I am compelled to respond to Itzi Meztli, Ph.D., who stated that our Slippery Rock Township Supervisor John Hines is "the main (Slippery Rock) obstacle to this proposed One Rock merger idea."

Hines has been elected to represent the township, and we are proud of — and approve of — his stance. Being told that our township taxes will increase if we consolidate is one good and intelligent reason to oppose Meztli's agenda.

We in the township realize that we would be inheriting the borough's financial problems.

Meanwhile, township supervisors understood years ago that zoning was necessary to ensure that we protect our quiet lifestyle.

Meztli seems to think that the township needs full-time police coverage. However, township zoning has been helpful in mitigating the need for that.

If Slippery Rock University were responsible for the actions of its students wherever they live, there would be few times when police would be needed in either the borough or township.

There are certain people who think they can control others to their own purposes. The list of reasons mentioned by Meztli are the exact reasons that I prefer to live where I do.

I find that I prefer my country neighbors, who take pride in their property. Once-beautiful houses in town are now rundown, and families are moving out of town to find peace and lower taxes.

Slippery Rock now has alcohol sales because the township voters were outnumbered at the polls.

I hope people will vote this election to protect their lifestyle and their pocketbook from opportunistic people and liberal, big government.