Author photo

By LuAnn Schindler
Publisher 

-Isms

Learn the facts

 

October 10, 2019

It's National Newspaper Week.

Normally, I would write about the week's theme and how it relates to you, the reading public, and me, as a journalist.

Think F1rst - the 2019 theme - resonates with us because it forms the backbone of our democratic society. The first amendment is important, maybe now more than ever, as we the people hold governmental entities accountable.

Limits to the five freedoms - religion, speech, press, assembly and right to petition - exist. Harmful speech is not protected. Neither is a written lie that causes harm.

Spreading lies and misinformation does nothing but create a deeper divide. It is unproductive, a way to stir the pot, an attempt to sway public opinion.

That's why it is imperative for the public to be informed as Summerland-area voters receive mail-in ballots for the upcoming school bond project.

In conversations with area residents, I've heard a lot of incorrect data and half-truths that need to be corrected, primarily about the tax impact and bond amount.

How can voters make an informed decision if they are not presented with facts?

In this issue of SAM, we include part of the frequently asked questions and responses, as researched by Bobcats Unite, a group of volunteers from all communities who have been gathering facts about the bond issue and presenting those details in informal gatherings.

The second half of the FAQs will be included in next week's edition.

Information presented by Tobin Buchanan, a financial analyst for First National Capital Markets and Bobcats Unite members, during an informal meeting Sunday at Summerland Golf Course, explains the initial tax levy and projections for how the levy will be affected throughout the bond. That story appears on Page 1 of this issue, so if you skimmed the front Page, I urge you to Turn The Page and give the article a thorough read.

Sixty years ago, discussion about a cornfield school began amongst community members from the region. Fifty-one years ago, Clearwater and Ewing patrons expressed favorable interest in a merger via a vote held during an information meeting held in February 1968. Eventually school boards delayed the potential merger due to timing of the project and the need to hire teachers for the upcoming year.

Since then, other discussions have taken place and feasibility studies have been completed and filed away on administrators' office shelves, collecting dust.

Starting Sunday, Oct. 13, three informational meetings will be held, one in each community, allowing patrons to get the facts about the bond. Meeting dates and times are included in the sidebar on Page 1 of this issue.

We've been asked if SAM will live stream the meetings.

No, we will not.

This is not the time for patrons to sit at home and struggle to listen to a live social media broadcast.

Besides, not everyone relies on social media for news and, as publishers, Scott and I believe a live feed will not reach all district patrons and SAM readers.

A $34.3 million bond project should drive district patrons to find the facts to make an informed decision.

This is the time for patrons to fill the gyms, ask questions, seek answers. This is the time for patrons to take an active role in the democratic process and the first step begins with attending one - or all - of the upcoming information sessions.

This is the time to leave emotions at the door and let logic and factual data be presented, allow respectful discussion to ensue.

This is the time to make a bold decision about the future of our children's and grandchildren's futures.

It begins by discovering the truth.

 

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