SCHOOLS: Consolidate districts, save money

Please write, call, or email government officials at all levels to cut costs. What can be done to cut costs? Give cost-cutting ideas; they have to eliminate excessive waste. What can this small 1.5 million population state do to cut costs?

One thing I don’t understand is why there are over 215 public school districts in Idaho; that sum is extremely excessive! I lived in Clark County, Nev. With a population of over three million and they have one public school district that functions well. And Washoe Co., Nev. has an area approximately the area of north Idaho panhandle, similar weather, over 100 public schools and they function well with one district! Having over 215 public school districts in Idaho seems an excessive overkill!

Also if people don’t have any children, grandchildren, etc. in public schools in this state, why should they pay tons towards public schools, and why can’t taxpayers let their school taxes go to other schools other than public schools if they wish? The state can cut costs a great deal if they want, without hurting the citizens much. Consolidate entities at all levels, in the city, county, state, and federal – why have so many varied fire protection districts. Consolidate. Why so many varied local police departments? Consolidate into a metropolitan police department. Cut costs improve services; have substations in each local town!

Close all state liquor stores; turn them over to private sectors for sales. Many entities can be privatized in all government – entities that could cut costs and possibly improve services!

What about a fair tax? Whatever happened to the idea of a fair tax? Why have a 63,000 page federal tax code? Cut it to 630 pages; as they say, simplicity is key to success.

Call or write your city, county, state, and federal officials and demand they cut taxes and costs. If they work for us, it’s our tax money.

MONTE HILLMAN

Rathdrum