Higher threshold is our accountability

In the upcoming election we are asked to consider changing the state Constitution to allow a simple majority of voters to approve levies requested by their local schools. Please vote no for the following reasons:

1) A majority of the voters — instead of a majority of property owners — must approve this measure; there will be people who will vote that will not pay one cent of this tax. The higher threshold provides a fair means of offsetting this inequity.

2) School levies are meant to be a community’s way of funding transformational activities like new curriculum or important activities that are not directly connected with education like sports or maintenance. If approved, theLlegislature will find it easy to cut state funding and make the local taxpayers pay for normal educational items that are part of the constitutionally-mandated “paramount duty.” The ability of districts to do “quality of instruction” projects will fast disappear.

3) This change does not only apply just to Maintenance and Operations levies that now are so vital to a school’s well-being, but also to capital levies (not bonds), transportation and technology levies — which voters have historically had harder times supporting.

Most districts on the west side of the state pass their Maintenance and Operations levy now, so local voters will not see any benefit.

Finally, the higher threshold serves as the taxpayer’s final measure of accountability for good stewardship of our schools.

Voting no will not harm our students but will force the people who represent us to buckle down and do a proper job of supporting the hard working people who provide good educational opportunities for our students.

Dennis Wick

Snohomish

Talk to us

> Give us your news tips.

> Send us a letter to the editor.

> More Herald contact information.

More in Opinion

toon
Editorial cartoons for Tuesday, Feb. 11

A sketchy look at the news of the day.… Continue reading

CNA Nina Prigodich, right, goes through restorative exercises with long term care patient Betty Long, 86, at Nightingale's View Ridge Care Center on Friday, Feb. 10, 2023 in Everett, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Editorial: Boost state Medicaid funding for long-term care

With more in need of skilled nursing and assisted-living services, funding must keep up to retain staff.

Sentencing reforms more complicated than column described

I read Todd Welch’s Jan. 29 column. He is certainly entitled to… Continue reading

President Trump running nation like his failed businesses

We’ve seen it before; President Trump will do or say anything to… Continue reading

Intent of Trump’s nominees is to subvert good government

It is clear that Donald Trump has something specific in mind with… Continue reading

Comment: Musk’s USAID shutdown an attack on most vulnerable

Even promises of ‘waivers’ are falling short and allowing medical efforts to dry up, endangering millions.

Comment: Real dangers loom with Trump’s incoherent trade policy

Even if Trump could settle on a justification for his tariffs, the results could leave the country far. weaker.

bar graph, pie chart and diagrams isolated on white, 3d illustration
Editorial: Don’t let state’s budget numbers intimidate you

With budget discussions starting soon, a new website explains the basics of state’s budget crisis.

Curtains act as doors for a handful of classrooms at Glenwood Elementary on Monday, Sept. 9, 2024 in Lake Stevens, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Editorial: Schools’ building needs point to election reform

Construction funding requests in Arlington and Lake Stevens show need for a change to bond elections.

FILE- In this Nov. 14, 2017, file photo Jaìme Ceja operates a forklift while loading boxes of Red Delicious apples on to a trailer during his shift in an orchard in Tieton, Wash. Cherry and apple growers in Washington state are worried their exports to China will be hurt by a trade war that escalated on Monday when that country raised import duties on a $3 billion list of products. (Shawn Gust/Yakima Herald-Republic via AP, File)
Editorial: Trade war would harm state’s consumers, jobs

Trump’s threat of tariffs to win non-trade concessions complicates talks, says a state trade advocate.

toon
Editorial cartoons for Monday, Feb. 10

A sketchy look at the news of the day.… Continue reading

Comment: Trump can go only as far as the courts will allow

Most of Trump’s executive orders are likely to face court challenges, setting the limits of presidential power.

Support local journalism

If you value local news, make a gift now to support the trusted journalism you get in The Daily Herald. Donations processed in this system are not tax deductible.