Article Contributed on: 10/20/2008 5:07:20 PM
To the editor:
We all are well aware that the economy in our country has taken a beating over the last several weeks. And we are all feeling nervous about the financial future of our family and our community. What better time to support our local economy and keep our schools strong?
Approving the Jeffco school bond and mill levies on the November ballot will not only preserve and add jobs in our community, but will also protect our property values. And the cost to the Jeffco taxpayer is very minimal.
Approving the $350 million bond package (Ballot Issue 3B) will result in no tax increase. At the same time, it will add value to our properties by ensuring that we have safe, well maintained, up-to-date school facilities. The bond money will fund improvements in almost every school in the district.
Passage of Ballot Issue 3A, the mill levy override, means homeowners would pay just $2.92 a month for every $100,000 of their home's market value. While the price tag is small, the benefits for our students are huge: increased graduation requirements, more high school math and science, and increased technology. On the other hand, if this ballot issue fails, Jeffco will be forced to cut up to 500 teachers in the next five years, meaning larger classes for our children.
In these tough times, local business organizations realize how important it is to keep our schools strong, and many have endorsed the mill and bond, including The Arvada Chamber of Commerce, the Denver Area Labor Federation, Golden Chamber of Commerce, Jefferson County Association of Realtors, Jeffco League of Women Voters, Jeffco mayors, Lakewood Business Leadership Committee and the West Chamber. Vote yes on 3A/3B!
For more information, go to www.jeffcoschoolsyes.com.
Sincerely,
Marilyn Saltzman