By Bronson Peshlakai
JERRY SUE THORNTON CENTER — Cuyahoga County voters decided to pay a little more on their property taxes and approved a levy renewal and an increase to fund Tri-C’s future operating budget.
Approving Issue 6 was 57 percent with 185,463 “For the levy” votes, which adds about $ 40 million a year to Tri-C’s funding.
Tri-C President Alex Johnson said they knew there was an uphill battle behind the Issue 6 campaign because it asked property owners countywide for a renewal but also a 0.9 mill increase.
“When you asked the voters to support something of that magnitude you want to do the best job you can convincing them that you deserve it, and we did that tonight,” Johnson said at an Issue 6 watch party at the Jerry Sue Thornton Center Nov. 4th.
Just over 887,000 votes were cast in Cuyahoga County in 1,047 precincts.
“Issue 6 is a very important issue to me. Having the lowest tuition in northeast Ohio is very important to me. I go to Tri-C Metro and it affects me a lot,” said Mario Wright.
Mark Sorrells, a Cleveland resident, was coming out of Tower City and said he believes education is important in our community.
“The more education you have the more opportunities one has,” he said. “It’s a good thing for the community, and everyone, especially for the person getting a degree.”
“I voted yes on issue 6,” said Pat Tomazic, a Parma resident. “I went to Tri-C for a few semesters and as an adult returning to school I just thought it would be a good way to support education in our community.”
Rick Diagiola is a current Cleveland State University student, but started his high education at Tri-C.
“I feel pretty strong about Issue 6 and its impact on the community. I will be voting for Issue 6,” Diagiola said.