Matthew Vansuch, Howland Township Trustee

07/03/2026

We’re looking forward to a wonderful weekend of activities that start off tonight. The food trucks are already at Orwig Park getting ready for 5 pm. The Howland Rotary Club dedicates the peace pole at 6 pm. And then we will have a public reading of the Declaration of Independence with a short remembrance of all those who gave their lives protecting our freedoms, from the Revolution to the present, with our local trumpet extraordinaire Dominic Morataya playing Taps. We pause, and then we celebrate. Join us. And I’d love for you to join us in reading the Declaration; just see me beforehand.

06/27/2026

We're getting ready to celebrate the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence, and your township trustees are inviting you to celebrate by participating in our expanded activities at Orwig Park, starting on Friday, July 3 with a food truck night at 5 pm and dedication of a peace pole with the Howland Rotary Club at 6 pm and the parade and festivities on Saturday, July 4.

I'm also asking you to join me in pausing for a few moments on July 3 after the dedication to read the Declaration of Independence. Anyone who would like to participate is welcome to comment below, message me, email me, or just show up. Nothing fancy. Or, if you can't make it, please give it a read from start ("When in the course of human events...") to the end ("And for the support of this Declaration, with a firm reliance on the protection of divine Providence, we mutually pledge to each other our Lives, our Fortunes and our sacred Honor"). It's appropriate to do so because the Declaration of Independence and the later fruits therefrom are why we celebrate. Oh, and a little civics is always a good thing!

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Two-and-a-half centuries later, did those Signers (and later Founders) know that we -- parading down East Market Street in what would soon be called the Northwest Territory in 1787 -- would be what we are today? Yes and no. My family didn't arrive here until the very early days of the 20th century, but that wouldn't have surprised the Signers, as they were interested in what the United States would look like beyond their own time ("He has endeavoured to prevent the population of these States; for that purpose obstructing the Laws for Naturalization of Foreigners; refusing to pass others to encourage their migrations hither, and raising the conditions of new Appropriations of Lands"). The Declaration of Independence was pretty wide-ranging; they were even complaining about what was going on in Quebec! ("For abolishing the free System of English Laws in a neighbouring Province, establishing therein an Arbitrary government, and enlarging its Boundaries so as to render it at once an example and fit instrument for introducing the same absolute rule into these Colonies").

By declaring that people possess unalienable rights, popular sovereignty (that governments derive their just powers from the consent of the governed, and not the monarch), and the rule of law through a limited government, "so the American experiment begins" (Hamilton, Act I, "Yorktown") with the Declaration of Independence.

Digging into the Grievances, we see a listing of problems that would later be addressed in the Constitution through some foundational principles that we cherish:

👑 the dangers of a concentrated power in the king, separation of powers, and checks and balances ("He has refused his Assent to Laws, the most wholesome and necessary for the public good," "He has forbidden his Governors to pass Laws of immediate and pressing importance, unless suspended in their operation till his Assent should be obtained; and when so suspended, he has utterly neglected to attend to them," "He has called together legislative bodies at places unusual, uncomfortable, and distant from the depository of their public Records, for the sole purpose of fatiguing them into compliance with his measures," "He has dissolved Representative Houses repeatedly, for opposing with manly firmness his invasions on the rights of the people," "He has refused for a long time, after such dissolutions, to cause others to be elected; whereby the Legislative powers, incapable of Annihilation, have returned to the People at large for their exercise; the State remaining in the mean time exposed to all the dangers of invasion from without, and convulsions within," "He has kept among us, in times of peace, Standing Armies without the Consent of our legislatures," "For suspending our own Legislatures, and declaring themselves invested with power to legislate for us in all cases whatsoever," and "For imposing Taxes on us without our Consent");
👩‍⚖️ judicial independence ("He has made Judges dependent on his Will alone, for the tenure of their offices, and the amount and payment of their salaries," and "He has obstructed the Administration of Justice, by refusing his Assent to Laws for establishing Judiciary powers");
👮‍♂️ right to a jury trial, due process, and rule of law ("For protecting them, by a mock Trial, from punishment for any Murders which they should commit on the Inhabitants of these States," "For depriving us in many cases, of the benefits of Trial by Jury," "For transporting us beyond Seas to be tried for pretended offences," "For taking away our Charters, abolishing our most valuable Laws, and altering fundamentally the Forms of our Governments," and "He has constrained our fellow Citizens taken Captive on the high Seas to bear Arms against their Country, to become the executioners of their friends and Brethren, or to fall themselves by their Hands"); and
📢 the right to complain to your government and its representatives ("In every stage of these Oppressions We have Petitioned for Redress in the most humble terms: Our repeated Petitions have been answered only by repeated injury. A Prince whose character is thus marked by every act which may define a Tyrant, is unfit to be the ruler of a free people.").

