This letter is in response to Councilor Garry Krause's proposal for the city council to hold non-binding referendums on the school district's Long Range Facilities Plan (LRFP). This is a bad idea for many reasons.
Do we really want to set a precedent of the city council trying to preempt school district plans? Do we ask citizens to vote on city council plans that raise taxes?
Just as with the community, the city council was asked to be involved during the community planning sessions. I know that there are some frustrated community members, but does that justify trying to derail a process that was applauded as being exemplary and has the support of most Duluthians?
Duluth has been desperate for a long-range plan for its school district for as long as I can remember. We've rallied with heart and mind to develop plans three times in the last 10 years alone.
No plan has survived round one, each attempt leaving us battered and discouraged.
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This plan is the best to emerge from our district in two decades, and it will insure that our kids, and our grandkids, have facilities that are educationally adequate for years to come.
The city council should be elated, much like the chamber of commerce is.
Consider the economic stimulus that implementing this plan will have.
Almost all of the $293 million will end up going to local businesses, and the finished project will contribute to a vibrant community with appeal to young families and businesses as a place to relocate and call home.
Our schools will be something we can point to with pride.
Twenty-first century facilities and economic stimulus, together they are good news for hard times.
Robin Downs
MoveForwardDuluth
