Vote 'yes' on levy for a positive outcome

As the May 20 LPOSD plant facilities levy vote draws near, I like many, have enjoyed the letters of area residents. Some display well-conceived, logical reasoning of the issues (e.g. Scott Dunn), others an astonishing and quite possibly brilliant candor (Duke Diercks, anyone?), and still others choose to rely on decades-old mantras utilizing fear tactics that leave you wondering what these area residents do stand for other than limited personal interests and recreational activities.

The breadth and depth of the topics they stand against has been made remarkably clear. Thankfully, most Bonner County residents are beginning to see their way through this failed and extremely limited vision (or lack thereof) as evidenced by the groundswell of local support for the upcoming levy.

As we consider the issues before us a few different viewpoints come to mind, and many people seem to be considering why we need the levy. Anyone who relies on equipment of any sort realizes that routine maintenance isn’t optional. Those who put off necessary shop time for machinery jeopardize not only the lifespan of the machine but quite possibly their livelihood in the process.

As I was raised in a farming community many years ago, this concept did not have to be explained twice. Ask any farmer their opinion today and I’ll guarantee their answer hasn’t changed in the last 40 years. Some would have us believe that by skipping the necessary maintenance of our school district’s facilities, we are incurring no tangible costs and that future bids are bound to stay the same or even decrease. Experience and common sense tell us that this is misleading at best.

Please help us carry out our responsibilities to those who came before us by voting “yes” on May 20 for the LPOSD plant facilities levy.

CARLA JOHNSON

Sandpoint