Issue 11 really is ‘For us all,’ show your support on May 2
letter to the editor
Issue 11 really is ‘For us all,’ show your support on May 2
To the Editor:
After reviewing the letters to the editor submitted by some senior residents opposed to Issue 11 in this week’s North Royalton Post, I could not help but to read between the lines. While they cite several manufactured non-facts and misguided opinions about the bond issue, what they are really expressing to us is this: “My kids have already received their educations, so to heck with the needs of everyone else in the community.” They each revel in their own blissful ignorance and delusional views of the situation in order to self-justify their opposition to the bond.
The definition of a community is: “a feeling of fellowship with others, as a result of sharing common attitudes, interests and goals.” Obviously, these folks do not share interest in the welfare, strength and future of our community, nor do they recognize the value in being part of something greater than the pursuit of their own self-interests. For those citizens who would prefer to make their decision based upon rationality and facts, let’s inject a few into the discussion: This is not a gold plating of our local schools. The proposed repairs and upgrades were derived from state inspectors’ reports, which identified the minimum requirements to bring our schools into compliance with acceptable state standards. Our school system was required, by law, to put the contract out for public bid and select the lowest bid from a qualified participant. This “massive” tax increase that is continually referred to by Issue 11 detractors amounts to exactly $9.04 a month per $100,000 of home value. Basically, the price of a modest lunch at one of our local dining establishments (before adding the tip). This is what is causing the weeping and gnashing of teeth? You must be kidding.
By law, none of these funds will be allocated to salaries or administration. My wife was a realtor for a preeminent agency in northeast Ohio, and I can tell you with certainty that the local school system is absolutely one of the most important factors for potential buyers when considering a move to a new community. Feel free to compare school systems and property values for any of our neighboring communities. You will quickly see that there is a direct correlation between school system ratings and property values. It is a simple equation: people of means move into communities with better schools, which contributes to stronger tax bases, better city services and less crime.
Thank you to Mayor Stefanik for his letter in support of Issue11. It is reassuring to know that the leader of our city understands what this means for the future our community and has the confidence to stand behind it. There are times in our lives when we make choices or take actions, not for personal reward or self-gratification, but because it is the right thing to do for the greater good. Make no mistake, whether you currently have kids attending school or not, Issue 11 is “For us all.” For real facts, visit www.northroyaltonsd.org. Vote “yes” on Issue 11.
Chris Dottavio
North Royalton
To the Editor:
After reviewing the letters to the editor submitted by some senior residents opposed to Issue 11 in this week’s North Royalton Post, I could not help but to read between the lines. While they cite several manufactured non-facts and misguided opinions about the bond issue, what they are really expressing to us is this: “My kids have already received their educations, so to heck with the needs of everyone else in the community.” They each revel in their own blissful ignorance and delusional views of the situation in order to self-justify their opposition to the bond.
The definition of a community is: “a feeling of fellowship with others, as a result of sharing common attitudes, interests and goals.” Obviously, these folks do not share interest in the welfare, strength and future of our community, nor do they recognize the value in being part of something greater than the pursuit of their own self-interests. For those citizens who would prefer to make their decision based upon rationality and facts, let’s inject a few into the discussion: This is not a gold plating of our local schools. The proposed repairs and upgrades were derived from state inspectors’ reports, which identified the minimum requirements to bring our schools into compliance with acceptable state standards. Our school system was required, by law, to put the contract out for public bid and select the lowest bid from a qualified participant. This “massive” tax increase that is continually referred to by Issue 11 detractors amounts to exactly $9.04 a month per $100,000 of home value. Basically, the price of a modest lunch at one of our local dining establishments (before adding the tip). This is what is causing the weeping and gnashing of teeth? You must be kidding.
By law, none of these funds will be allocated to salaries or administration. My wife was a realtor for a preeminent agency in northeast Ohio, and I can tell you with certainty that the local school system is absolutely one of the most important factors for potential buyers when considering a move to a new community. Feel free to compare school systems and property values for any of our neighboring communities. You will quickly see that there is a direct correlation between school system ratings and property values. It is a simple equation: people of means move into communities with better schools, which contributes to stronger tax bases, better city services and less crime.
Thank you to Mayor Stefanik for his letter in support of Issue11. It is reassuring to know that the leader of our city understands what this means for the future our community and has the confidence to stand behind it. There are times in our lives when we make choices or take actions, not for personal reward or self-gratification, but because it is the right thing to do for the greater good. Make no mistake, whether you currently have kids attending school or not, Issue 11 is “For us all.” For real facts, visit www.northroyaltonsd.org. Vote “yes” on Issue 11.
Chris Dottavio
North Royalton