Pretty revolutionary stuff. And definitely worthy of “pomp and parade, with shews, Games, Sports, Guns, Bells, Bonfires and Illuminations,” as John Adams wrote to Abigail on July 3. 🎆

Fast forward to today: every time you go to the ballot box to elect your representatives at all levels (including us at the township) or to vote on a tax levy, attend a meeting, or send me an email or call me about a problem, you -- and me, we -- participate in "America, you great unfinished symphony" (Hamilton, Act 2, "The World Was Wide Enough"). 🇺🇸

That's pretty remarkable for 250 years on and counting. Talk about leaving a legacy for those that came after them and us, that's truly "planting seeds in a garden you never get to see" (Ibid.).

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If you'd like to dig deeper into the above with the meaning, intent, and impact of the words written by Thomas Jefferson, with support from John Adams, Benjamin Franklin, Robert Livingston, and Roger Sherman, and input from the Second Continental Congress, some of the primary and source materials, and how these words and ideas later manifested themselves into the Constitution and our laws, please visit the National Constitution Center's Annotated Declaration of Independence. From there, you'll see links to an Interactive Declaration of Independence, essays, and videos about the Declaration of Independence.

06/27/2026

Because of the construction at Howland Corners, we’re asking you to please enjoy the parade either above or below the intersection of 46 and 82. There’s plenty of space outside of the affected areas, especially by Orwig Park, where the festivities will be happening. Be smart and safe this holiday, starting with the parade. And do not attempt to remove the construction barriers and cones.

Howland Township 4th of July Parade

July 4, 2026 East Market Street . This year is extra special as we celebrate 250 years together! 🎉
To everyone who has registered to participate in this year's parade, please take a few minutes to review the attached maps and parade guidance before the morning of the event. Being familiar with the route, lineup, and instructions will help everything run smoothly for all participants.
We can't wait to celebrate with our amazing community and look forward to seeing everyone next weekend for this unforgettable parade!
Happy 4th of July! ❤️🤍💙

See full article: https://app.govoutreach.com/howlandtownshipoh/public/notify/posts/11545

06/27/2026

See this morning’s update: there will not be any further boring or digging by Lumos. If you see crews, they are closing up the work that was already done so that the areas (i.e., your yards) are not left in an open state and as clean as they can be during this suspension of operations.

UPDATE: Fiber Optic Utility Work

UPDATE Saturday 6/27. The Township has been in ongoing communication with the fiber optic companies and their subcontractors regarding the installation work taking place throughout the community.
Unlike Cities, Townships do not have the legal authority to issue immediate stop-work orders. However, following another utility strike this morning in the Sherwood Greens area, we have pushed the appropriate concerns high enough that Lumos has suspended operations. We will use this time to investigate the immediate issue further. Additionally, we have reached out to the Trumbull County Commissioners and our State Representatives in an effort to garner their support for shutting down operations in Howland Township, Trumbull County, and Statewide until the safety concerns can be addressed and resolved.
Township officials were on site this morning and met with representatives from Lumos, its subcontractors, Trumbull County Water, Ohio Edison, and USIC, the company responsible for locating and marking underground utilities.
The Township received the following statement from a Lumos representative:
"Due to recent utility locate concerns, we are asking crews to stop work in Howland. We are working with local utility companies to resolve issues and will keep Howland Township in the loop."
We have been in contact with Lumos manage through last night. There are still a few crews in the Township finishing up in areas where holes have already been dug. The Township has asked them to finish backfilling those holes and clean up those areas. No additional boring will be done.
Thank You.

