Letters to the editor for May 13

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.

Local levy dollars go a long way in our district — about 16 percent of the operating budget! If the levy fails, $17.5 million dollars would be lost the first year and many programs — like music, sports, languages and even special education — might no longer be available. In addition, at least 200 teachers (including specialists), paraeducators and other dedicated staff might lose their jobs, impacting the local economy and workforce.

The result would be larger class sizes, and the quality of public education would suffer in the long run.

Please vote "yes" May 20 to continue the levy! It's important for not only the schools and community, but for all children and future generations who will pay the price for our shortsightedness if we don't vote "yes." Take pride in the children of our district — vote "Yes" in the upcoming levy. I know I will.

David Parsons, Olympia

Blame Republicans fordebt and poor economy

A recent letter writer used that political myth of Democrats being the party of "tax and spend." If that weren't so ridiculous, it would be good evidence that the writer was not paying attention. One could respond by saying the Republicans were the party of "spend and pray."

The indebtedness built up by Reagan and the Bush team is shocking. It suggests mathematical stupidity. Those who want to lower taxes seldom point to the government expenditures they would cancel. Unfortunately, the items cut from the budget too often are those that make us a humane country. For some reason spending $10 million for one airplane for the military is a necessity while education is a luxury. NASA experiments to go to Mars are vital to our supremacy, but health for the poor is insignificant. It is embarrassing to note how ineffective our superior military weapons have been where insurgents wage war with us.

I have searched the voting records of the prominent Republicans and note they secure earmarks for their constituents, which pad the budget irresponsibly just as much as any expenditures promoted by Democrats.

Lowering taxes seems to be a pipe dream at this point. Wasting billions in Iraq is a guarantee of bankruptcy. It will be interesting to see whether the Republicans ever apologize for the decline of our economic stability. Voters should pay attention. Will we mature enough to quit using the national debt like a teenager with his new credit card?

Trusten A. Hart, Olympia

Sheriff's office isnot very responsive

On April 23, about 1:30 p.m., I broke down on a bad curve on the freeway.

While I was waiting for assistance, five Thurston County sheriff deputies passed by. Not one of them stopped to see whether I had a cell phone, had help on the way or was having a medical emergency.

The first excuse that comes to mind is "I was on a state highway and the county doesn't respond to situations on state highways." Really? How long does it take to make quick inquiry?

I called Sheriff Dan Kimball's office and asked to speak to him but it seems he is comfortable in his elected position and doesn't have to return phone calls. The feeling of serving the public carries over through the entire sheriff's office.

What happened to protect and serve?

Nicki Zimmaro, Elma

Is Olympia School Districtbeing honest with parents?

Are Olympia School District parents paying attention? Did you know that district officials knew of budget problems more than a year ago, but adopted a budget that INCREASED programs, FTE's and spending last year? That means they have to make more drastic cuts this year.

Had there been leadership last year, it would have softened the blow.

Did you know that OSD has increased the number of positions in the administrator's office even after they knew there would be a huge budget deficit? And, interestingly, none of the recent additions to administration are on the potential list of cuts?

At a recent budget meeting, NOBODY wanted to increase class sizes. However, Superintendent Bill Lahmann is reported saying that teacher layoffs are coming and class sizes are increasing. Is the OSD listening to us parents? We don't want larger class sizes!

Please make your voices known to the school board early and often. Come to every meeting and let them know you will not accept larger class sizes. Tell them to look first to the recently added administration positions. Tell them to delay adopting new curriculum. Tell them to trim elsewhere.

And why did we go through that exercise if Lahmann already knew that teachers were going to get cut. Was it just to make us feel good? I wonder if OSD is being honest with us parents.

David Christensen, Olympia

Sen. Obama showedgreat restraint

I am so relieved to see that Sen. Barack Obama recently attempted to squelch media-hungry Rev. Jeremiah Wright. It was obvious the reverend was merely after his 15 minutes of fame at the cost of a 20-year friendship.

The senator from Illinois showed great restraint and professionalism as he addressed the sensitive issue of a coat-tail riding former valued friend.

If race must be an issue in this presidential campaign, the reverend has certainly shown his true color by focusing on his own agenda and not what is right for our world, our country and our people.

Eric Andersen, Olympia