Voters must decide if proposal is affordable

Let me see if I understand the big picture surrounding our school board asking us if we want to increase our property taxes by $14.1 million.

Seventy percent of our country’s economists say we are in a recession, 30 percent say we are approaching one. Either way, the word recession appears in both positions.

A recession takes place when the buying public begins making measurable reductions in its spending, generally as a result of loss of jobs and lack of confidence in our country’s economy.

Keep in mind that 70 percent of the money that supports our national economy comes totally from what we spend on things we purchase.

When we spend less on the things we used to buy, or not buy at all, this leaves the maker of these products with the need to reduce its production. This is done by either reducing their employees’ work hours or laying some off.

The cycle goes on until a bottom is finally reached and slowly the situation begins to reverse itself. While this is happening, we must deal with inflation, causing a continuously rising cost of what we can’t do without.

It is in this climate our school board wants to increase property taxes by $14.1 million. Keep in mind that whether you own property or rent, you will pay one way or the other.

There are times in people’s lives where what is needed has to be balanced by what is affordable. Is this one of those times?

A decision of how to vote is highly personal, and I would urge everyone to make whatever effort is required and go vote.

RUSS BRODEUR

Sandpoint