SCHOOLS: Stick with this team

As a business and property owner, I strongly support our current conservative District 271 board of Trustees for their courage in trying to restrain spending and looking for ways to balance the budget while keeping the District whole. As a 271 Bus Driver for the past few years I appreciate that members of the Board have met with us many times to understand that we are one of the most efficient operations in Idaho. I have been told that this is the first Board to do that. Recently a couple of CEA (union) officials came to our office and told some drivers that what we need is 3 new Board members. I disagree. In Washington state where the Union is strong they have been laying off teachers and aides and privatizing rather than agreeing to slight changes in benefits. Out of concern for the kids I take to and from school each day the sustainable thing to do would be to adjust the benefits for the good of us all during these trying times.

After attending the 3 negotiations so far, each time it was asked of the CEA that if they would agree to the concept the Board would take Bus Privatization off the table. Tuesday night the CEA responded with “NO CHANGES” in health benefits. At least the PF incumbent candidates said they were endorsed by their Union and Balance North Idaho. It is obvious that the CEA wants “balance” by having it’s friends on each side of the bargaining table.

Please join me in voting for what is best for our community and against the Union insiders.

Vote Tuesday for Brent Regan, Ann Seddon, Bjorn Handeen. In PF for Glorie Ward and Carol Goodman.

JEFF TYLER

Coeur d’Alene