To the Editor:
Long ago I labeled him the "professional tax protester;" I have composed counter-editorials for
years in my head. And now, someone has finally had the courage to do what I’ve meant to do for years:
call out Phil Caron. So thanks to Dave Bewley ("Writer criticizes Perrysburg man’s levy
complaints" on 10-29-14) for finally citing Caron’s often poorly-written, illogical, and lockstep
editorials critical of school-and other-levies and expenditures. I probably would have been less blunt
about it than Bewley, as I am critically interested in how a person comes to be where he or she
"is" on the issues.
Over the years, I’ve informally asked around Perrysburg about Caron; my informants were, yes, mostly my
former university students and other school folks. One told me that his children attended school in
Perrysburg, and one opined that now and then he does "make a good point." Beyond that, either
no one seems to know a whole lot, or I have not asked the right people. Mr. Bewley indirectly reminds us
that there are reasons that people have flocked to Perrysburg and the schools there; gosh, how many
university faculty feel more comfortable there than in BG? What makes Mr. Caron so apt to protest?
So, with the doors now open, here’s the challenge I have always wanted to issue: Phil Caron, please
"come clean" on your background, work, education, life circumstances, and influences that have
driven you to and solidified your position(s). These days, I do not think that one cannot take stands
without citing some "personal experience" as part of it. It’s also fine to tell us if you are
driven by party, interest group, internet sites, and the like. I can respect your opinions much more if
I know "where you are coming from." In return, I will provide the same information next time I
write in with a strong opinion-and I have several that have lain dormant for months. I thank you in
advance!
Ed Duling
Bowling Green