See full article: https://app.govoutreach.com/howlandtownshipoh/public/notify/posts/11551

06/26/2026

We hear — and share — your frustration and your concern about your property and safety. The Township’s hands are legally limited with what we can do. It’s also upsetting to us that we have to be the ones who bear the bad news to you that we can only do so much; I’m done doing that. So it’s time for our state legislators to step in to give townships the tools to protect you. They’ve heard from us.

Update‼️ Rep Santucci and I just spoke after he talked with Administrator Pantalone. He is supportive of a state legislative solution in the long term and more practical, short-term solutions through the existing mechanisms and PUCO. If you would like to let him know that you (his constituents) want action taken, you can contact his office by telephone or email so that he has the records to back his support.

Fiber Optic Utility Work

The Township has been in ongoing communication with the fiber optic companies and their subcontractors regarding the installation work taking place throughout the community.
Unlike Cities, Townships do not have the legal authority to issue immediate stop-work orders. However, following another utility strike this morning in the Sherwood Greens area, we have pushed the appropriate concerns high enough that Lumos has suspended operations. We will use this time to investigate the immediate issue further. Additionally, we have reached out to the Trumbull County Commissioners and our State Representatives in an effort to garner their support for shutting down operations in Howland Township, Trumbull County, and Statewide until the safety concerns can be addressed and resolved.
Township officials were on site this morning and met with representatives from Lumos, its subcontractors, Trumbull County Water, Ohio Edison, and USIC, the company responsible for locating and marking underground utilities.
The Township received the following statement from a Lumos representative:
"Due to recent utility locate concerns, we are asking crews to stop work in Howland. We are working with local utility companies to resolve issues and will keep Howland Township in the loop."

See full article: https://app.govoutreach.com/howlandtownshipoh/public/notify/posts/11551

03/30/2026

Administrator James Pantalone has been working on this great project. If you would like a spot, don’t delay.

The Howland Township Board of Trustees, in partnership with Howland Rotary, is proud to launch the […]

01/29/2026

Over the past year, Howland Township has examined the potential impact that changes to and possible elimination of the real property tax system would have on its operations. Much of that was discussed at our special meeting with county and other township officials on September 22 that many of you attended. The administration has continued those conversations, including through meetings with our local state representatives about the devastiating impact that the elimination of real property taxes would have on our residents, businesses, and visitors. And, yes, incorporation as a response, and as a possibility, has been raised. We appreciate Reps. Thomas and Santucci listening to us.

Right now, the trustees and administration are focused on educating you, our residents and voters, about the importance of the real property taxes to the Township and its operations ahead of what we anticipate will be a vote this November to eliminate the primary source of income for the Township.

In response to the proposed legislation on incorporation, Administrator Pantalone sent the following letter to Rep. Thomas. Please take a minute to read it: incorporation is being raised not as a power grab (we like our township form of government) but as a direct response to the efforts to eliminate the real property tax system that funds all of the Township’s operations and provides the high-quality services that you have come to expect.

We have to be having these conversations so that the Township is prepared for whatever comes its way.

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January 28, 2026

The Honorable David Thomas
77 South High Street 13th Floor
Columbus, OH 43215

Dear Representative Thomas,

On behalf of Howland Township, I would like to thank you for your leadership and efforts in introducing and advancing House Bill 592. We appreciate the General Assembly’s recognition that Ohio’s large townships face increasingly complex governance, service delivery, and fiscal challenges, and that the statutory framework governing incorporation should reflect those realities.

HB 592 makes meaningful progress by easing certain thresholds related to incorporation, and we are grateful for the thoughtful work that has gone into modernizing these provisions. However, as currently drafted, the bill does not fully resolve two structural barriers that continue to make incorporation impractical for large, developed townships and, as discussed below, for Howland.

First, this bill retains the contiguity requirement under Section 707.92(A)(5). For long-established townships with existing boundaries shaped by decades of annexations and boundary adjustments beyond their control, strict contiguity can unintentionally penalize communities that are otherwise cohesive, fully developed, and capable of self-governance.

