SCHOOLS: Yes, back the bond

I am 100 percent behind the upcoming bond for our Coeur d’Alene public schools because:

1. Air Quality: My sister-in-law, whom I never had the pleasure to meet, died of carbon monoxide poisoning in a hotel room. My daughter will be attending Canfield Middle School this coming year, and air quality issues are not something our kids and teachers should have to face every day. This needs to be remedied ASAP.

2. Safety: Things as comfortable as going to a movie theater are now cause for fear thanks to “The Joker” in Colorado. Schools with the administration area well beyond, and some even out of sight of, the school entry present enormous concern for our children and school staff’s safety. This needs to be remedied ASAP.

3. Economy: School districts are a huge factor in our local economic health. People who own businesses want to live where there is a great school district for their children — not where there are health and safety issues. Business taxes are essential. Retaining current businesses and attracting new businesses to Coeur d’Alene is vital for our economic growth and benefit. If the school district isn’t modernized and upgraded, I worry about the consequences to our local economy.

This bond will not increase taxes. I strongly encourage you to vote, and to vote YES on Aug. 28.

EDEN IRGENS

Coeur d’Alene