So back in October I alerted readers that the School Board was in the process of organizing a capital improvement bond.  I endorsed the effort back then, and continue to do so today because – while I agree that taxes do suck – they make more sense then printing off stimulus checks.  More importantly, there’s an old saying that money is like manure: it’s no good to anyone until its spread around, and in this case the benefits of our district’s impending fiscal fertilizer are obvious.

WHAT THE BOND DOES

Raises property taxes by $0.75 per $1000 of assessed property to generate enough revenue to raise a $300 million bond that would immediately be put to work modernizing or updating some of our district’s oldest schools whilst concurrently addressing smaller projects like leaky roofs and worn playground equipment that – if neglected – could ultimately cost the district more in repairs.  The bond will also be used to implement more energy-efficient heating, cooling, lighting and ventilation systems which – in the long run – will save the tax-payer money.

BANG FOR BUCK AND JOBS

As Superintendent Jarvis pointed out, during times of economic decline Government often becomes the chief provider of jobs. With unemployment on the rise and the construction industry going into a slow decline, the School Board has a golden opportunity to put its tax dollars to work by reinvesting them back into the community from which they were gleaned. Simultaneously, as School Board president Jim Dugan pointed out, the decreasing demand for construction jobs in Pierce County will result in lower bids from willing contractors. EVERYBODY WINS

BUT WHY DO I HAVE TO PAY FOR IT

Because, contrary to what Harry Reid might say about us having a “voluntary tax system”, the truth of the matter is that a national crisis requires a national sacrifice.  More importantly, the quality of a community’s public school system is usually the single most important factor in said community’s financial success.  Good schools attract wealthy/entrepreneurial residents who provide jobs and generate tax revenue.  Bad schools encourage what used to be called “white-flight” (what I call “the middle-class mambo”) to more prosperous communities or a surge in private school enrollment.  This leads to an decline in property values (hurting the home-owners who depend on the equity of his/her home) and an influx of social cancers we in Tacoma need not be reminded of.

Naturally, tax exemptions are available for low-income homeowners, qualifying senior citizens and disabled persons.  Also, EVERYONE SHOULD BE CHALLENGING THEIR PROPERTY TAXES THIS YEAR. In 2007, roughly half of those who challenged their assessments through official appeals won reductions of about 10%. Many used the National Tax Payers Union’s “How To Fight Property Taxes” as a guide.[1]   Even though we are now subject to the tyranny of Dale Washam, we should all be challenging our property assessments given the current state of the economy.

VOTING – DIDN’T WE JUST DO THAT

Exactly, which is why I’m really concerned about low turn-out, especially considering that – unlike a school levy (thanks in part to The Melon and the WEA’s Simple Majority Campaign) – at least 60% of the voters must approve the bond for it to pass.  So vote, and vote yes.

HOW CAN I HELP

Call the Tacoma Education Association and tell them you wanna volunteer for change…again.

Personally, I find initiatives, bonds and levies a lot more satisfying to volunteer for than politicians.  It’s an opportunity to promote an idea, rather than merely an individual, and that’s what makes it such a powerful experience.

SO GET INVOLVED….especially if your an educator, student or parent.

This entry was posted on Saturday, February 21st, 2009 at 11:27 pm and is filed under Local News, Tacoma. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.