School bond proposal deserves a consideration

Much has been discussed on social media about next Tuesday’s public school bond proposal.
The district is seeking voter approval of a bond that will raise $35 million. The cost to homeowners will be an additional seven mills tacked onto to their property taxes for the next 30 years.
The district has an ambitious plan to modernize our aging school buildings, construct a brand-new three-story school, and expand the recreation department’s fitness building – just some of the many plans that the bond would fund.
Obviously, there has been pushback from some in the community who question the need and the scope of the project and, of course, the cost to homeowners.
It also doesn’t help that we are in the midst of a pandemic, and national recession, and massive unemployment.
On the other hand, is there ever a good time to ask voters to dig deep into their wallets?
The furor is understandable: this is truly a lousy time to ask voters to pass a bond issue.
But by investing in our public schools, we are likewise investing in the city’s future. Having a strong district pays off by an increase in home values.
Depending on the value of your house, the bond will cost an additional $400 to $800 a year.
At $800 a year, you’re looking at $66 a month.
We think that’s a small price to pay to ensure that we have a strong school district.
Yet, we can’t emphasize enough that many folks are hurting financially. We can feel their pain.
So, the least we can ask voters to do is approach this proposal with an open mind. Take some time to weigh your decision.
More importantly, get out and vote next Tuesday (Aug. 4), because there are some key positions that will be decided by Tuesday’s vote.
And remember, too, we are Hamtramckans, and we all have a stake in this community.
Posted July 31, 2020

4 Responses to School bond proposal deserves a consideration

  1. Poor Hamtramckian

    August 3, 2020 at 12:30 pm

    Vote no. They already have millions of dollars, this is just another lame attempt to tax property owners.

    35 million dollars for new air conditioners, what a joke.

    New schools don’t make the students.

  2. resident

    August 4, 2020 at 5:44 pm

    Residents are considering today. Verdict Will be known soon.

    -resident

  3. csercombe

    August 4, 2020 at 5:49 pm

    according to sources, not that won’t be soon. Counting of absentee ballots, which at this time there are nearly 5,000 of them, will take until 1 a.m. or so. Results for races that involve districts that include all of the county (the commissioner’s race) or parts of Detroit (the state rep race) will depend on when those votes outside of hamtramck are counted and reported. Who knows when that will be.

  4. resident

    August 6, 2020 at 4:45 pm

    What surprised this resident the most is that @Nasr campaigned against it. Never imagined he would be against the bond. His active opposition brought it down.

    -Resident

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