Guts&quot; that was a rather stupid mistake. Shoot, for a minute I forgot who I was talking to. 
Posted by: DOC HOLIDAY 
Date: August 19, 2007 11:58AM 


&quot; mmarlin &quot; is female. Now don't get scared or anything, I don't have her email address or I send her the lovely pictures of your squalid home (yep, kept a picture of your cardboard box) and all that &quot;Price is Right&quot; stuff from the game show message boards you post on. As well as the picture of YOU on the web looking for love. Now that one is not for the squeamish, so if I get a &quot;private message&quot; I'll see what I can do. That is not the kind of thing you just &quot;spring&quot; on someone. &quot; mmarlin &quot; has not been here as long as some of us, and my not know your history of beating women and problems with the court system. 


NOW FOR SOMETHING COMPLETELY DIFFERENT: WHAT ABOUT THE BET? 

YOU CAN'T PLAY BY THE RULES !!!!!!! 

EVEN THAT &quot;problem child&quot; Weasel hasn't had to change his name. 

But I have shot copies of this &quot;new, improved NAME&quot; to the &quot;powers that be&quot; at DDN. 

Along with that &quot;slug trail&quot; of names from yesterday. 

No wonder you don't want to bet. 

Well, Fish Guts, if I get the phone number I'm looking for, I won't be the only one getting up at 3:30 in the morning. 

BBBBRRRRRRRRRAAAAAAAAAAAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA !!!!!!!!!!!!!]]></description>
      <category>Dayton Daily News fairness forum</category>
      <guid isPermaLink="true">http://discussions.western-star.com/read.php?79,17449,17449#msg-17449</guid>
      <pubDate>Fri, 31 Aug 2007 10:37:57 -0400</pubDate>
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    <item>
      <title>If I didn't like a place as much as you hate this one,</title>
      <link>http://discussions.western-star.com/read.php?79,16337,16708#msg-16708</link>
      <author>Gooch</author>
      <description><![CDATA[I'd LEAVE!  Hint hint hint

Go back to &quot;Skyeyeweather.com&quot; for awhile.  They need a good laugh over there.]]></description>
      <category>Dayton Daily News fairness forum</category>
      <guid isPermaLink="true">http://discussions.western-star.com/read.php?79,16337,16708#msg-16708</guid>
      <pubDate>Wed, 29 Aug 2007 13:52:12 -0400</pubDate>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>This forum is a joke....</title>
      <link>http://discussions.western-star.com/read.php?79,16337,16337#msg-16337</link>
      <author>whydowedoit?</author>
      <description><![CDATA[They keep killing threads!]]></description>
      <category>Dayton Daily News fairness forum</category>
      <guid isPermaLink="true">http://discussions.western-star.com/read.php?79,16337,16337#msg-16337</guid>
      <pubDate>Tue, 28 Aug 2007 11:58:32 -0400</pubDate>
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    <item>
      <title>Why the change to the board recently?</title>
      <link>http://discussions.western-star.com/read.php?79,5268,5268#msg-5268</link>
      <author>HLD3576</author>
      <description><![CDATA[Why did you feel the need to keep the posts &quot;nailed down&quot; instead of being viewable by the most recent post?

Now, we have to wade through the Activist's garbage and can't find the real posts!]]></description>
      <category>Dayton Daily News fairness forum</category>
      <guid isPermaLink="true">http://discussions.western-star.com/read.php?79,5268,5268#msg-5268</guid>
      <pubDate>Thu, 19 Jul 2007 15:06:11 -0400</pubDate>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Country Club of the North</title>
      <link>http://discussions.western-star.com/read.php?79,4575,4575#msg-4575</link>
      <author>dedo1968</author>
      <description><![CDATA[Just a quick note to the public about this Greene County &quot;jewel&quot;. Country Club of the North golf course was recently bought out. The new company came in and told everyone that their jobs were safe and that the club should do better than ever this year. To re-iterate this, they even hired some extra help to get through the busiest part of the season. All of the ground crew help they hired were high school kids that they paid considerably less than the older, experienced crew. Well guess what? About two seconds after the new kids were trained by the experienced guys, the experienced guys (the ones who have come back year after year to make the club what it is today) were told that they just didn't have the money to pay them anymore and they had a week left of work. (These guys work a March to November schedule, and have every year till' now.) They kept the high school kids, who they pay about six bucks an hour and let all of the experienced staff, the guys who have families and mouths to feed, go. I'm sure that they think this is good business, but as soon as school starts, I wonder who will be keeping the course up till' November? It's disgusting to go out there and take a look at some of the homes and grounds at that place and then be told that they can't afford to pay people a decent wage. It's disgusting and it's not fair and I would like to encourage everyone to let your friends know, maybe a lack of business as a direct result of their job piracy will send a message.]]></description>
      <category>Dayton Daily News fairness forum</category>
      <guid isPermaLink="true">http://discussions.western-star.com/read.php?79,4575,4575#msg-4575</guid>
      <pubDate>Mon, 16 Jul 2007 10:13:20 -0400</pubDate>
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