Ohioans Weigh In on Delaware County Tax Rollback and Other Issues
This article summarizes recent letters to the editor published in *The Columbus Dispatch*, addressing topics ranging from Delaware County's property tax rollbacks to Medicare policies and gun control in schools. The letters offer diverse perspectives on issues impacting Ohio residents.
Delaware County's Tax Rollback Praised
Pat Tiberi, President and CEO of the Ohio Business Roundtable, applauds Delaware County for returning unneeded property tax dollars to its citizens. Tiberi argues that mocking this action is "tone deaf" and emphasizes the responsibility of local governments to be good stewards of taxpayer money. He suggests that if more jurisdictions followed Delaware County's example, Ohio might avoid a constitutional amendment to eliminate property taxes. Tiberi states, "Taxpayers deserve respect, not ridicule."
Taxpayers deserve respect, not ridicule. Delaware County showed respect for its citizens by handing back their hard-earned dollars.
Tiberi stresses that it is up to the residents to decide how they use the returned funds, even if it's "to buy a cup of coffee."
Concerns Over Medicare Prior Authorization
Darlene Loughborough from Akron expresses concern over Medicare's new requirement for prior authorization for some procedures starting in 2026. She criticizes the incentive structure, comparing it to "the fox guarding the henhouse." Loughborough fears that this policy will disproportionately harm the poorest and least educated Ohioans. She directs her concern toward Gov. Mike DeWine, questioning his approval of the measure.
Beth Houston from New Carlisle suggests focusing on the amounts billed to Medicare rather than targeting procedures. She shares a personal experience of being billed over $400 for a medical boot that could be purchased on Amazon for $60. She argues that targeting procedures creates a conflict of interest and that no financial incentive should be part of this "deal."
Debate on Gun Control in Schools
Danny Finn from Worthington responds to a guest column advocating for arming school staff, arguing that it fails to address the root of the problem of gun violence. Finn suggests that "Eradicating guns from society would address the source of the fire," contrasting with the idea of adding more guns to quell gun violence.
