Try and keep an open mind on LPOSD levy

In my letter to the editor on Jan. 15, I said “but to me it is about the numbers,” and it is.

So I went to Cedar Hills Church recently to listen, and try to have an open mind. And at first, I thought we were getting the old pea under the shell type of talk. There were all the reasons why we should pass the levy, of course, and I started to wonder if I was wasting my time. After all, it was a $10 million-plus levy replacing an $8 million-plus levy.

Then I asked questions: First of all what happened to the six cent sales tax that was supposed to give us relief? Secondly, what “other” on the tax roll for the school district and then the most important question … how can you have an $8-plus million levy at the time, then get a $10-plus million levy to replace it and tell me you aren’t going to raise my taxes?

The superintendent took the time to answer my questions and did not rush through them. He explained the “other” and also the six cents — if people don’t buy as much, there isn’t any big money in the Boise coffers. And then he went on to explain the most important one of how can you not raise taxes if you are asking for $2 million more?

So this is how I understand it — and I understand it enough to change my mind. You are paying the last of the old levy now and the plant levy year one. December 2009 you will be paying for the second and last year of the plant levy and the first of the supplemental levy small share. Which makes it the same as this year. Then in December 2010, no plant levy, and the only one left is the larger part of the new supplemental levy, making your taxes less in that year. Now re-read that and let it sink in and understand it.

So open your mind, understand the facts and vote responsibly. And don’t say no to it, because it will cost more money in taxes; that is not true. And for those of you who will tell me that you told me that, I am sorry. I want to hear the numbers. I don’t take anyone’s word for it, just because they said it was so.

And just for the record, thank you teachers, it was never about you.

CECELIA GORS

Kootenai