GOSHEN TOWNSHIP, OHIO - Responding to those eager to criticize the Township Trustees for trying to save taxpayer dollars, Goshen Township Trustee Chairman T.J. Corcoran says he will dress like “The Grinch” for Saturday’s annual Light up Goshen Parade.
Corcoran is referring to a slew of media attention recently relating to the Board of Trustee’s decision to save much needed money by keeping the township fire engines parked in the fire house, except when needed for essential fire runs. This unfortunately impacted the use of the fire engines in this Saturday’s Light Up Goshen parade. Santa usually rides into town on a fire engine.
“The decision to not use the fire trucks was made in order to save taxpayer dollars in a time when every cent matters and is counted,” Corcoran said, “We don’t want to lay off firemen. We’re trying to cut everywhere possible to minimize any possible tax levies at a time when residents can’t afford tax increases. When the August safety services levy failed, the Trustees knew we’d have to make some tough, and sometimes unpopular decisions. Unfortunately, this was one of them. But, I remain committed to protecting the taxpayer in Goshen.”
A press release issued by the Township said, "Despite the board’s fiscally conservative approach, news media and community members have attacked their decision. Rumors flew through the community that a local television station even referred to the Goshen Trustees on air as, 'The Grinches.”
So this Saturday, Trustee Corcoran will dress in full body costume as Dr. Suess’s “The Grinch.” But this Grinch isn’t stealing Christmas; he’s giving it back. Corcoran says he plans to toss candy to children in the crowd.
Luckily, Santa will be in the parade after all. Several donations were made to the Township in order to fund the fire engine’s appearance in the parade. The firefighter’s union was one of those donations.
“We’re happy that the community has come together to solve this problem,” Corcoran said, “The Township couldn’t afford use of the fire engine this time, but the Firefighter’s Union could. When departments and residents help each other out, everyone wins.”
The Light Up Goshen Parade is set for this Saturday at 4 PM. The route goes down Goshen Road, crosses SR 28, and winds up in front of Kroger on Dick Flynn Blvd.
