News – Page 43 – The Transcript

WCSA debates democracy

Photo courtesy of the OWU website.

Areena Arora, Managing Editor

Democracy was debated by members of the Wesleyan Council of Student Affairs (WCSA) at its Jan. 25 meeting. How senators are appointed and who gets the right to vote was at issue.

A resolution to appoint new members was proposed through the Administrative Policy Committee, and was opposed by Senator Phub Dorji who questioned the process used to decide which candidates received voting rights.

WCSA President Jess Choate said there were five equally qualified applicants for two open positions and the executive committee made a decision after a long discussion.

“We appointed three students as members at large because we only had two vacant positions and we did not want to disregard the other three voices,” said Choate.

Dorji responded, “If all five candidates were equally qualified, wouldn’t it be better if full senate decided on who gets voting power and who gets to be a member at large?”

Dorji said, “The Executive has great powers, but their combined powers must always be smaller than that of the Legislative – if they appoint Senators like they did, then they can fill the Legislative with their friends who will vote along their lines.…If we want to call ourselves a democratic establishment, we need to start taking democracy seriously.”

Dorji also asked if it would’ve been better to have the applicants come to the meeting and talk to the full senate.

However, since all the applicants were not present at the time, Choate suggested it would be unfair to others and acknowledged Dorji’s concerns.

WCSA Vice President Sam Schurer said, “(The discussion) left me more excited than ever to move forward with improvements to WCSA’s internal workings that Jess (Choate) and I see as crucial to a successful term.”

Choate said, “At this point, we did what our current constitution requires us to do, but we will be working to create a more inclusive appointment process in the future.”

According to the WCSA constitution, “The Executive Committee shall appoint, with the consent of WCSA, at large representatives for the purpose of ensuring appropriate constituent balance on WCSA.”

However, according to WCSA’s Standing and Sessional Orders of the Council, adopted in April 2014, members at large do in fact occupy a voting seat. The Executive Committee may also appoint one member at large, with rights to attend its meetings but no voting rights.

Freshman Katie Kuckelheim, who was appointed as a member at large with no voting rights, said, “Being a member at large gives me a chance to learn what WCSA does….before I make my vote count. I feel it’s better that I do not have voting rights as of now so I can get to know WCSA better, and then I will be able to have a more informed choice.”

Kuckelheim added that when a spot for senator opens, she will be the first to apply.

Senator Ryan Bishop, while agreeing with Dorji’s concerns, expressed satisfaction with Choate and Schurer’s approach to the situation.

Bishop said, “Sam (Schurer) clarified that this is coming out of the constitution and they (Choate and Schurer) agreed that in future we should try restructuring the election processes, but it really made a great impression on me that [Schurer] took out the time to explain exec’s (Executive Committee) position.”

Choate said, “We contacted Senator Dorji and other senators who were raising concerns and are hoping to continue the conversation with them. Our Administrative Policy Committee has already begun to incorporate the concerns raised in Monday’s full senate into their ongoing efforts to improve our organization.”

Schurer said, “Those are the kinds of conversations that Jess (Choate) and I have been trying to get started since we decided to run. It is awesome to see someone with so much passion for WCSA and we think it is a really good sign.

Full senate also voted to appoint senator senior Andrew Stock the sergeant of arms and voted to adopt a resolution to change the names of the Residential Affairs Committee to Student Life Committee and the Campus Relations Committee to Public Relations Committee.

Two budget requests also were passed at the meeting.

Extreme home makeover: SLU edition

Liz Hardaway, Transcript Reporter

More than a hundred years later, Ohio Wesleyan’s Small Living Units (SLUs) are finally getting a makeover.

While construction of the first SLUplex continues on 118 Rowland Ave. where House of Thought (HoT) previously stood, the remaining SLUs are rotting from the inside out.

SLUs, most of which were built in 1901, encounter problems typical to any older home: propping windows open with bricks, bats occasionally finding their ways into the hallway and laying down tarps to prevent a leaking roof, according to multiple SLU members.

The basement and third floor of the House of Peace and Justice (P&J) are off-limits, however, due to lack of renovations and concerns for personal safety, according to sophomore Izzy Taylor, a member of the house.

