http://disqus.com/by/bsmom/enSat, 21 Mar 2009 16:13:26 -0000http://www.vashonbeachcomber.com/news/41093254.html#comment-7403256<p>Gar, the campaign itself did not cost the taxpayers a dime. It was funded by numerous private donations from community members. Placing the issue on the ballot with King County does cost and now we will have to have the cost again. I am sorry I don't know that exact amount. Re: the off island students - this issue is getting old. Of course they are not contributing to the tax base (unless they have a second home or business here)....they are contibuting to the tax base where they live and not receiving the school benefits there. The same could be said for Vashon parents who home school or send their kids to private schools. Many of them still supported the bond. Would you also place renters in this catagory? Not every child attending our schools lives in a home that is owned by their parents. Lastly, the off island students produce a net gain in income for our district - they do not lose money on them. They also provide the critical mass needed to provide a more rounded education , such as more AP course, electives etc. My understanding is that without these kids, you would also see 3 teachers lose their jobs. </p>bsmomSat, 21 Mar 2009 16:13:26 -0000http://www.vashonbeachcomber.com/news/41093254.html#comment-7176032<p>Vashon is not first and foremsot a retirement community. Look around you...next time you check out at the grocery store, if you ever require a fire or EMT response, if you look at the donor lists for the Senior Center and Vashon Community Care Center you would realize that we are all in this together and need to support the community as a whole. Imagine this community without younger generations...after a while it would die on the vine. During the campaign there was a letter to the editor suggesting that it might be better for everyone if families with young kids just moved elsewhere. I couldn't figure out if it was a brilliant piece of parody or if the person was serious....looks like there are some here who agree with that point of view. If anyone expressed the same level of prejudice you seem to have towards families and kids towards senior citizens, they would be roundly criticized and accused of ageism. </p>bsmomFri, 13 Mar 2009 15:18:05 -0000