I can't believe the voters of Marion-Florence USD 408 can be misled with the statement that our district mill levy District will not increase if the school bond issue is passed regarding the proposed auditorium, gym and indoor swimming pool.
What a short memory many residents of our district have in regard to the promise that was made and passed in 1997 for the academically necessary building of our middle school addition.
The promise made, that the 10-mill increase to our property taxes would cease in 2007, will be broken. If there is no promised 10-mill decrease, then it will be a 10-mill increase beginning in 2007. Correct?
Furthermore, since that 10-mill increase in 1997, we've experienced many increases in our property valuations. Even though the mill levy has been basically steady, the increased valuations have made our property taxes continue to rise.
An indoor, all-season swimming pool is a wonderful, healthy activity for our community, but can this district, with many residents on fixed incomes. really afford "This Majestic Complex"?
Remember, the heating and cooling of this complex, the extra personnel needed to manage it, and many other unseen expenses will be passed on to the taxpayers of District 408.
There are only so many student contact hours in the day to teach each students' academics and basics. Logistics of travel for the elementary students to reach this facility will certainly be a factor in student time.
Having taught in the elementary schools in this county for 35 years, I always wanted to teach my students the required grade-level materials without constant interruptions for travel time in the building or out. With the emphasis on meeting state and federal mandated academic scores, when do the classroom teachers have time to teach their material?
Therefore, I ask the voters of District 408: Can we really afford to be saddled with this 19-year bond debt-or should we be more focused on an expanding new business opportunities and adding residents to our district?
Your vote is important.
Patsy Waner
Marion
Iraq war has hurt more than helped
I would like to thank the Free Press for its editorial on the war in Iraq (March 22). I have felt from the beginning that invading a peaceful country was wrong.
The decision to invade was based on false information. Now the president says it was to liberate the people of Iraq. More than 30,000 Iraqi people have been killed as well as more than 3,000 American troops. The mission is failing and the country of Iraq is in chaos.
War always causes more problems than it solves. I have often wondered what the country of Iraq would look like today if our country had gone over there with an olive branch instead of guns and bombs.
Raymond Brandt
Hillsboro
Donors, volunteers made drive work
Thank-you to everyone who particpated in the recent American Red Cross blood drive at Goessel. Sixty-three people came in to share their life-giving blood.
As a blood donor or volunteer, each of you has helped the Red Cross fulfill its mission of securing a sake and ample blood supply.
