Letters

Give children chance to dream big

“You have brains in your head. You have feet in your shoes. You can steer yourself any direction you choose. ” – Dr. Seuss

As parents and members of a community, we care not only about our own children, but for all children. One of the most basic necessities for children to reach their potential is an education.

Our public school system has been giving children this stepping- stone to reach their potential and to achieve the American dream. A good education gives all children, regardless of their socioeconomic background, an opportunity to do and be whatever they choose.   

I have been involved as a volunteer in the Central Valley School District and am amazed by the dedication and perseverance of the teachers, staff and administrators. My children’s teachers have not only inspired my children, but they have inspired me as well. 

Please remember, this is not a new tax, it simply replaces the expiring levy.  

Join me in voting yes for children. 

Petra Hoy

Greenacres

Schools at least as important as streets

The Washington State Department of Transportation was allocated $7 billion tax dollars for the 2011-’13 biennium to improve and maintain roads in the state of Washington. Taxpayers currently pay 37.5 cents for each gallon of gas that they purchase. Those taxes make up a portion of the WSDOT’s $7 billion allocation. Based on Washington state’s 2011 population census of 6,724,540, that equates to $1,040.96 for every person to improve our road system. The “Citizens For Responsible Taxation” opposes all of the school levies in the Spokane area.

Here is my question. If these citizens are so concerned about responsible spending of our taxes, why haven’t they opposed any of the taxes used to support WSDOT’s road projects costing $7 billion? Why don’t the “Citizens For Responsible Taxation” support legislation to either eliminate or charge a $5-per-tire fee for studded snow tires since they cause an estimated $24.7 million in damage to our roadways in Washington each year? Aren’t our kids as important, or even more important, than our roadways? I think so.

Please vote yes for all school district levies in the Spokane area.

John Parker

Spokane Valley

Levy is a bargain for community

In response to the information being distributed by the Citizens for Responsible Taxation, the Central Valley levy of $81 million is for three years, which breaks down to $27 million per year.

Here is how that money is allocated: You divide the $27 million per year by 12,600 students in Central Valley. That equals $2,142.86 per student, per year. Divide that by 180 school days; that is $11.90 per student per day. Divide that by 6.5 hours per school day, and that equals $1.83 per hour to educate, transport, feed and provide a safe learning environment and the opportunity for band, debate, drama, after-school activities, plus full athletics for every student who wishes to participate.

That is not a bad investment to educate our kids from kindergarten through high school graduation. The kids who graduate will make a far greater contribution to our society than the $1.83 per hour that it takes to educate them.

Doug Wheeler

Spokane Valley