Whether the problem is a leaky ceiling, overflowing toilet or mold creeping between the walls, each complaint is submitted through the moderator to a residential life coordinator. Buildings and Grounds then prioritize these complaints depending on the immediacy of the concern and availability of supplies, said Melinda Benson, a residential life coordinator.

“It took almost half a semester for a computer to be installed in our common room … a hole in the ceiling over my bed rotted through in mid September, and it took until sometime over winter break for it to be repaired,” said Taylor.

Occasionally students have to relocate. Benson mentioned a student with severe asthma who had to move out due to mold within the facility.

“Some of these houses are so old that the solution will be to close that house down, and move those people to one of the new facilities,” said Benson.

Currently there is one SLUplex being built, a duplex style living facility that will house two SLUs. The master plan is to eventually have four of these SLUplexes along Rowland Ave., but the project only progresses when funding is provided, said Benson. She is hoping that by next year, as the first SLUplex opens, another will be under construction.

As most SLUs are predicted to stay in their current homes, the application process to move into a SLUplex has changed from previous applications.

SLUs will have to submit a proposal to renew and rank their preferences for facilities. Students, staff representatives and one staff member from residential life will then determine based on the merits of the presentation and application who will be the occupants of the first SLUplex, said Benson.

“I hope to see a home that is designed around the community-focused aspect of SLUs … building community and family within the SLUplex is what is most important, as is making the building accessible to all people,” said Taylor.

MLK: a legacy to remember

By Courtney Dunne, Copy Editor
On Jan. 18, many children enjoyed their days off relaxing at home, while Ohio Wesleyan University was up bright and early to celebrate Martin Luther King Jr. Day at breakfast.

Many members of the Delaware community like police officers, local churches and political organizations such as the Delaware Republicans joined the OWU community in recognizing this holiday.

Gregory Moore ’76, an OWU alum, was the guest speaker. “King was committed to fighting racism, militarism and materialism. He deplored war, poverty and prejudice,” said Moore. He continued to speak about issues of race and the legacy of Martin Luther King Jr.

All of the proceeds from the breakfast go to a scholarship fund, which provides a local high school student with funds toward college tuition. The Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., Celebration Committee has been awarding this scholarship for 23 years.

Among the students in attendance at breakfast was OWU student Miranda Anthony ‘18. “This event brought all four corners of the Delaware community together socioeconomically as well as racially,” said Anthony.

Next year Ohio Wesleyan will also have Martin Luther King Jr. Day off to observe his contribution to our society.

Remembering Brandon Sega

By Sara Hollabaugh, Arts & Entertainment Editor

The tragic death of a beloved friend invites shared memories and a petition to keep drunk drivers off the road.

Brandon Sega ’13 was killed Dec. 31, 2015 in a two-car accident.

Jason Lonneman ’14 and Rebecca Muhl ’13 were also in the car with Sega, which left Lonneman seriously injured.

According to NBC4, the graduates were hit by Daniel Merz, who has had alcohol convictions prior to the accident on New Year’s Eve.

In an email addressed to the Ohio Wesleyan community, President Rock Jones spoke highly of Sega.

“Brandon was an exceptional young man who will be remembered for his artistic talents, his success as a varsity baseball player and his involvement with Sigma Phi Epsilon,” Jones said.

OWU’s baseball coach, Tyler Mott, had countless things to say about Sega as well.

“I can’t say enough good things about him,” Mott said. “I got to know him his senior year in high school. We recruited him and he was a joy.”

“[I knew him] his last year in high school, his years in college and the last two years,” Mott said. “He was one of the most hardworking players that I’ve been around. [He was] talented, not just with baseball, but in so many other areas. Well spoken, bright and artistic.”

Mott said the athletic department and baseball team will honor Sega this spring.

“We’re going have a celebration where we honor him during one of our home games,” Mott said.

“There will also be a permanent sign put in the outfield for him and his family.”

In the wake of Sega’s death, Mott has spoken to the current baseball team about his former player.

“We just had our first team meeting of the spring and we talked about [Brandon],” Mott said. “And we brought out one of the game hats. Our guys have to earn their hats and we talked about what they resemble, including the players that came before them.”

Sega’s life has been celebrated over many social media platforms and talked about among his former peers, teammates and friends.

Friend and Sig Ep brother Ibrahim Santana ’15 said the only way to describe Sega is that he was the light of [the brothers’] lives and every life that he was a part of.

