Our children are worth a yes vote on Feb. 7
As a lifelong resident of New Hampton, I support a yes vote on the school bond referendum on Feb. 7.I don’t think we should stick any more money into the 1913 building to try and make it acceptable and safe for our kids. Our tax dollars would be put to much better use on a new facility. The current proposal, that would take an average home assessed at $100,000 and increase the tax by $83.34 per year is very achievable. I think most of us would agree that our children and grandchildren are worth it.I have been fortunate to have grown up in New Hampton and even more fortunate that my wife and I have been able to raise our children in such a great place. Several, several years ago, this community and the surrounding communities stepped up to the plate and paid a few extra dollars so that, growing up, we had a safe and updated school to attend. I now feel it is our turn to see that the next generation has the same. Not only is a new facility needed, but it will help New Hampton progress forward and not stay stagnate. It will give a reason for our young people to want to come back to New Hampton and raise their families here. What a great thing that would be!I have heard many comments that the School Board, committee, and the superintendent are trying to build over and above what we really need. I have sat in on many meetings and know that this is not true. They have done their research, asked a lot of questions, and talked with several other school districts to give us a proposed school facility that best meets the needs of our students and the school district. Could we cut a lot of corners and build a cheaper facility? Probably. But I think New Hampton and the surrounding communities deserve better. Let’s make sure we do it right and build a school that fits our students’ needs and is a school we can all be proud of.Please attend one of the upcoming school facility meetings:Jan. 17 – NH Middle School Auditorium; 6 p.m. tours and 6:30 p.m. presentation.Jan. 20 – Schucky’s in Alta Vista; 6 p.m.Jan. 21 – Hideaway in Ionia; 11:30 a.m.Jan. 26 – NH Middle School Auditorium; 6 p.m. tours and 6:30 p.m. presentation.Feb, 2 – NH Middle School Auditorium; 6 p.m. tours and 6:30 p.m. presentation.Attend these meetings and get the facts and answers you need to make an informed decision.