Civil debate and disagreement is a healthy thing.
I enjoy friendship and relationships with MANY people on both sides of many issues. Where I part company (whether I agree or disagree with their position on an issue) is when someone becomes UN-civil in presenting their arguments. Val Simpson is someone for whom I have much respect and someone who has the unshakable ability to present civil discourse. Her support in favor of the Rapid City School Bond issue is deserving of hearing:
“My Journey to YES
Yes. Two years ago when I raised my hand to volunteer for the RC Area Schools Facilities Task Force, I had no idea where it would lead. My family and I considered ourselves part of the “Right.” We have worked on conservative campaigns and issues in Pennington County for decades.
Our kids were nearly done with their K-12 education, half of which was spent in private Christian schools. As a product of RC’s public schools and a life-long resident of community, I wanted to learn more about public education instead of just taking the word of others. I wanted to lend an outsider’s conservative perspective and critical thinking into the discussion. I wanted to help craft a solution. What I saw and what I learned through that experience lead me to taking a very public YES role on the upcoming school bond election.
Here’s why, boiled down – It’s the right thing to do.
Yes, here is a Republican who doesn’t want to pay unnecessary taxes. That is NOT what this bond is. For us, it’s a $250/year investment in our kids, in our schools and in the community we call home. We are fortunate to enjoy the 49th lowest overall tax burden of any state. It’s not 1950 anymore, and our future depends on us being willing to move to the next century. Nothing worth doing is ever free.
Among our core beliefs as Christians is taking care of our neighbors. Private education isn’t an option for all families. What happens if we all abandon public education, tear it down, refuse to fund it? The end result is not pretty.
After two years, I am firm in my conclusions: The need is real. The plan is solid. The time is now. Yes, there have been lots of questions, aptly posed. There are also answers, if you are willing to hear them.
I have been asked what I gain personally from my involvement in this campaign? The same thing I believe we ALL have to gain – adequate healthcare, an environment that appropriately values the important work of educators and public education, and a thriving community that someday, my kids will be able to return home to, so they can live, work and raise their families here like we have been blessed to do.
Please evaluate the facts for yourself at www.voteyes4rsc.com and www.rcasfuture.org and join us in voting YES for Rapid City on Feb. 25.”
Val Simpson
Co-Chair, Vote Yes for RC Schools
Thank you Val Simpson for your concern and your service to the community.
*** Gordon Howie *** is an author and CEO of Life and Liberty Media
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“It’s not about right or left, it’s about Right or Wrong.”
With all due respect Mrs. Simpson, any “investment” in buildings gets us buildings. If the goal of this bond Issue is to attract the inteligencia from afar, mere buildings will not get it done. Those folks may gaze at your new buildings but it’s the quality of education that they will find attractive, and rightfully so.
What if the RCAS Board spent as much time and energy dealing with the real problem that our children are failing first? Buildings do not educate kids. Good curricula, good teachers, good discipline and invested parents do.
Most of us who oppose this bond Issue accept the fact that some repairs, remediation and possibly even some new construction may be necessary. But what we are being “sold” on is to give more money for buildings to the same folks that neglected the buildings we have. Somehow your “investment” will make the test scores better?
Proponents have told us that they were angry at the people for not clamoring to give more taxes. They have also told us that it’s a small amount of new taxes. But for many on fixed income it’s the difference between keeping their homes or being forced out. Perhaps that’s an acceptable alternative for you but not for those who face that choice.
I will vote against your investment because it is too large (the largest in South Dakota history) and too ambitious while not addressing the learning problems. It only addresses the brick and mortar problems. Invest in the learning problems and ask the people to finance the repair of one or two buildings and you will have taken appropriate steps toward your goal.