Letters to the editor for May 13

• Published May 13, 2008

Education is an investment, not a luxury

I ask the voters of North Thurston Public Schools to consider a possibility: The levy is not about the quality of the schools, education provided, nor school administration. It is not about money either — not directly. It is about emotion.

Four years ago, the economy was good, housing prices soared, and NTPS voters easily passed a levy granting a tax rate equivalent to $3.01 per $1,000 of assessed property value. District growth and a set levy amount decreased the tax to a current rate of $1.83.

Now, with a recession at our doorstep, we balk at passing a levy with a rate of $2.18 — essentially a 27.6 percent decrease from 2004.

I suggest that our frustration as taxpayers is at a breaking point. Properties are reassessed at excessive rates. Fuel prices soar and are taxed egregiously. Food prices escalate. Unemployment rises. It is basic self-preservation and emotion that drives many of us to attack the one immediate concern which we can affect — the levy. It feels good to do something — anything — to stop our financial hemorrhaging. In this, education becomes the scapegoat.

We cannot allow ourselves the easy choice. Education for our youths cannot become a matter of convenience or charity, given only when it is comfortable or easy. Children count on us — as we will someday count on them.

Education is, and has always been, an investment — not a luxury. I will be voting "YES" for the levy. I ask that you please join me.

Bret Booth, Olympia

Take pride inNorth Thurston kids

I am an Army veteran who has spent a lot of time overseas. When I was offered Fort Lewis as my last tour stop, I not only decided to take it but when I found out how great the North Thurston Public Schools were for our two children, I decided to make Lacey our permanent home.

I am so proud of our school district and I would hate to see valuable programs for the kids be cut if the replacement maintenance and operations levy were to fail again.