SCHOOLS: Vote for levy

On March 8 the Republicans are holding their presidential primary election, a closed primary for registered Republicans only.

As has been well advertised lately, Democrats are encouraged to participate in their own presidential selection process, the Caucus. However, this emphasis has obscured the fact that there are two school levy elections being held at the same time as the Republican primary.

Registered Democrats, Independents, and others who show up at the polls in the Lakeland or Kellogg school districts will be offered a separate ballot on which to vote for their respective school levies.

I urge all those non-Republican voters in the Lakeland and Kellogg school districts to get out to vote for their school levies.

Due to the chronic underfunding of schools for many years, school districts here and throughout Idaho have been forced to rely increasingly on their local patrons through property taxes.

The Lakeland School District, for example, funds approximately 22 percent of its budget through levies. Your single vote may make the difference whether or not your school district must cut costs in critical areas and weaken your child’s or grandchild’s chances for a quality education.

Democrats in Lakeland and Kellogg school districts: Go vote on March 8. Voting for the levy will not disqualify you to participate in the Democratic caucus.

PAULA NEILS

Chair, Kootenai County Democrats

Hauser