“I rarely saw him angry or upset; he didn’t let little things get to him,” Santana said. “He really lived his life to the fullest.”

Charles Cooper ’15 played baseball with Sega and is also a brother in the Sig Ep fraternity.

“I first met Brandon in high school,” Cooper said. “He was always texting me, wondering how my recruiting process was going. He even hosted me for my overnight even though he was a sophomore and the recruits usually stayed with freshmen.”

Cooper said he has many fond memories of Sega and their time on the baseball team together at OWU.

“The earliest memories I have of him were at our morning practices for baseball [my freshman year],” Cooper said. “He would throw the ball as hard as he could during our drills, especially when he was throwing to me or other freshmen. He thought it was funny seeing how scared we were to catch the ball when it was coming in that fast.”

Cooper said that Sega was really just a great person to be around.

“There was never a dull moment with him because he loved to talk about everything,” Cooper said. “He was always genuinely interested in what you were doing. It was clear that everybody he met or talked to was fond of him as there was an estimated 3,000 people at his wake.”

Cooper added that he hopes people remember Sega for his positive spirit and unparalleled work ethic.

In response to Merz’ alleged drunk driving, Cooper and Michael Jeffers are petitioning the Ohio State Senate, where they are calling for tough punishment for drinking and driving.

“I feel like it is appropriate for how dangerous the crime is,” Cooper said. “As we’ve seen, it can take the life of an incredible human being.”

To view the petition, go here.

WCSA’s first full senate meeting

Photo courtesy of the OWU website.

By Areena Arora, Managing Editor

The first full senate meeting of 2016 for the Wesleyan Council on Student Affairs (WCSA) was on Jan. 18, coinciding with this year’s Martin Luther King Jr. Day.

The meeting at Crider Lounge in Hamilton-Williams Campus Center commenced with the attendees watching a part of the famous speech “I have a dream,” by Martin Luther King Jr.

“It was designed to both honor and learn from his accomplishments,” said junior Jess Choate, the WCSA President.

Choate welcomed new senators and guests to the new meeting venue in Hamwill and said the change was made to encourage more attendance by people who are not a part of WCSA.

In her report Choate introduced a new resolution to change the names of “Residential Affairs Committee” and “Campus Relations Committee” to “Student Life” and “Public Relations,” respectively. The senate will vote on the resolution at its next meeting.

Senior Caroline Anderson, secretary of WCSA, reminded senators of the attendance policy and requested attendees to refrain from using cell phones during the meeting in her report.

Sophomore Nick Melvin, chair of the Academic Affairs Committee said in his report, “We hope to solve academic problems before they arise,” adding that one of the goals for the committee this year would be to make a coherent four year plan for all incoming students.

Campus Relations Committee requested senators to get the word out for treasurer applications and appointed senator applications which are both due Friday, Jan 22.

Junior Graham Littlehale, who served as treasurer for WCSA last year, is serving as the interim treasurer until a new one is appointed.

A discussion-question portion was added at the end of the meeting as part of changes made in WCSA’s working this year.

“This is being done to provide a specific platform for senators to speak,” said Choate in response to a questions about the concerns that senators may have heard from students around campus.

Transportation to Columbus, gaps in student-faculty communication and student safety on snowy days at crosswalks were some of the concerns voiced by senators.

The meeting concluded with an announcement by Brad Ingles, the associate director for Young Alumni/Student Programs, about informational session on upcoming Board of Trustees election.

The next full senate meeting will be on Monday, Jan. 25.

First Friday festivities are big hit

By: Jordyn Hollenbeck, Transcript Correspondent

The horse-drawn carriage, the visit to Santa’s house and the popular tree lighting ceremony.

Every December, the Delaware community unites to celebrate the Christmas season.

On the first Friday of every month, a non-profit organization named Main Street Delaware hosts events to bring the community together. Some of the group’s events throughout the year have included “Celebrate Health with Friends”, “Picnic with the Cops” and “Chalk It Up.”

The most popular Friday event of the year has always been the December event according to the event’s photographer, John Holliger.

He refers to the event as a place to “learn to know our neighbors in a fun way,” Holliger said.

He spoke highly of this month’s event: the atmosphere is “revitalizing” with a constant “young attitude” and an air of positivity in all of the social interactions he sees.

