Category Archives: Campaign Toolkit

Sample Letter to Editor, Disability Service Provider

Dear Editor, 

 

Issue 17 on the November 7 ballot is essential 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 [state which service, residential, transportation, day program] which serves individuals eligible for Summit DD services.

 

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]. [State specific benefit]. If Issue 17 fails, our ability to continue to provide these services and employ direct care professionals will be in jeopardy.

 

The passage of Issue 17 in November locks in the amount collected through 2030 and is calculated on Summit County homeowners’ current property valuation, not the increased valuation that becomes effective in 2024.

 

Vote YES for Issue 17 on or before November 7 to help disability service providers like myself continue to work with Summit DD to empower people of all abilities. A vote for Summit DD is a vote for me!

 

Sincerely, 

 

[Partner Agency] 

Sample Letter to Editor, Parent

Dear Editor, 

 

As a parent of a child with developmental disabilities, I would like to urge everyone to vote for Issue 17, Summit DD’s replacement levy. Summit DD supports thousands of neighbors like myself and my [child].

 

My son [daughter] is one of the more than 5,000 individuals in Summit County served by Summit DD.  Because of Summit DD, my son/daughter [State specific benefit].

 

If Issue 17 fails, critical services my son/daughter depend on could be in jeopardy and people who are newly eligible would need to wait for available funding. Passing the levy in November locks in the value the tax is calculated on at today’s value, not the increased value effective in 2024.

 

I urge you to vote YES on Issue 17 on or before November 7. By voting YES for Issue 17, you’re empowering more than 5,000 children and adults with disabilities to live a healthy, safe and equitable life. It is critical to pass this levy in order to maintain the essential services that impact the lives of thousands of individuals and families, just like mine, across Summit County. A vote for Summit DD is a vote for me!

 

Sincerely,  

 

[PARENT] 

Sample Letter to Editor, General Public

Dear Editor,   

Issue 17 is on the November 7 ballot to replace Summit County Developmental Disabilities Board (Summit DD) 4.5 operating levy originally passed in 2005. The levy will fund critical services for more than 5,000 children and adults with developmental disabilities from 2025 – 2030. 

Summit DD has operated for 17 years without increased revenue while serving 30% more people. If passed, it will cost homeowners $158 annually per $100,000 of appraised value -$3.58 more per month. Passing this November locks in the amount collected through 2030 and is calculated on today’s property valuation, not the increased valuation that becomes effective in 2024. Summit DD has been a good steward of taxpayer dollars by downsizing it’s building from a large campus in Tallmadge that was expensive to maintain to their two smaller localtions in Cuyahoga Falls and Barberton. 

[Ability to add personal note] 

I encourage all residents to vote YES on Issue 17 on or before November 7. A vote for Summit DD is a vote to empower more than 5,000 of our neighbors to live healthy and safe lives!  

Sincerely,   

[name and city]   

Sample Letter to Editor, Parent in Early Intervention

Dear Editor,   

Issue 17 is on the November 7 ballot to support the Summit County Developmental Disabilities Board (Summit DD). The passing of this replacement levy is critical to our community, particularly children under six years old who currently receive early intervention services. My son/daughter (name) and our family depend on these services on a daily basis. 

Summit DD provides more than 700 children with early intervention services. My own child has benefitted from this service, as it has helped [state the specific benefit].   

By voting YES on Issue 17 on or before November 7, we are ensuring that all supported by Summit County Developmental Disabilities Board will continue to receive the services they need to thrive. Passing the levy in November locks the value that you will be assessed on at today’s value, not the reappraised value that goes into effect in 20204. A vote for Summit DD is a vote for me!  

Sincerely,   

[PARENT IN EI PROGRAM]   

Skip the Lines, Vote Early

In Ohio, you do not need to identify a reason to vote absentee. You can skip the lines on election day and vote early. Your two options include: absentee voting by mail and early in-person voting. Both options begin October 11th. If you need assistance with voting, this is a great option. Read More ›

Register to Vote and Support Summit DD

Your vote empowers people of ALL abilities. An essential first step is registering to vote. We’ve collected all of the handy tools and resources in one spot to make sure you can vote YES for Summit DD’s replacement levy on November 7th! Read More ›

man posing with adult brother in graduation cap and gown

Voters with Disabilities: Tools and Resources

Voters with disabilities can empower people of all abilities with their vote too! We’ve assembled helpful information, resources and links to help you navigate all you need to know to make your voice heard on November 7th. . Read More ›

Five Easy Ways to Spread the Word Online

Help us pass Summit DD’s replacement levy, Issue 17, on November 7th by becoming a social media ambassador! Don’t worry, it’s super easy and we’ve mapped out five easy ways you can help spread the word to your Facebook friends, family, and coworkers! Read More ›

Voting on Election Day

It’s easy to vote YES for Summit DD’s Replacement Levy. There are many ways to support Summit DD this November.

  • Make sure you are registered to vote by October 10th.
  • Skip the lines and vote by mail or in-person from October 11th through November 6th.
  • It’s still election day and you have not yet cast your vote? Your vote can still empower people of all abilities. Find your polling location. Get to the polls between 6:30 am and 7:30 pm. Vote YES for Summit DD. Your vote empowers people of ALL abilities.

Find out the many ways you can get involved in the campaign.

Little Katie who receives Summit DD Early Intervention Services

How Your Vote Empowers People of All Abilities

Summit DD’s operating levy makes up more than 80% of the Agency’s revenue. That levy is set to expire on December 31, 2024. To ensure that more than 5,000 children and adults with developmental disabilities continue to receive vital services to ensure their health, safety and ability to live a good life, Summit DD will be putting forth a replacement levy on the November 7, 2023 ballot. This replacement levy will fund essential services and supports from 2025–2030 and will cost homeowners $158 a year per $100,000 of appraised value. Summit DD has not experienced an increase in revenue since 2007 and in that time has increased the number of children and adults served by 30%! A replacement levy will cost homeowners just $3.58 more per month per $100,000 appraised value. This funding will allow Summit DD to support children and adults currently receiving services, along with the expected growth over the next six years.

The voters have asked for a simple explanation of where their money goes. Simply put, your money empowers people of all abilities. You can see how in the infographic below.

Read More ›