[Winona Online Democracy] Some are proposing that citizens should not vote unless they own property. I propose that citizens not vote until they pass an IQ test. That measure, too, would have affected the referendum vote.
I am only partially facetious here. How can anyone underestimate the importance of WSU, SMU, and SE Tech to our community. If young people choose to come here to live as they attend school that gives them the right to vote...at the same time it supports hundreds of businesses and employs thousands. Students pay their way in this community. That they are a progressive voice is a blessing to us all...ah, to be young again! I understand that some people fundamentally like to complain...there is no solution to this eternal irritant. Some of our neighbors, though...especially many of our seniors, for whom money is very, very tight...are justifiably concerned about an additional hit on their budget in these times of high energy prices, high drug prices, etc. Two observations: First off...find out about the property tax circuit breaker...ask your tax advisor, the Senior Advocate's office, whomever. I have not heard anything concerte yet about how it will cushion the blow locally, but it may help. Secondly...additional education spending is an investment in the future and in ourselves. I may be old fashioned, but I'm a tree planter...even if I won't eat the fruit. In this case, however, I will at least get a nibble...the better educated our kids, the better jobs they'll have in 2030...and the bigger share of my future property taxes they'll pay when I retire. Winona's future depends on her willingness to invest in herself...that future is imperiled by short-sightedness. This is not the first time such sentiment has reared its head in our hometown. This should, however, be the time we recognize it for what it is...foolishness. Eating' seed corn may taste good...but it ain't no good for the farm. Bob Sebo Winona _______________________________________________ This message was posted to Winona Online Democracy All messages must be signed by the senders actual name. No commercial solicitations are allowed on this list. To manage your subscription or view the message archives, please visit http://mapnp.mnforum.org/mailman/listinfo/winona Any problems or suggestions can be directed to mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] If you want help on how to contact elected officials, go to the Contact page at http://www.winonaonlinedemocracy.org