“Everyone wants to contribute in town,” Holliger said, talking about the community leaders and townspeople alike.

Holliger has been taking pictures for the Main Street Delaware events for years; he explained how he now prepares for the December event, now that he has years of experience.

He has learned to pack two different cameras before making his way through the crowded streets—one on each hip—Holliger said, with several different kinds of lenses to capture the “uniting of community.”

For the past couple of events, he has also dragged a 6-ft ladder behind him throughout the night; he does not want to miss any opportunities for good pictures, Holliger said.

During the monthly celebrations, local shops and restaurants must go through lots of preparation to make their businesses as inviting as they can for the newcomers. The majority of the shops utilize this event to advertise their business. Yet the preparation is not as exciting or easy as the actual festivities; one local restaurant owner described the confusion that the events often bring.

Richard Upton of J. Gumbo’s enjoys the events and likes bringing in local performers to play in his restaurant, he said, making it a good place to dine and to relax. It is not stressful, he said, but the days leading up to Friday can be fairly confusing.

Many of the businesses won’t know what blocks are shut down during the event and which ones will stay open until a couple days before, Upton said, and owners need to know if their business will be accessible to foot traffic—and exposure—or if they will be outside of the main festival area.

Despite this adversity during preparation, the Christmas First Friday event is one of the best, Upton said.

“There is always a giving feeling [in the community],” John Holliger said. “It is great being surrounded with feelings of generosity and gratitude for our town.”

Students studying abroad pack up, return home

By: Daniel Terman, Transcript Correspondent

As finals approach, students abroad are packing their bags and preparing for their journey home for the holidays.

Starting in early September, study abroad programs begin and students leave for their prospective countries and programs.

Junior Claire O’Keeffe is currently studying abroad in Salamanca, Spain. “One of my majors is Spanish so I had to go abroad to a Spanish speaking country. Europe seemed like a perfect fit as well because then I could travel as much as I wanted!” O’Keeffe said.

According to O’Keeffe, close to four months in a foreign country can be challenging for students in the beginning, but as time progressed it became routine.

“I actually did not want to go abroad and then my parents forced me into it. But I am extremely happy with my decision. I’ve been able to travel to Paris, Dublin, Amsterdam, Barcelona, Madrid, and even more places in Spain,” O’Keeffe said.

According to O’Keeffe, students can learn so much about the world and themselves while being abroad. “I know my limits and I am still able to push myself to do even more.” O’Keeffe said.

Sophomore Drew Singleton, is planning on studying abroad in Salamanca, Spain next fall.

“I am excited to live and coexist with a new community in a new environment for the first time,” Singleton said.

Drew Singleton. Photo courtesy of Facebook.

According to O’Keeffe, the biggest costs students will encounter are traveling costs either with friends for the weekend or to participate in excursions that the program provides.

“Other costs I came across were eating out, going to bars and cafes, and of course shopping,” O’Keeffe said.

According to O’Keeffe, the threat of terrorism abroad has not impacted her life at all.

“I have not been personally affected by any act of terrorism. I have not let it stop my adventures or enjoying my time here.” O’Keeffe said.

According to O’Keeffe, very few people have regretted their time abroad and if given the opportunity, take it.

“I would 110% recommend studying abroad to anyone! It’s an experience that will only help a person to learn about him or herself and grow as an individual,” O’Keeffe said.

OWU Mock Convention takes on the issue of student debt

Every four years, the Ohio Wesleyan Mock Convention takes place in Gray Chapel and students learn and experience the political party nomination process for the upcoming presidential election.

This year’s Mock Convention will take place on both Feb. 5 and 6. Leading up to this event, several platform hearings are held in preparation for the two-day event.

The third platform hearing was held on Dec. 1 and President Rock Jones, professor of economics Alice Simon and OWU alumnus Ben Andrews gave their views on the politics of student debt.

Simon began the hearing by discussing the benefits of achieving a bachelor’s degree and how having a bachelor’s degree is described as a need.

Simon explained that economists define necessities as good or service that when the price goes up, the demand for that need stays the same. “In 1990, 59.9 percent of high school graduates attended some sort of college education institution.”

This percentage has only increased since 1990 and the cost of a college education has also increased, which suggests that a college education is a need rather than a want.

