10/21/2025

Vote for inclusion and dignity | Letter

Andrea Legg

When my son was born prematurely, his future was uncertain. He spent his first four years fighting uphill battles that placed a giant question mark on what his life would look like. In those fragile years, the support of our local Board of Developmental Disabilities’ early intervention program was a lifeline. They helped us navigate therapies, connected us with resources, and gave us hope when the world felt overwhelming.

By divine grace, unflinching family love, and the right supports, my son grew stronger. Today, at 12, he’s a typical kid with a bright future — but I’ve never forgotten how close we came to needing lifelong services. That experience changed me forever. It opened my eyes to how vital accessibility, inclusion and compassion are for families facing those challenges every day.

As both a member of the Tuscarawas County Board of DD and director of the North Canton Public Library, I’ve seen the impact of this work from both sides. The Stark County DD empowers individuals with disabilities and strengthens entire families and communities. They’ve partnered with our library to ensure events and future renovations are accessible to everyone, making inclusion not just an ideal but a daily practice.

This November, voters can continue that mission by supporting Issue 1, a 1.6-mill continuous levy costing the owner of a $100,000 home just $56 per year — less than $5 a month.

A continuous levy ensures stable funding for services that are often lifelong. It supports early intervention for infants and toddlers and promotes independence and inclusion for children, teens, and adults. Without it, critical services for 5,000 of our county’s most vulnerable individuals could be reduced or eliminated, placing enormous strain on families and caregivers.

Please join me in voting yes for Issue 1 — a vote for a community where everyone belongs.