[Winona Online Democracy]
This is a belated note on the "Learning Levy Operating Referendum." Since the referendum and its results will be with us for a long time, however, maybe nothing on the subject is really dated.
In general, lower income areas were more opposed to the levy than higher income areas. Within Winona, the seven precincts that supported the levy were either fairly affluent or within district boundaries of schools that could be closed during a budgetary meltdown. Even in these friendly areas, however, support was not very high: 53 percent "yes" to 47 percent "no" as compared to 48 percent "yes" to 52 percent "no" for the city of Winona as a whole (rounded percentages). Regional attitudes played a significant part also in the opposition, although they may to some extent be mixed with issues of wealth. Moving away from the city of Winona, opposition rose. In Goodview, levy support was 41 percent for, 59 percent against, with both precincts opposed. In the rural areas outside Winona and Goodview, the referendum was overwhelmingly defeated, with 33 percent for and 67 percent against. (To my surprise, even the City of Rollingstone, which conceivably had a strong stake in the success of the referendum, voted in opposition. Can anyone speculate on the reason?)
With regard to Kathy's question on lower levies for less affluent people, several plans for redistribution within individual localities exist throughout the United States, and to some extent the problem is addressed in Minnesota-at least for people with low incomes but high value property-with the circuit-breaker refund plan. But any serious attempt to redistribute through property tax shifting within counties would have to come from the state level and would not likely meet Republican or Democratic (or citizen) approval. In any case, the opposition to the levy in this area clearly involves more than relative home value, and the overall problem of district needs lies with the cut in state allocations. As I have noted earlier, I doubt if the situation will change very soon.
Scott's comment on the readability of information is on the mark. Good information should be short, clear, and direct. Even the best of arguments (and I feel the district had very good ones) can be destroyed by faults in communication with the public, The overall financial problems may eclipse the value of any public relations techniques, but the district should concentrate on good communications with its several publics. Different groups need different messages, and messages require variable delivery.
Roy Nasstrom
----- Original Message -----
From: "Scott Lowery" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> To: <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> Sent: Sunday, November 14, 2004 8:57 PM Subject: [Winona] Re: Now What?
[Winona Online Democracy]
Responding to Kathy's question below, I have talked with several referendum
supporters who were surprised by the mailings sent out...lots of
college-level vocabulary, a small font, densely packed. The other thought I
hear is that it simply takes more time than was available. Those not
already in "the choir" probably need to hear the reasons for a YES vote
several times, in different ways and from different people. Was there time
to make sure that happened?
I have a question, which will probably highlight my ignorance when it comes
to school funding. Is it possible to structure a levy in some way so that
those on fixed incomes are not affected by the property tax increase? Or
are there any other, less regressive taxing options available to school
districts?What do others think are ways to more effectively get a factual message to a broader group of voters? I guess I could accept a NO outcome easier if I was certain that voters had the facts vs just hearing fear-based rumors.
Kathy
Scott Lowery
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