Facts support Gurnee request

As members of the Citizens for District 56, the committee and myself realized that if we were going to ask the taxpayers to borrow $28.5 million, that we would have to educate voters as to what the need is. We chose the slogan “Vote Yes, still Pay Less.” Our opposition implies this is a lie. Their signs scream at voters.

There is not enough room on any sign to completely educate any voter. That is why when you read the entire sign, you see our web address www.voteyesd56.com [. This is where we make our case. We have also distributed fliers to make our case to voters that do not have web access. It is our feeling that voters are smart enough to go beyond the screaming and get the facts.

The truth is that the school board and the superintendent have done a lot of behind-the-scenes work to secure funds from other sources. Some of these funds will not be there after Dec. 31 of this year. These resources will be used to further defray the costs to taxpayers. They have a plan that reduces taxes in the short term and keeps taxes low in the long term. This is an example of smart government being good stewards of our tax dollars.

If we want to retain local control of our schools, then we as taxpayers and voters must take responsibility. Right now, we have a good plan. If we wait, we will be at the mercy of the situation at a time when it will be too late to act.

We can't just scream. We need to educate each other as to the facts. After looking at the facts, we believe Gurnee voters will see that the action to take is simple. Flip over the ballot and vote Yes for District 56 on Nov. 2.

David Schopf

Gurnee