Let's make do

“Not now.” “We’ll make do.”

These were phrases that I often heard from my parents, who were survivors of the Great Depression, while growing up. What were the important lessons being taught? Delay gratification, budget your money, be judicious when incurring debt. These are lessons that many of us, including myself on occasion, seem to have forgotten as time has passed and we have experienced relative prosperity.

On Aug. 4, our county is asking us to approve a $6.6 million levy for a new juvenile detention facility.

Is this the time for more debt? Unemployment in the county is frighteningly high. In addition, many have had to take significant cuts in pay and benefits to keep the jobs they have.

Small businesses and self-employed are struggling to survive in this tenuous economy. Foreclosures are at an all time high (just look at the legal notices in this paper).

On the other side, our county budget — and our property taxes — have more than doubled in the last 10 years, we are still paying for the school facilities levy, and the second “larger”year of the school supplemental levy is yet to hit.

To burden homeowners and businesses with additional taxes and debt at this time is, in my opinion, irresponsible.

Do we need a new juvenile facility? Probably. But not now. For now, let’s make do. And however you feel about this issue, please take the time to vote on Aug. 4.

KEITH CONGLETON

Sandpoint