OPINION: Levy chat

The proposal for a new levy in Coeur d'Alene has caused quite a stir, given that a similar proposal was defeated only a few months ago. The levy is intended to raise funds for education, and while this is an admirable goal, there are reasons why it should be defeated again.

Passing the levy would place a burden on taxpayers. Many families and individuals in the community are already struggling to make ends meet, and an increase in property taxes, no matter how small, will only add to their financial burden. While supporters of the levy argue that the increase in property taxes will only be minimal, it is important to remember that every dollar counts, especially during these difficult economic times. Therefore, it is important to carefully consider the financial impact of the levy on the community before making a decision.

Also, there is a lack of accountability on the part of the school district. Many members of the community are skeptical about how the funds will be used and whether they will be used to improve the quality of education or wasted on unnecessary expenses. The district's lack of transparency and accountability is a major concern and cannot be ignored.

One of the most significant issues with the proposed levy is the way in which it has been presented to the public. Superintendent Shon Hocker's reaction to those who opposed the levy was excessive, and his comments were both divisive and unhelpful. Calling those who opposed the levy "anti-education" and "mean-spirited" only served to create further divisions within the community. This kind of name-calling is not conducive to a constructive conversation, and it is not the way to win people over to your cause. Instead of trying to understand the concerns of those who opposed the levy, Hocker resorted to name-calling and labeling, which is not productive.

Another issue with the proposed levy is the fact that Idaho's spending per student is already above the national average when considered as a percentage of household income. The median household income in Idaho is around $57,000 per year, and the state spends around $8,000 per student on education. This means that Idaho spends approximately 14% of the median household income on education, compared to the national average of around 12%. While it is true that education is vital, it is not the only essential service that needs funding. There are other important areas that need to be prioritized, such as healthcare, infrastructure, and public safety. Asking taxpayers to pay more when the state is already spending more than the national average on education is not reasonable.

Furthermore, many families are still struggling to make ends meet, especially after the pandemic. Many have lost jobs or seen a reduction in their income, and it is not fair to ask them to pay more taxes for education. The burden of increased taxes should not fall entirely on the taxpayers, but also on the school district, which needs to reassess its spending priorities. It is essential to hold the district accountable for its budgeting and spending decisions before asking for additional funds.

It is also worth noting that the defeat of the levy in March 2023 was a clear indication that the residents of Coeur d'Alene Idaho were not in favor of increasing taxes for education. It is concerning that the levy is being proposed again so soon after its defeat. If the district wants to win the support of the community, it needs to engage in a constructive dialogue with the public, listen to their concerns, and address them.

In conclusion, the proposed levy in Coeur d'Alene Idaho should be defeated again in May. The state is already spending more than the national average on education, and taxpayers should not be asked to pay more until the district reassesses its spending priorities. Name-calling and labeling those who oppose the levy are not productive, and the district needs to engage in constructive dialogue with the community. The defeat of the levy in March 2023 was a clear indication that the residents of Coeur d'Alene Idaho were not in favor of increasing taxes for education, and the district needs to take that into account. Ultimately, the district needs to be accountable for its budgeting and spending decisions and ensure that it is making the most efficient use of its resources and taxpayer money.

The above essay was written in less than two minutes by a machine, Chat GPT4, in response to the following request: “In May voters in Coeur d'Alene Idaho will be asked to pass a new levy. A similar levy was defeated in March 2023. Write a 750 word opinion article about why it should be defeated again. Consider comments made by school officials and school spending as a percentage of household income.”

When I made the same request a few minutes later I got a similar but differently worded answer, as if I was making the request to a different entity.

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is about to change everything. We need to completely rethink our 19th century education system, and we need to do it NOW.

It’s just common sense.

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Brent Regan is chairman of the Kootenai County Republican Central Committee.