Second, Section 707.30(A) continues to require that a petition for incorporation submitted to the county commissioners contain signatures from 20% of the electors residing in the territory. While citizen engagement is vital and demonstrates that there is a minimum threshold of public support for the issue, this requirement can function as a procedural barrier even where there is clear, public, and transparent support for placing the question before the voters.

This is one of those times, when the proposed elimination of the real property tax system would eviscerate the ability of townships like Howland to survive in their present form, providing high-quality safety and public services to their residents and businesses. We like the township form of government that we have in Howland Township, and we believe our residents do as well. We know that they have vocally expressed their support for these services to us and to you and your fellow legislators, and they do not want them to go away. Given the magnitude of the proposed constitutional amendment, we strongly believe that the people living within Ohio’s townships should be given a choice and know what they are voting for if the proposed amendment passes.

Therefore, perhaps as legislation separate (and uncodified) from HB 592, we are asking for (a) the petition requirement of Section 707.29(A) to be met by the boards of township trustees directly submitting the petition to the board of county commissioners, instead of having to secure petitions signed by 20% of our electors, and that the question of incorporation be placed directly on the ballot if the proposed constitutional amendment is also on the ballot, and then (b) the question before the voters can be an if-then proposition, i.e., “If and only if the Constitutional Amendment is adopted, then we, the voters of Howland Township, vote in favor of incorporation.” (During our meeting on October 31, you indicated that you were aware of statutory language that would allow for such ballot language.)

We understand your concern about increasing taxing districts, but this proposal would not do that. In that spirit, we would however support limiting this alternative petition to only certain townships, whether those that have adopted the limited-home rule form of government under R.C. Chapter 504 or those that are considered urban townships, which are limited-home rule townships with a population of 15,000 or more.

This proposal also demonstrates that the townships are not looking at incorporation as a power grab but as a possible solution to the existential threat that the proposed constitutional amendment would have on the township and that it is our residents and electors – and not the elected officials – who are ultimately deciding their own future form of government and the services that would be provided to them. Our residents have consistently shown support for these services through the regular approval of the real property tax levies that fund them.

To address the first issue, we respectfully ask that you consider statutory language (again, perhaps uncodified) that, under these circumstances, would allow a township to incorporate using its existing boundaries, regardless of contiguity, so long as the territory reflects the township as it is currently constituted on the date of the general election.

These proposals preserve the electorate’s ultimate authority over their local government while ensuring that the decision to vote on incorporation is not foreclosed by procedural hurdles. If the voters are considering state-wide, systemic changes to how local governments are funded, then it is only appropriate that local voters be given a one-time opportunity to have a direct say in how their local government will look going forward, which is fitting as we are now celebrating 250 years of American democracy.

Thank you again for your work on House Bill 592 and for your continued commitment to local government modernization. We would welcome the opportunity to discuss these issues further or to assist with any technical or policy analysis that may be helpful as the bill moves forward.

James T. Pantalone
Administrator

01/26/2026

This is a friendly reminder that both the website (below) and the Howland Connect app (Need Help or Have a Question?) give you the ability to report any storm-related damage to the Township, like a damaged mail box, from the comfort of your home and through your cellphone. Make sure that you select Public Works from the department box, complete the location information and your contact information, and upload a photograph.

01/25/2026

The Public Works department has been out treating and clearing the Township’s 80 miles of roads since before 4 am. They’ll continue to do so throughout the day and evening. During these storms, our priority is to clear major streets and thoroughfares first, including bridges, hills and steep inclines, and school zones. Once these critical areas are addressed, we focus on neighborhood streets, and then we move to cul-de-sacs and dead-ends.

Our Howland Fire Department crews have also been out this morning. You can help them — and yourself — by keeping up with the clearing of your driveway and pathways to your house. If HFD needs to get to you during this storm, doing this will help them and you by saving precious time to get to you.

And, if you don’t need to be on the roads, please stay off of them.

Your real property taxes at work.

When weather hits, our dedicated Public Works Team is ready to work around the clock to […]