November 6th is a big date for all residents of Middletown, with issues coming up on the ballot including a third attempt to pass the vitally important schools levy and the election for Middletown's first directly-elected mayor. Also on the ballot is a 0.25% five-year income tax increase earmarked for public safety that has been overshadowed by the previous issues, but is no less important.

The Middletown Fire Department dropped minimum daily staffing from 22 to 19 in 2005, and unless the November levy passes the Number Four Station on Tytus Avenue will likely be closed. The Department currently has six vacant full time positions that they will not be able to fill without the levy passing as well.

The levy would raise taxes by $100 a year for a household with $40,000 annual income.