Simon teaches classes covering the areas on economic principles, monetary and fiscal policy, consumer economics and labor economics.

Simon explained that someone with a bachelor degree, on average will make 1.3 million dollars more than someone without a bachelor’s degree over a lifetime.

Andrews spoke on how student debt affects different groups of people in different ways.

Andrews said, “According to recent studies, 66 percent of OWU students graduate within six years of college, which is higher than the national average of 50 percent.”

The typical total debt the average OWU student encounters after graduating is 27,000 dollars, with average monthly loan payments of 300 dollars.

Jones went on to explain the stigma attached to private school and the higher cost of private colleges over public institutions.

Jones said, “By examining the list price of public versus private, private is higher. However, students attending private schools don’t borrow much more than those attending public schools.”

Jones explained that the average student who has attended a public college will encounter 25,000 dollars of debt whereas private will encounter 29,000 dollars. Although the sticker price for a private intuition might be more, the average student does not pay that amount due to financial aid and scholarships provided through the school’s endowment.

Jones said, “People with college degrees contribute greatly to society and have far less need for public assistance. Society should help bear the cost of college education to benefit the entire society as a whole.”

The list price for colleges might have increased, Jones reasoned, but the actual price has declined due to scholarship and federal funding.

“People suggest sending more students to community college or making community college free,” said Jones. “This would be a risk and possible loss of educated citizen from educational establishments such as Ohio Wesleyan.”

Jones said, “Nobody is arguing that you shouldn’t borrow money to buy a house. Nobody is arguing that you shouldn’t borrow money to buy a car. With massive amounts of credit card debt, people aren’t arguing that you shouldn’t borrow money to buy holiday present, but they are arguing that you shouldn’t borrow money to get a college education. A modest student loan is the ticket to achieving much more in life.”

According to the OWU Mock Convention’s literature, this year’s Mock Convention will be Republican “to ensure there is a lively debate and competition among a number of candidates.”

The organization traditionally represents the party currently not in office.

Pearl Harbor is remembered

This Blast from the Past article was first published by The Transcript in 1941 just two days after the attacks on Pearl Harbor.

Senator Harold Burton. Photo courtesy of the Wikipedia website.

Pepper, Taft & Burton Express Views on Japanese War: Before Congress Vote

Repeating a technique utilized once last spring two members of The Transcript staff held person-to-person telephone conversations late Sunday night with Senators Harold Burton (Rep., O), Claude Pepper (Dem., Fa) and Robert Taft (Rep., O), all speaking from their apartments in Washington in which questions pertinent to the Japanese invasion and war were asked. The Transcript interviews were held less than twelve hours before the senators attended the joint session of congress at which war was declared

Civilization Threatened

All three senators concurred in the belief that American civilization and democracy face a definite crisis in the Japanese War, and were generally amenable to the enlisting of college students, more or less immediately in the armed forces.

Senator Pepper termed the war “the first real world war;” senator Burton saw it as a fundamental conflict between two philosophies of life and government.

We Missed These

Attempts were also made to reach Senator Tom Connally, head of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, under Secretary of State, Sumner Welles, and Senator Burton K. Wheeler, Montana isolationist.

Senator Wheeler confirmed his isolationist tendencies by leaving the telephone receiver off the hook during the period when The Transcript calls were made, according to the Washington Telephone Central.

Central said that Mr. Welles could not be reached except “on business of pressing interest to the government.” Senator Connally was in bed.

The questions asked and the replies of the respective senators follow:

WHAT STANCE SHOULD THE AMERICAN COLLEGE STUDENT TAKE IN VIEW OF THE WAR?

Sen. Burton: This is entirely an individual problem. There is always a tremendous need for men in time of war. If a person’s affairs permit, and if he feels he will find satisfaction in enlisting, I would say he should join up.

Senator Claude Pepper. Photo courtesy of floridamemory.com.

Sen. Pepper: The college student should follow the policy set down for him by the government. However, each individual should follow the dictates of his own conscience as to whether he should enlist or not. He should consider his own personal case, taking into consideration his family situation. Upperclassman must determine whether the continuation of their college careers would be more valuable to their country than their enlistment in the armed forces. There will undoubtedly be a call for men in the Navy and perhaps freshman and sophomores might give this special consideration.

