Springfield Township voters put their stamp of approval for police protection services, approving a 4.2- mill, five-year levy.
On the May 3 primary ballot, township voters passed the levy with 2,946, 72 percent voting for it and 1,132, 28 percent against.
The levy will generate $2.9 million per year for creation of a police force dedicated to meeting the needs of township residents, and will cost the owner of a $100,000 home $147 annually.
Administrator Mike Hampton, on behalf of the trustees, expressed his appreciation to the community.
“With passage of Issue 5, we now have the resources to contract with the Lucas County sheriff to provide a high level of community policing that we have committed to,” he said, adding, “As proven through this campaign, honesty and transparency demonstrates positive results. We will not waver from that philosophy.”
Mr. Hampton noted that passage of the issue is just the beginning. “We all need to stay vigilant and alert when we see something that doesn’t look right with respect to crime.”
Moving forward he said the administration will work with the sheriff to deliver community policing the voters expect. “We are committed to keeping you informed as we progress,” he said.
Trustee Tom Anderson Jr. also thanked voters, “I would like to thank everyone who came out to vote, and to our team who saw the need for proper police safety. They put together a fool-proof plan with the sheriff and presented it to our citizens who overwhelmingly voted to keep Springfield Township the best and safest community to live.”
Voters also approved one other levy. Issue 3 was a 1- mill, 10-year property tax renewal level for Lucas County Mental Health and Recovery Services to fund operations of mental health, alcohol and drug addiction programs.
In addition to issues, there were a number of contentious races for Lucas County Commissioner, Ohio Governor, U.S. Senate and House of Representatives.
In Lucas County, the democrats gave the nod to Lisa Sobecki for county commissioner over incumbent Gary Byers and Michael Hood. She garnered 11,184 votes, 59 percent to Mr. Byers, 6,157, 32 percent.
In the gubernatorial primary contest, Republican Governor Mike DeWine won statewide with 514,374, 48 percent. He also took Lucas County, 12,590, 58 percent.
Facing off against the governor in November will be Nan Whaley who received 326,329, 65 percent. Lucas County voters preferred the John Cranley/Teresa Fedor ticket, with 12,993, 68 percent.
In the U.S. House of Representatives, 9th District; J.R. Majewski won statewide with a Republican vote of 21,657, for 36 percent.
In the race to fill Senator Rob Portman’s seat, Republican JD Vance won statewide with 340,991, 32 percent.
He will face challenger Democrat Tim Ryan who won his party’s approval, 355,764, 70 percent.
Voters will make the final call in the general election on November 8.
