Make your voice heard

It's hard to believe, but Belpre voters can start casting their ballot Tuesday, Sept. 29, for the Nov. 3 election ... with several vital issues and candidacy before them.

It seems strange for early voting to begin so soon, but so be it.

The school district is the big debate in the election, with not only a levy but school board candidates facing voters. Of course city council candidates also will be on the ballot.

The renewal of a five-year, $825,000 levy will be on the ballot. It was last renewed in 2004 and is of vital importance to the financial health of the school district.

The issue of sale of alcohol for off-premise consumption also will be before voters in a couple of precincts, with proponents again attempting to break the "dry" status of Belpre at a Speedway gas station and at Napoli's restaurant.

There has been much discussion over the last couple of years concerning education in the Belpre district. Well, now is the time for people to decide what direction the school district should go by voting on the levy and on the candidates for the school board.

Simply put, if you don't make your voice heard at the ballot box ... you have no right to voice your views anywhere else.