LEVY: Bash a hole, vote 'yes'

In 1948, Jose Figueres, the president of Costa Rica at that time, took an unheard of step. He took a sledgehammer and bashed a hole in the stone wall of the national military headquarters, renouncing the country’s armed forces. He declared that the money previously used for the military would now be used for education, health care and environmental protection. He symbolized this move by handing a pair of keys to the head of education. Because of that decision, Costa Rica now stands separate from its Central American neighbors. They are educated, healthy and booming with ecotourism — all because one leader had the foresight to value education.

We, too, must have the same foresight as President Figueres as we approach the upcoming school levy. Putting money toward education is not an option if we wish to have a successful and thriving community. It is the stepping-stone for opportunity, growth, critical thinking and success in the 21st century. My hope is that the people of Coeur d’Alene, whether parents of children in the district or not, would see the far-reaching benefits and lasting legacy that education provides. We all can play a part of bettering our community by voting YES on the March 10 levy.

KRISTA GILBERT

Hayden