Letters

WVSD levy not about more taxes

How many things in life do you actually get a chance to do over if you get it wrong the first time? Citizens of West Valley School District will get that chance in May.

This levy is not about more taxes, but a replacement tax that will be less than those voted on in 2003. Although the state funds the majority of public education, about 20 percent of other vital school needs are supported by special levies that must be approved by a 60 percent “Yes” vote. Those funds support programs including upkeep of schools and grounds, educational assistants, counseling services, music, art and drama, and athletics and co-curricular programs.

With mail-in ballots, voting is now easier for registered voters. Until Monday, people not registered may go to the elections office in person at 1033 W. Gardner in Spokane and register to vote. The replacement levy for WV initially failed in a March 14 election. A revote by mail-in ballots will be taken on May 16. It’s our right and responsibility not only to vote, but to give the resounding “Yes” vote this levy deserves.

Terri Janke

Spokane

Levy failure would be disservice to children

Ballots will soon arrive in the mail giving West Valley voters a second chance to support our schools. What is amazing to me is that this support was not given the first time the maintenance and operation levy was proposed.

As a longtime resident and former teacher in this district, as well as a parent whose two children received a wonderful education at West Valley schools, I find it hard to understand how a community with a long history of strong support for schools failed to provide it on this occasion.

Failure of this levy would do a great disservice to the children in our community, and to all of us in the long run, who understand that a good education is a major determining factor in the overall health of our society.

A “Yes” vote does not represent a tax increase. It is a replacement levy providing funds for maintenance and operations of programs already in place, as well as decent class sizes and current transportation levels. Please support our community and our schools by mailing in your ballot with a “Yes” vote.

Cathy Wolfrum

Spokane Valley

Thank you for supporting MOW

Thanks to everyone for your support of the Spokane Valley Meals on Wheels March for Meals campaign, including the second annual rummage sale (those who donated items), the Meals on Wheels drivers who helped, and the community members whot came to the sale.

Through your generosity more than 900 meals will be provided to the elderly in our community, so no senior goes hungry. We look forward to seeing you in March 2007 for the third annual March for Meals activities, including the walk, dining out and rummage sale.

Virgina McMulkin

and Joan Kilian

Co-chairs of the SVMOW rummage sale