SOUTH BLOOMFIELD, OH – June 17, 2025
With development rapidly expanding across Pickaway County, South Bloomfield Mayor Aaron Thomas is calling on local governments and residents to come together in defense of their communities, farmland, and shared future.
In a public statement released this week, Mayor Thomas announced the launch of the Protect Pickaway Alliance (PPA) — a grassroots initiative aimed at uniting villages and townships across northern Pickaway County. The goal: to push back against unchecked industrial growth, state overreach, and tax incentives that offer little benefit to residents.
“If the state keeps handing out tax breaks to big corporations and wasting money on things like new NFL stadiums, how are small villages and townships supposed to keep the lights on, maintain roads, and fund our police and fire departments?” Thomas said.
A Vision for Responsible, Resident-Focused Growth
Thomas emphasized that he is not against development — but he advocates for well-planned, transparent growth that respects local zoning laws and community voices. As a resident of the Teays Valley School District, Thomas expressed frustration over two failed levies to build new schools, while the state simultaneously considers eliminating property and income taxes.
“Our local governments are being stretched thin,” he added. “Now is the time to stand up for ourselves and our hard-earned money.”
Protect Pickaway Alliance: Mission and Goals
The Protect Pickaway Alliance was formed in response to growing concerns over:
- Industrial solar farms expanding without local input
- Warehouses and gravel pits encroaching on farmland and neighborhoods
- Tax abatements being granted with little to no community benefit
- Disjointed zoning across townships leaving areas vulnerable to exploitation
Key Goals of the Alliance include:
- Preserving farmland and small-town character
- Strengthening inter-township zoning coordination
- Opposing tax abatements that don’t serve residents
- Defending local control from Columbus and Franklin County influence
- Promoting transparency in all development processes
- Advocating for fair distribution of tax revenue to impacted communities
A Call to Action for Residents
Thomas urged residents to go beyond social media posts and start participating in local governance — by attending meetings, asking questions, and voting.
“Let’s stop shouting into the void behind a screen and start showing up in person,” he said. “If everyone who complains online actually came to a council meeting, we could create real, meaningful change.”
How to Get Involved
The mayor is now inviting township trustees, council members, and community members from across Pickaway County to:
- Talk to their local leaders about joining the PPA
- Propose resolutions of support
- Reach out directly to the South Bloomfield mayor’s office
- Share information with neighbors and elected officials
“Alone, we’re vulnerable,” Thomas said. “Together, we speak with power.”
For more information or to join the Protect Pickaway Alliance, contact:
📧 Mayor Aaron Thomas
📍 Village of South Bloomfield
📨 [email protected]
🌐 www.southbloomfieldoh.com
📞 (740) 983-2541
