Rich islanders were not bond’s downfall

I am not a rich newcomer, so John Sage’s letter spitting at such people for making the school bond fail, is apparently not aimed at me (“Prop. 1 vote represents community disconnect,” Feb. 17).

I am not a rich newcomer, so John Sage’s letter spitting at such people for making the school bond fail, is apparently not aimed at me (“Prop. 1 vote represents community disconnect,” Feb. 17). Though not a native, having lived here only 40 years, I, too, raised children — three of them — from birth on Vashon. They all attended Vashon schools. My granddaughter is enrolled in Chautauqua. I know what it’s like to both give and receive the benefits of community living, which, contrary to Mr. Sage, I believe to be alive and well.

The property taxes on my humble bit of the Rock rose approximately $700 this year. I am a retail cashier, stretching my dimes, not a retired CEO protecting her retirement, and this is why I voted “no.” According to the flyer included in my tax bill, 32.34 percent of my taxes already goes to local schools. That’s one-third, not including state institutions. I am giving, and I do care, but there are seams at the bottoms of my pockets and I have reached them. I believe a multitude of us on this island are in such a place.

The straw that clinched my vote was the vague description of how the money would be spent. After listing playing fields, track and gym, the statements amorphously stated, “upgrades on McMurray and Chautauqua.” The label on my corn chips is more defined than that.

I guess I feel that if I have to be creative with my limited budget, I expect the schools to do the same. Sage’s frustration should be pulled off the wealthy, and he should take aim at the 90 percent. I think it will be better aim.

 

— Debbie Butler