ACHTUNG: This is not a “fair and balanced” story. It is an editorial by the editor.
In just a few days there will be an election for residents who live in the Wayland Union School District, the City of Wayland and the Martin School District.
Yes, voters will go to the polls from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 7. The Wayland school district is seeking approval for a $19.25 million bond project. Four candidates are seeking election to three seats on the Wayland City Council for two-year terms. Martin school district is asking for renewal of an 18-mill levy for businesses and second residences.
Wayland Union Schools’ bond proposal
I’ve already endorsed this proposal earlier this year and I endorse it again. I opposed the $55 million request last May because it asked for too much and was just too extensive and expensive in scope.
However, the Wayland Board of Education, almost immediately after the two bond proposals defeat, changed gears and pared down the request to just what is necessary. This one calls for building an addition to the Middle School to accommodate sixth-graders and alleviate classroom space pressure in the lower elementaries.
The bond calls for repairs and renovations for the 76-year-old Pine Street Elementary, which will be home to all fourth- and fifth-graders. Then it promises to eliminate the horribly deficient tennis courts and replace them with one 12-court facility that will open up more parking for football games and special events.
Taxpayers will not have to see an increase in their bill. The millage rate will be the same. The length of the levy is the only factor that will increase.
There is no question Wayland’s school population continues to grow, so that sixth-grade addition is essential. And it provides for new rules in which sixth-graders can compete in athletics and take part in music and arts programs.
Another plus is that the aging, but still highly functional and historic Pine Street building will remain open rather than be abandoned.
Wayland City Council
Calling this race is difficult and unfair. I have very little knowledge about Sheryl Hamilton, though I understand she served on the City Council from 2005 to 2011.
My problem is that I regard incumbents Jennifer Antel, Lisa Banas and Rick Mathis as the strongest three members on the council. I’ve had issues with Ms. Antel, but her commitment and intelligence is above reproach. Ms. Banas provide city government with plenty of financial savvy because of her experience in the banking industry. And Mr. Mathis has been a solid performer, and his willingness to roll up his sleeves on behalf of the community admirable.
Please note the city has climbed out of a difficult financial situation from nearly a decade ago and now is in reasonably good shape.
So I support the three incumbents. for what it’s worth. That and 73 cents will get me a senior’s cup of coffee at McDonald’s.
Martin School Millage Renewal
The proposal to renew 18 mills for businesses and second residences (non-Homestead) should be a no-brainer for just about everybody. A holdover from Proposal A of 23 year ago, it raises taxes on very few people and deserves to be supported again.
The Wayland Schools Bond Proposal is a bit disingenuous, in that is lengthens the term of the bond. It is in essence an increase, because the bond would be retired. Now it is the “same” as far as levied tax per each home/business owners school tax burden. Saying it is not an increase is not true. The school administration needs to be transparent in it’s information to the public. It doesn’t give the alternative for not approving.
However, I am willing to vote for it, as I hope all other taxpayers will also.