Dear Editor,

Issue 3 on the November 7 ballot is critical not only to the individuals served by the Summit County Developmental Disabilities Board (Summit DD), it is also critical to our local economy. As a small business owner operating in Summit County, I manage a [state which service, residential, transportation, day program] serves individuals eligible for Summit DD services. In order to maintain the services currently offered to thousands of individuals across the county, I urge you to vote YES on Issue 3.

Serving individuals with developmental disabilities is my passion. Thanks to the support of Summit DD, our program has empowered individuals to live their lives to the fullest. Each year the Summit DD coordinates supports for more than 4,700 adults and children. Without the coordination and funding that this levy generates for Summit DD, none of this would be possible.

As a partner agency of the Summit DD, my business relies on funding from the Board. This funding supports the operations of our [state which service, residential, transportation, day program]. If Issue 3 fails, our ability to continue to provide these services and employ direct care professionals will be in jeopardy. We cannot allow this levy to fail.

Above all else, remember Issue 3 is NOT A NEW TAX. Since this is a renewal levy, residents will see a zero percent increase in the taxes they currently pay.

Vote for Issue 3 on November 7 to help disability service providers like myself continue to work with Summit DD to empower people of all abilities.

Sincerely, 

[Partner Agency]

Dear Editor,

As a parent of a child with developmental disabilities, I have experienced firsthand the amazing work of the Summit County Developmental Disabilities Board (Summit DD). Summit DD will have a levy on the upcoming November 7 ballot. This levy, Issue 3, is NOT a new tax and is critical to thousands of residents like myself. On behalf of those who rely on the valuable services provided directly and indirectly by Summit DD, I urge you to vote YES on Issue 3.

My son [daughter] is one of thousands of individuals in Summit County served by the Board.

Thanks to the guidance and coordination of Summit DD, I can be sure my son [daughter] is getting the services he [she] needs at the proper facilities across Summit County.

Summit DD provides critical programs that positively impact our community. If Issue 3 does not pass, it would put early intervention, recreation and Special Olympics in jeopardy, taking away opportunities for individuals just like my son [daughter].

Whether your family is directly served by the Summit DD or not, Issue 3 will positively impact our county at no additional cost. This is a renewal levy, meaning that residents will see no change on their taxes if it passes.

On November 7, I urge you to get out and vote to support Issue 3. It is critical to pass this levy in order to maintain the services that impact the lives of thousands of individuals and families, just like mine, across Summit County.

Sincerely,

[PARENT]

Dear Editor,

The Summit County Developmental Disabilities Board (Summit DD) is a critical resource for our community, whether or not you or your family is directly served. Issue 3 on the November 7 ballot is NOT a new tax and will not cost voters additional money.

There are thousands of individuals who are served either directly or indirectly by Summit DD. Our county benefits from millions of dollars in federal Medicaid funding for Summit DD, and several thousand individuals with developmental disabilities and their families receive supporting services through private providers. The programs Summit DD coordinates help to ensure all citizens, regardless of ability, are included in the community.

The best thing about this levy is that our county can continue receiving these benefits without paying any additional taxes. This is a renewal levy, meaning that residents will not see any change on their taxes if it passes.

Issue 3 will allow Summit DD to continue funding services for programs such as early intervention, recreation, Special Olympics, day programs, respite and employment for more than 4,700 adults and kids. Many individuals find employment in the community, and it is wonderful to see them engaged and working in the community in various businesses.

I encourage all residents to vote for Issue 3 on November 7. It is critical for this to pass and maintain the services we provide to individuals with developmental disabilities in our community.

Sincerely,

[Your signature and city]

Dear Editor,

Issue 3 is on the November 7 ballot to support the Summit County Developmental Disabilities Board (Summit DD). This is critical to our community, particularly those children under six years old who currently receive early intervention services.

If Issue 3 fails, early intervention will be eliminated for more 1,000 children under the age of six in Summit County. This will seriously harm both our community and the development of the children currently receiving these services.

Early intervention allows children with developmental disabilities to receive the additional supports they need to begin to grow and learn. Summit DD provides more than 1,000 children with these services. My own child has benefitted from this service, as it has made [him more social and better able to communicate with others or state the specific benefit].

It would be tragic for children to be born in Summit County and miss out on this invaluable service. Issue 3 is NOT a new tax and residents of Summit County will not see an increase on their taxes if it passes. It is imperative that we come together as a community to support Issue 3 for the benefit of both our community and the children who live here.

Sincerely,

[Your signature and city]

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