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Our opinion: Easier to review of budget needed

The public has until Dec. 18 to review Warren County’s proposed 2024 budget before the budget is approved. The spending plan, according to a news release from the county last week, comes with a 1.25 mill increase that takes the county to its taxation limit until a countywide property reassessment takes effect. It’s available for review at the county courthouse - but nowhere else. In 2024, that is simply unacceptable. The budget should be available on the county’s website so the public who wants to review it can do so when it’s convenient for them rather than being ...

Our opinion: Celebrating foundation milestone

Where would Warren County be without the Community Foundation of Warren County? It’s not something we want to think about. The foundation was created in 1949 and, in the 75 years since, has become a nearly indispensable part of the fabric of Warren County with a multi-million dollar endowment that helps support the county’s artists, students in college or trade schools and community needs as they arise. Those who don’t have a feel for just how wide-spread the Community Foundation of Warren County’s reach is should try to attend an open house on Dec. 12 at its offices, 310 ...

Our opinion: Addressing blight and crime

The impact of “blight” — or deteriorated residences and properties on neighborhoods and communities is an issue with which we have long suggested both voters and elected officials should concern themselves. Blight infringes on the property values of neighbors, undermining their incentive to fully invest in their homes and businesses. We’ve expressed worries that this facet of blight in turn makes it much more challenging for communities to attract more investment — employers to bring the jobs and developers to build the housing that our families need for our region to thrive. ...

Our opinion: Shopping local an investment

On Saturday, Warren County will join the rest of the nation in celebrating Small Business Saturday. It’s a celebration too big and too good to pass up. Geared to the start of the holiday shopping season and coming on the heels of Black Friday blowouts at national big-box retailers, the sole focus of the day is to encourage consumers to shop at locally owned and operated enterprises and thereby contribute to the myriad benefits that practice produces. American Express began Small Business Saturday in 2010, and in 2011, the U.S. Small Business Administration wisely joined in as a ...

Our opinion: Giving thanks for U.S. ways

Too often, we prosperous, free Americans take our many blessings for granted. Nearly all of us enjoy material wealth that is the envy of billions of people in other lands. We are free to do nearly anything our hearts desire, as long as our actions do not harm others. Our nation itself is a blessing. Our government is our servant. Public policy is meant to benefit us, not the other way around, as is the situation in many other countries. We govern ourselves by consensus, in effect - providing any agreement by the majority is not detrimental to those who happen to be in the minority. ...

Our opinion: Ringing in kindess this holiday

The Salvation Army does much to help our communities. And at this time of year, they could use our help. The Salvation Army’s Red Kettle campaign, famous for its bell-ringing as Americans conduct their holiday shopping, is launching soon. Our local corps of the Salvation Army is looking for volunteer bell-ringers and we invite everyone and anyone with a little free time during this season to consider helping the organization out. And, of course, we invite everyone to chip in when they see the Salvation Army’s red kettles. As joyous as Christmas and the holidays are for many, ...