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444 months needed to pay off issue

To the editor:

In the year 2056, the Indian Creek Local School District bond will be paid off. After 37 years, or 444 monthly payments to pay for this bond, will the district be any better off?

I read several letters to the editor, Facebook posts and newspaper articles promoting the passage of the Indian Creek bond issue. The articles always are biased in favor of the passage. They are written including comments from the superintendent and the architectural firm hoping to get the contracts to build the schools. The one item missing from all of these pieces is the years it will take to pay off the bond.

In the April 15 Herald-Star editorial, they did reveal it will take 37 years, but it is buried in the next-to-last paragraph. Why is everyone afraid to state this fact? (“Voters should OK Indian Creek issue”) Why don’t they give an estimate of the increase per year for maintenance, new innovations, equipment, etc. that will be needed during the next 37 years? These additional expenses will be added monthly on top of the bond fee.

In her letter of April 8 (“Do the right thing in Indian Creek”), Sherri Williams states Ohio will pay 40 percent of the $63 million it will take to build the schools. This false information was printed to mislead the public, or the writer really doesn’t know what she’s talking about. All the state is giving is between $16 million and $18 million — and that depends on who’s writing the article — they can’t even agree on the correct amount that will be received, but they want us to trust them with all financial matters. The state’s contribution is 26 percent to 28 percent, a big difference.

In his letter of April 8 (“Indian Creek deserves support”), Jim Morgan quoted John F. Kennedy’s, “a rising tide lifts all boats.” I reply, raising taxes sinks senior citizens and neighborhoods. Just look around us.

Every supporter of the bond is fine with moving several baseball fields to new locations. They don’t mention where, or the cost of the move. But the football field will not be touched. The stadium area can support a new addition to the current school and thus eliminate the schoolroom trailers now in use. Why am I paying to support and maintain a stadium that is only in use six or seven times a year, and maybe for a few other events.

A direct question to the school board: Where is the money coming from for lawn signs, TV spots, brochures and other promotions supporting the bond? I hope it’s not coming from my tax dollars. If so, I want the same amount to purchase lawn signs, TV spots, brochures, etc., to express a contrary view. The public is waiting for a response.

Fiscal-minded seniors and concerned citizens understand the pressure for young families to vote for this issue. But consider this: During the next 37 years, these families will age to become fiscal-minded seniors and concerned citizens.

Jason Bias

Wintersville

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