From George Tischler

Monroe

To the Editor:

My wife and I enjoyed the Letter to the Editor published September 10, 2022 by Dan Mulder concerning the amount of money the school district is seeking in light of the current economic state of the nation and uncertainty of inflation, decreased stock values, rising loan rates, etc. 

There are several thoughts I would like to share in regards to our decision-making process prior to entering the voter booth. First, the Monroe population has decreased by 2.9% since the 2000 census. Second, this is a Mid Term election which historically has only a 40% or less turnout. Third, Monroe 2020 median income was $51, 996; average Monroe teacher salary was $69,313. Fourth, not only property owners will see an increase in their tax statements; if you’re a renter, your landlord will pass his tax increase on to you. There is no free lunch. 

My dad taught us kids that” Knowledge is Power” this has served me well in making decisions in my life; especially when I know that Monroe is not in a growth pattern and student enrollment will be declining in the coming years. Data available on line shows a 95% graduation rate but only 50% reading comprehension in Monroe students. Our goal as a community should be to have the best educated students graduating with above average skills in all facets to be able to handle the challenges they will face. 

So, as Paul Harvey (famous radio broadcaster) would have said in his “The Rest of the Story” broadcast; will you ponder the real facts concerning this referendum, can you afford more tax increases, will you let only 40% of Monroe voters decide crucial items that will affect you for many years? Will you vote?? Hopefully so and it would be wonderful to see a 60-70% turnout.