To the Editor,

The May sixth election day is rapidly approaching. In the past several weeks there has been much discussion, both verbal and written, concerning the School Bond issues. Everyone has the right to their own opinion, however, I feel some are acting on limited information rather than on the factual issues.

First, let me identify myself. My wife and I are both in our 80s and have been residents of Tecumseh for over 30 years. We have neither children nor grandchildren in the school system, although our youngest graduated from THS (Class of ’78). Like many seniors, we have no direct connection with the school system.

Both my wife and I come from families that have always supported their schools. Our grandparents and parents always thought that our children are our greatest asset, both for the families and for the community. Like our homes, schools require constant updating and improvements.

Many feel that the “timing” is wrong, and want to delay any project. History tells us that just a few years ago, we went to the polls to vote on a new High School to be located at the corner of Highway 50 and Rogers Highway. The cost was to be around twelve million and half of that was to be donated by a generous individual. For those of you who didn’t live here then…IT WAS VOTED DOWN. Some ten years later we did build the new High School at a cost of some Thirty-Three million without the outside help. From a financial standpoint, it is better to proceed now before costs increase once again.

There has been much discussion of the fact that whether we vote YES or NO, your tax mill rate will remain the same for the next eight years. It makes good business sense to approve the bond issues now and pay the same tax rate for an additional fourteen years. Delay will only result in higher costs later. A good school system and facilities attracts new residents and helps to maintain our property values. The school of choice provision makes it mandatory to maintain and improve our schools.

The school administrators have conducted many informational meetings. Attendance at these meetings has been minimal at best. Newspaper articles and mailings have outlined the two bond issues and the importance of their passage. After each election we “brag”: when perhaps 20 percent of the voters actually vote. Voting is not only a privilege, it is responsibility of each citizen. For those who can’t vote in person on May 6, absentee ballots are available at City Hall.

For the best interest for our city and for our schools… VOTE YES ON BOTH ISSUES ON MAY 6.

Jim Anderson
Tecumseh