Letters to the editor - March 18

Schools do influence property values

I was saddened to read that both levies in the North Thurston district failed. Every child, including my own, deserves high quality schools. Our government simply does not fully fund education; therefore, school districts must seek other means to collect funds.

As a homeowner within the NTPS border, I am concerned about future property values. I fear the value of my home will fall in comparison to homes served by Olympia and Tumwater schools.

Some day, I might want to sell my home. Where do you think prospective buyers who often have families will choose to purchase? Schools influence property values.

I understand everything has gotten more expensive. Thoughts of recession are on our minds. Yet I don't feel the solution to this dilemma is to deny children an equitable education.

NTPS is facing a $17 million shortfall. It is unclear exactly what programs will face cuts, but logically, no child enrolled in this district will avoid being affected. As a parole officer in Tacoma supervising felons' re-entry into society, I am faced with adults who fell through the cracks of our educational and social system as children. It's cheaper to educate our public rather than incarcerate, and isn't it the socially and ethically responsible thing to do?

According to the district Web site, a new maintenance and operations levy will be on the ballot May 20. I urge everyone within the NTPS border to support our schools, but most importantly our children and future.

Greg Oliver, Lacey

Homeowner's bill of rights would add to uncertainty

It's interesting that The Olympian chose to editorialize about the homeowner's bill of rights the day after Brendan Williams ran a full page ad in the paper.

The editorial parrots Williams' ongoing misrepresentations about the effect of the bill, and glosses over the negative effect to small businesses, insurance costs and housing affordability.

Contrary to the editorial, good builders have a lot to fear with this legislation — significantly higher insurance costs, greater uncertainty and an additional four years of liability. Bad builders can, and are, held accountable under the system. Sen. Brian Weinstein, D-Mercer Island, himself successfully sued a builder, and settled for more than $200,000.