An open space levy sponsored by Granville Township promises to be a family affair.

The levy committee, which will also serve as an advisory board for tax expenditures if the issue is successful, will feature seven couples from the township and village. Both jurisdictions will vote on the five-year, 1-mill levy Nov. 4.

Committee members were named Wednesday by township trustees. They include: trustee and Chairman Jim Havens and wife Monie Havens; Dan and Fran Bellman; Gary and Laura Ellis; Keith and Patty Myers; Jack arid Betsy O'Neill; Paul and Karen Treece; and Bill and Lois Foreman Wernet.

Havens said the inclusion of all spouses best represents the family orientation of the levy's goals while adding a one-two punch on the campaign trail. "Together, they've all had strong community interests, but some of them have different strengths," he said.

The couples represent the common goal of village and township residents to preserve green space, Monie Havens said. The desire was reflected in results of a recent survey that indicated residents were willing to be taxed to purchase such land. "Putting it on the ballot is an attempt to see that support," she said.

The tax - expected to raise about $175,000 each year - would be used to preserve scenic, open wooded areas and to purchase development rights. It would cost the owner of a $100,000 home about $31 each year in additional property taxes.

Committee member Dan Bellman, a Village Council member, said his involvement in the levy is a continuation of his efforts to preserve open spaces in the community. Bellman said he has championed the cause for improved bike paths and unsuccessfully lobbied council to purchase land for green space along Newark-Granville Road.

"It's been a concern of mine for some time," Bellman said.

"As a committee, we have to appreciate some of the pressures we'll be experiencing in the coming years. This is really the time to plan our community and decide what's going to be open areas."

Bellman volunteered for the committee as a resident after fellow councilman and Vice Mayor Dan Freytag voiced opposition to council appointing him as a representative. Bellman said he saw no conflict of interest in the positions.