Sen. Taft: Students, like the rest of us, have no real choice. They can only sit tight and watch the developments.

HOW LONG MAY THE WAR LAST?

Sen. Burton: Nobody can foresee that: the war may reach farther than Japan; we may become involved in war with nations other than Japan.

Sen. Pepper: It is not possible to estimate just how long the war will last. It will undoubtedly be a long affair. Hitler has stated that there are two separate worlds in conflict – the “haves” and “have-nots.” There can be no compromise. One must go. This is to be a might struggle and may be called “the first real world war.”

Sen. Taft: I cannot foresee an end to the war. It will be at least a couple years.

WOULD YOU ADVOCATE SENDING TROOPS OVERSEAS?

Sen. Burton: There is no way to definitely foresee the sending of troops; this of course, depends on military strategy and tactics.

Sen. Pepper: We will have to send troops. I expect a declaration of war on Japan in the morning. And I hope it will be a declaration of war against the whole outfit. (This statement was made before The Transcript went to press Monday morning and before the declaration of war.)

Sen. Taft: I would be opposed to sending troops at the present time, but there is no reason why we should not use our troops already stationed in the Philippines.

WHAT WILL BE RUSSIA’S REACTION?

Sen. Burton: It is hard to say, I imagine they will help us; this, however, is a purely personal opinion and I have no definite basis for making this statement.

Sen. Pepper: I expect Russia to jump right into the fray on our side, of course.

Sen. Taft: There is already a rumor aboard that Russia has declared war on Japan, but it is only a rumor so far. This will no doubt be a fact within a few days.

IS HITLER BEHIND THE JAPANESE AGGRESSION?

Senator Robert Taft. Photo courtesy of www.senator.gov.

Sen. Burton: The invasion doubtless ties in with Axis military plans.

Sen. Pepper: There is no doubt at all in my mind that Adolf Hitler is the guiding hand behind the moves of Japan.

Sen. Taft: Hitler is definitely behind Japan.

WHAT FUNDAMENTALLY CAUSED THE WAR?

Sen. Burton: The immediately cause of the war was, of course, the Japanese invasion. The invasion doubtless coincides with Hitler’s strategy.

Sen. Pepper: The Axis forces are making an attempt to create an entirely new order, without attempting to appear fanatically religious. I would say there will be an effort made to subserviate Christianity to a new kind of paganism.

Sen. Taft: The answer to this question would involve a criticism of this government’s policy, which would be entirely out of order at this time. I have no comment.

DOES OUR CIVILIZATION FACE A DEFINITE CRISIS?

Sen. Burton: there is no doubt that our civilization does face a definite crisis. We are the last great nation, the last continent representative of a philosophy based on faith in the individual rather than upon faith in the state which makes the individual a slave.

The conflict is a fundamental one between a philosophy of force and a philosophy of faith in the individual. We were forced into the war by the Nippon doctrine of force.

Sen. Pepper: Without a doubt, the changes in our existing civilization will be far too numerous to enumerate. No one can predict what they will be.

Sen. Taft: It is doubtful whether there is any answer to this question in particular, but there is no doubt in my mind that many changes will result.

Cost of living in Delaware County

By: Gopika Nair, Copy Editor

Delaware County residents have a lot to smile about.

Low cost of living and a low unemployment rate make it an ideal place to live, according to interviews with a few residents.

But not only is it considered one of the best places to live in the nation, it is also one of the happiest, according to a study released in 2015.

SmartAsset evaluated the quality of life in the U.S. by examining factors such as family stability, physical health, personal financial health and economic security. Delaware County ranked second, behind Loudoun County in Virginia.

“The county’s median income is $89,757, while a three-person household in the county would need at least $34,057 to afford the necessities,” SmartAsset said in its study. “That adds up to an income-to-expenses ratio of 2.64, second highest of the nearly 1,000 counties in our analysis.”

However, residents worry about housing shortage and increase in education expenditure.

But compared to other counties in the nation, Delaware’s cost of living is cheap and hasn’t seen a significant increase in the past five years, according to a study by Bert Sperling, a demographer and researcher based in New York.

Sperling manages Sperling’s Best Places, a website that informs people about the quality of life in the U.S. and serves as a resource for those seeking relocation.

