Safe Communities Require Responsible Growth

As a candidate for Scioto Township Trustee, I believe in supporting our first responders with the equipment and resources they need to keep us safe. But with costs rising faster than ever, we cannot ignore the reality: if growth is not planned responsibly, those costs fall directly on taxpayers.

Just look at the numbers:

• In 2021, a new fire engine cost about $625,000.

• Today, a used fire engine is listed for nearly $940,000.

• Firefighter gear has climbed from $2,000 to over $3,000 per set in just a few years.

This isn’t unique to Scioto Township. Right here in Pickaway County, the City of Circleville is placing a 0.5% income-tax levy on the November 2025 ballot to cover roads and the rising cost of fire and EMS.

These are the realities every community in our region is facing:

• Fire and EMS costs are skyrocketing.

• Road and school expenses are rising.

• And developers are pushing harder than ever to expand into Teays Valley townships.

Here’s the truth: growth doesn’t make these costs disappear. It multiplies them. And unless growth pays its fair share, taxpayers are left holding the bill.

As trustee, I will stand for responsible growth — growth that strengthens our schools, equips our fire and EMS, and maintains our roads without burdening the families who already live here.

Safe communities require more than hope. They require leadership that makes sure growth comes with accountability.