Cottrel: Here’s your chance to weigh in on the future of Clark County

Speaking of communication, which was the subject of my column last week, this coming week is full of some golden opportunities for us to contribute our two cents. Big things are happening in our end of the county and residents need to have input.

On Wednesday, Sept. 20, another Community Choices Workshop will be held by Connect Clark County. This session will be held in Western Clark County at United Senior Services, Enon/Mad River Satellite Office, 7571 Dayton Springfield Road near the McDonald’s and IGA. It runs from 6 to 8 p.m. and parking is plentiful, well-lit and close.

This is our big opportunity to speak up about the new Comprehensive Plan being set up for Clark County. This plan will have huge influence on how Clark County grows and develops over the years. As we say at election time, if you don’t vote you cannot complain. So if you are concerned about how some of our county might change over the next years, now is the time to speak up. Speak now or, well, you know.

Connect Clark County was designed for people to contribute, collaborate and create.

Last time the groups discussed proposed development sites, traffic issues, quality of life, economic opportunities, hopes for the future and concerns.

I sincerely hope this room will be full of folks from Bethel and Mad River twps., New Carlisle, Donnelsville, Medway, Enon, Hustead, Lawrenceville, North Hampton and all the places in between. People from other areas in Clark County are also welcome.

Only three Connect Clark County workshops will be held this time around in eastern, western and central Clark County. County residents can attend any one of the sessions.

One was held Sept. 19 at the government Center of South Vienna, another is today Sept 20 in Mad River Twp. beginning at 6 p.m. and the third is Sept. 21 will be from 2 to 4 p.m. at United Senior Services, 125 W. Main St. in downtown Springfield.

Those who attend will be split into smaller tables “to rate the draft vision and goals, review plan recommendations and comment on where and how Clark County should grow,” according to the website.

More information can be found on the ConnectClarkCounty Facebook page, and the ConnectClarkCounty.org website or by calling Cory Lynn Golden with the Clark County-Springfield Transportation Coordinating Committee at 937-521-2131.

Greenon district folks will want to also attend the Facilities Project Open House, which is also on Sept. 20 from 6:30 to 8 p.m.

I know, I know, you cannot be in two places at the same time, but spouses, family or friends can cover the events for each other.

The open house will be held at Indian Valley School. This is the place to see how the new schools plan is coming along and to see how your tax money is being spent. Once again there is plenty of parking.

Speaking of taxes, and they are inevitable, recently we received information in the mail that the Clark County Auditor is in the process of working on 2019 reappraisals. If you think your place isn’t evaluated properly, now is the time to update the information. Yes, it’s obviously a long process, but thankfully the form you need to fill out is short and should be quick.

Visit Clarkcountyauditor.org or fill out the form you got in the mail. Communicating can make this appraisal more accurate.

One more thing: Parent-teacher conferences are coming up before you know it. Communicating with your child’s teacher is really important.

If you have seen papers or homework that you cannot understand, ask. Make sure your child is giving you all the take-home papers and check the communication line that the teacher has set up. You might get your questions answered with a simple email or call. It’s best to establish that line of communication if you haven’t already.

Our county, city and school leaders cannot read our minds. Please take the time to give feedback when asked and establish lines of communication. It will all work out so much better in the long run. Stay in touch.

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