Proposed 6.9 Mill Operating Levy, Lakewood Schools, May 4th

[Cherie Simpson]

Althought certainly not surprised, I was shocked to read the article in the Lakewood City Schools Report Card regarding this proposed levy. What are community leaders and School Board members thinking? In our own city, there are scores of people with no jobs, their unemployment is running out, they have no health insurance and they are losing their homes. More importantly, there are eldery people in our city who have long wondered how they will pay for food, medications and their property taxes.

For years, the answer to funding Lakewood City Schools has been raising property taxes and as a home owner, I am incensed. I agree it is a sad state of affairs when school programs have to be eliminated and cuts have to be made but these days, that's reality. Other communites recently voting against school levies are managing to do with what they have. Why should the Lakewood School City School districts be any different?

I've lived in Lakewood almost all my life and fully understand the value of a good school system. However, there are too many people living here who can vote to pass a levy without paying for it. There has to be a more equitable solution to school money problems. Here's just one suggestion I made the LAST time a school levy was placed on the ballot. My daughter lives in Chicago and if you drive a car, you are required to purchase a $75 City of Chicago sticker. If you have no sticker, your car is towed and you are fined. This practice certainly won't solve all problems but it's a start.

If there is anyone organizing a group to fight this levy, please feel free to contact me at cherie2770@cox.net. I doubt I'm the only home owner in Lakewood upset at the thought of having to pay for ANOTHER increase in my taxes. Thank you.