Too few details on Lake Park pool vote

I’m voting no for the Lake Park High School District 108 pool referendum. Here are my reasons:

The people who have decided to place this referendum on the ballot have completely failed to engage the taxpayers — that’s those of us who are to pay for this plan. I try to be very attuned to local and national politics. I have not seen or heard from anyone supporting this plan, allowing me to get my questions answered.

My concerns and questions are these: Is there something in the current budget that can be eliminated or the cost lowered to make my tax bill neutral if this referendum is passed? What are the costs going forward to maintain the new pool on a long-term basis? How many new employees will be hired, that we will have to pay for their salary and pensions? Will there be any new taxes coming from the local park districts because of this pool? What will the costs be to use the pool as a taxpayer in the park district?

A national figure once said, “We need to pass this bill to find out what’s in it.” That bill is/was a disaster that a majority of people still don’t want. We don’t need a local taxing body doing this to us, too!

I’m perplexed as to why the community has not been informed or given information about this referendum. Lake Park High School could use its own pool and facilities. The community would be better served, too. Why, then, is this initiative so secret? Until I can get answers to my questions, I’m voting no for this new tax. My advice to those working for this referendum is to take your plan to those of us who will be paying the bill. Let us make an informed decision.

Ty Cobb

Medinah