The debate is multi-faceted. Many have expressed anger at school district officials. This is understandable but perhaps misguided. The results of the leeway vote have no effect on the makeup of the school board. If you want new leadership on the school board, then be sure to vote in board elections.
Nobody wants their taxes to increase. When we review our annual tax notice we see that we pay for cemeteries that we never intend to use, water in Spanish Valley that we don’t drink, and a host of other valid expenses; that’s the price one pays for being part of a community. What we pay for education we view as an investment, and there is no better investment for a community than providing strong and stable public schools.
There are claims that passing the leeway will cause higher prices for groceries and gas and result in higher unemployment. That has not happened in the 32 school districts that already have a leeway. Of the 13 counties in Utah with higher property tax rates than Grand County, 12 of them have lower unemployment rates than we do. We find it incredible that some are suggesting that City Market or Maverik will adjust their prices based on our leeway vote.
Ask any professional or corporation seeking to relocate, and you will hear that the strength of a school district is at or near the top of the list of important considerations. We seek to expand and diversify our economy in Grand County. We hope to attract businesses, and we dream of a full-fledged college in Moab. We’re building a new hospital and need to bring additional health care professionals to town. Whom do we expect to attract if we shortchange public education?
Good schools keep a community strong and vibrant. Public education has always been a cornerstone of American society and voting for the leeway is a vote in support of our future. Seldom have we been asked to make a more important decision.
—Paul and Betsy Henderson
Moab