School bond

What’s in it for voters?

Everything I need to know I learned in kindergarten.

Maybe not everything, but certainly how to negotiate for what I wanted…there better be something in it for the other kid. Explaining “what’s in it for you” enabled me to sell you lots of stuff working in advertising. Now, as I read about the proposed new high school, I’m waiting to see how that question will be answered.

What’s in it for the retired of our community? We can tell them the kids need it, but these neighbors also need heat in their homes. Which will they need most when they go to vote?

We can tell summer people we need it, but a lot of them already stop at Costco on their way over because they can’t stomach the cost of food and gas here. How will we sell them a new school when we can’t sell them a gallon of milk or gas?

What do we say to those on a fixed income who worry that additional taxes will require they sell a home they love? And families with children whose health care is straining the household budget? At the moment they vote, will they be thinking of the bill in the drawer or the blueprint on the drawing board?

Maybe we should offer a lifetime pass to everyone over 62 to every high school play, concert and game. Probably someone has more ideas. And it might also be worthwhile to clearly explain why it’s all up to us. This is stuff that if people don’t know, they vote no. I respect and applaud the hard work of the school board. Just make sure you’ve answered the “what’s in it for me” question voters will need to have answered as they put pencil to ballot.

— Margaret Heffelfinger

Get facts soon

I am very excited to read all the opinions already coming forth about the upcoming school district bond levy. Vashon voters are a passionate and committed group.

But please wait a moment! Later this month, the school board will make their final decision about the bond they are putting before us early next year. Until then, no case is being made, and no reliable information is available to us.

I am a member of the campaign committee, Vashon for Schools. Believe me, we will be working very hard to give the Vashon community clear information about what school improvements are being proposed and why they are so important.

Until then, please come to the school board meeting later this month at the McMurray library. We will hear the thinking of the school board and find out what is coming,

— Jean Bosch

Teen substance use

Call was made in interest of safety

I am writing this letter to provide clarification to a situation that has been damaging to a number of persons on the Island.

On Saturday, Nov. 1, a private teen party was held on the Island. During the party, an announcement was made that someone identified as “a drug and alcohol counselor” had called those holding the party to say that there was drinking on the grounds of where the party was being held.

The “drug and alcohol counselor” who made that call was me. I did not call the police.

My call was made with the best of intentions. A number of parents contacted me about their concerns prior to the party and, on the night of the party, reported to me that there was drinking and less than adequate monitoring.

I made a judgment call based on my concerns for the worst-case scenario of having youth leaving the party intoxicated, possibly getting into an accident that we would all regret. My understanding is that the goal for this party was to provide a safe and exciting venue for youth to have fun.

I strongly support having youth parties and concerts on the Island that are alcohol- and drug-free events. Monitoring these events to make them safe and successful for all youth is a big responsibility. I believe there are parents on the Island who would gladly help to make this happen.

My life work has been helping youth avoid the negative consequences of drinking and drug use and find recovery if that is needed, and that will continue to be my primary focus on the Island.

I hope that, in the future, parents and others in the community who are concerned about our youth will step up and support substance-free events and even make some hard calls when it seems like the right thing to do.

— Stephen Bogan