Editor:
With the Española School District bond election coming up on Tuesday, May 19, we feel compelled to give the reasons why voters in the district should come out to vote against this bond issue at this time.
Home ownership in Rio Arriba County is higher than the state as a whole so we are all going to be affected if this bond issue passes. As we have been receiving our property valuations from the tax assessors office, those valuations have been increased at least seven percent over last year. Check out your valuation statement and do the math.
Los Alamos National Laboratory has been quietly downsizing employees, particularly with respects to subcontractors, leaving many Rio Arribans to scramble for survival.
For the first time since 1975, our local residents who are trying to enjoy their golden years in retirement will be forced to cut back as the White House and Congressional Budget Office have forecast there will be no cost of living adjustment in monthly Social Security benefits for 2010 and 2011.
Passage of the Española School District bond issue would be like kicking Rio Arribans when they are down and bring more homeowners to the brink of financial instability with even higher property taxes next year.
We propose giving the new superintendent time to settle in to establish a good foundation and get her bearings before any bond issue is proposed in the future. In addition, in the most recent stimulus bill, the Española School District received over $2 million. As taxpayers we have the right to know how and where this money is going to be spent before any bond issue is passed.
The public needs transparency with respects to fiscal accountability. We believe the current school bond election campaign is an ill conceived attempt to pull the wool over our eyes and your eyes during challenging economic times to railroad passage of the bond issue.
The last school bond issue was defeated by a narrow vote. Please let your voice be heard by joining us to defeat this school bond issue by an overwhelming vote. This will send a message back to the Española School Board to do their homework and come to grips with reality.
Ernesto Martinez
Richard Bock
Ernesto Martinez and Richard Bock recently served on the Rio Arriba County Planning & Zoning Board, as chairman and secretary, respectively.