Lakewood Observer Board Backs School Levy - VOTE YES!

[Jim O'Bryan]

The entire Lakewood Observer Advisory Board is backing this school levy.

The over riding reason is that we all have seen first hand what Lakewood's dedication
to our schools has done, and we really need to see this continue.

Lakewood has become known for our civic intelligence, with our new schools and library,
and that is a trend we feel this city needs to maintain.

We are also aware of the connection between good schools and property values, and in
this time of uncertainty in the region we need to underline our commitment.

The LO Board would like to encourage everyone to vote yes.




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[marklingm]

Thank you!

[Jim O'Bryan]

The Lakewood Observer Advisory Board has always felt that as a community run paper the Lakewood Observer should not take stances on politicians or issues, as they all apply differently to each of our lives. However, this is not true of the Lakewood City Schools and the 2010 levy. For only the second time since being formed, we have decided to come out in support of a levy. We urge you to vote "Yes" on issue 6, May 4.

Lakewood has always supported their schools, and education, in a variety of ways, including levies and other ballot issues. For example, Lakewood recently reaffirmed their commitment to the Lakewood Public Library and we have all watched as the Main Library on Detroit Ave was transformed into a top class facility reflective of the programming and access to knowledge the Lakewood Public Library system as a whole offers to the community.

The teachers and staff of Lakewood City Schools have proven to our community that they provide an excellent education for our children. They have earned the trust of the community by offering the youth of Lakewood an excellent learning environment with the help of the last operating levy in 2002. The district promised to make that money stretch three years and instead we have enjoyed eight years without an operating levy.

They have not sat idle while the economy struggled. Cuts of more than $4 million in the last year alone show that they understand that belt tightening is a fact of everyone's life and the Schools are no exception. They have promised to continue to trim expenses even with the passage of Issue 6.

To back down from this community's long standing commitment to the Schools now would be taking a step backward after having enjoyed such great leaps forward. The negative impact on students would be felt for many years to come.

This is a critical time for school districts across the state. With the passage of Issue 6, Lakewood will be positioned to come out of this economic downturn in a stronger place than communities who fail to support their districts. It is a chance for Lakewood to show how it rises above so many other communities with its dedication to education. We know a city's commitment to education and learning is crucial to its success. We've all worked so hard to make Lakewood attractive to families and businesses. Let's keep it that way and work to make it even better. Issue 6 is a critical step in doing this. We know that strong schools build strong cities; that is why the Lakewood Observer urges all Lakewood citizens to vote for Issue 6 on May 4.

For more information, visit http://www.lakewoodschildren.org.

[Jim O'Bryan]

From everyone here at the Lakewood Observer.

Thank you.