Based on a U.S. average of 100, an amount below 100 means that a county or city’s cost of living is low, while an amount above 100 indicates that the cost of living is high. Delaware’s cost of living is 94.5, which makes it cheaper than than the nation’s average, Sperling said in his study.

As of 2014, Sperling’s Best Places revealed that the average cost of food in a grocery store in Delaware is 93.1. The cost of housing and utilities, including mortgage payments, apartment and property tax, is 95. The average cost of gasoline, car insurance, maintenance expenses and mass transit fare is 98, while the cost of miscellaneous services such as clothing, repairs and entertainment is 91.

The only sector that is not cheaper than the U.S. average is the health care cost, which was 100.

Even so, Delaware County’s low cost of living was one of the reasons why Jerry Plak moved from Dayton in Montgomery County to Delaware city on Oct. 22.

“I’m originally from Ohio, but I wanted to move back [to Delaware], retire here and live more affordably,” Plak said.

The county’s low unemployment rate also influenced Plak’s decision to relocate. Delaware County has an unemployment rate of 2.7 percent, according to data by Delaware County Regional Planning Commission.

“Even during the period of high unemployment, Delaware was still the lowest,” Plak said. “[The jobs available] may not have been for everybody, but there was employment.”

Alice Simon, an economics professor at Ohio Wesleyan University, said the central Ohio area as a whole has a low unemployment rate.

“It’s the capital, so it has government,” Simon said. “It has agriculture, it has a lot of low-tech industries and it has a very large financial sector.”

In fact, JPMorgan Chase & Co., a banking firm, is the top private sector employer in Delaware County, according to Delaware County’s profile on the Columbus 2020 website.

The professional and business services sector is one of the highest employed industries in Delaware County, the county profile reported. But nearly 75 percent of employment opportunities lie in retail, government, education, health, manufacturing and transportation.

“Because [Delaware County] is so diversified, it weathers any kind of economic downturn …and is also able to keep people employed,” Simon said. “Ohio is also one of the Midwest states that’s still growing. That, in itself, attracts labor.”

Simon said one of the main reasons why people move to Delaware County and seek employment is the low cost of living.

Both Simon and Scott Sanders, executive director of the Delaware County Regional Planning Commission, agreed that the biggest expense is housing.

“Once you include the payment, the taxes and the interest, the biggest chunk [of money] goes toward housing,” Sanders said.

But as of 2014, the median home cost in Delaware County was $161,100, while the cost was $179,667 in Columbus. In 2015, housing expenses in Columbus went up to $194,758, according to the monthly residential statistics on the Columbus REALTORS website.

Another concern for residents of Delaware County is education, Sanders said. The population of residents who are three years or older and are enrolled in school is 123,101 as of 2015, according to the data on Delaware County’s regional planning website.

According to Sperling’s Best Places, the school expenditure per student here is higher than the U.S. average. Delaware residents spend $12,544 as of 2014, while the U.S. average is $12,435.

Though the cost of living in Delaware County is low compared to other counties in Ohio, not everyone is optimistic about the next five years.

Ryan Wince, who has lived in Delaware for the past four years after moving from Worthington, said the cost of living will increase as the economy grows.

But Holly Quaine, president of Delaware Area Chamber of Commerce, said the likelihood of the cost of living in Delaware increasing significantly is slim.

“The culture of Delaware is [one that doesn’t aim] to outdo the guy next to you,” Quaine said. “So even though we have excellent schools and health care, it isn’t an expensive place to live. It’s not a waterfront community, it’s not a downtown community and it’s not so urbanized that there’s a shortage for places to live.”

Simon also said Delaware will see an increase in the cost of living, but won’t become unaffordable. The addition of a mass transit system, however, might affect the cost of living.

“If they had a better mass transit system and a better rail system, you’re going to see massive increases in the cost of living,” Simon said.

Dan Charna, an assistant economics professor at OWU, said if interest rates go up and inflation starts to rise, then the cost of living will increase not just in Delaware but everywhere else.

Relative to Franklin County and other surrounding areas, he does not think that the cost of living in Delaware will increase dramatically.

Though some residents of Delaware County believe that the cost of living is going to increase over the next five years, most are still content living here.

Allan Wise, a resident of Delaware County for 23 years, said, “I’m thrilled [to be living here],” because he has been able to live comfortably due to the county’s low cost of living.