Lynn and Janet Askew are co-chairs of the Blaine County School District 2009 Facilities Levy Committee.
By LYNN AND JANET ASKEW
College kids have cleared out of town to start the fall semester. Families across our community are alternately struggling with the separation and celebrating the opportunities connected with continuing education. It is a reminder to us of that transition in our own family.
We are at the stage now when we see several of our children's classmates returning to our community, bringing newly acquired skills and knowledge to jobs at consulting companies and the school district, starting businesses and working for local construction companies. We remember that young man or woman as an outstanding high school debater or athlete, or the award they won for their science project in elementary school. Whether these young people return to their home communities or start a new life elsewhere, they are visible examples of this ongoing cycle. There is no question about the significant role local schools play in preparing these young people for the work they are now doing, and in the ongoing economic health and vitality of our community and others.
It was with this in mind that Lynn and I agreed to co-chair the 2009 Plant Facilities Levy Committee. We decided that the levy committee was an opportunity to work toward a couple of goals we both believe in: quality education and responsible control of taxes. Much about that plan has been realized. We had the opportunity, along with the other committee members, to go through the proposed levy budget line item by line item. The levy proposal does not increase taxes for Blaine County residents. We learned some additional lessons along the way.
· Lesson No. 1: Schools are at the heart of a community. When we talk about schools, it isn't just about buildings and grounds, although it is essential to provide a safe and stimulating environment. It is about our most precious resource: our young people. Our local economic future depends on continued investment in our kids' education despite fluctuations in the economy.
· Lesson No. 2: Just as schools evoke strong emotion, so do taxes. In recent weeks, many conversations we had with friends and neighbors started out about the levy and quickly led to discussion about the economy. Taxes have more impact when the family budget is shrinking. We are all cutting back.
All of this leads to some serious thought about priorities. We want our children to face the future with courage and resilience. Now is the time to teach by example and plan for that future. If you believe, as we do, in helping our young people develop the skills and creativity to adapt to the challenges in this changing world, then you will support the current levy. If you believe, as we do, that maintaining stable funding to our schools while reducing taxes slightly is a smart investment strategy, then you will support the levy. Investing in our community and our children will move the local economy forward.
Please support the levy. Vote yes on Oct. 29.
