Written by Here is an update that I just recieved via email. This bond issue will keep our school modernization on track. (The Randy mentioned in Ed’s email is Randy Matheson, with the School District). Congratulations to the Renton School District for earning this confidence from a super-majority of Renton voters.
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Randy-
Here’s something for your blog. This is good news indeed.
Marcie
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I just finished talking to Randy and today’s results have been posted. As of 3:09 today the Renton Bond is PASSING by 72 votes! Thank you to everyone who has spent one minute on this effort. Your hard work made this victory possible. So many people were so instrumental in making this campaign a success that it would take five seperate e-mails for me to name every person by name but I do want to give extra special thanks to:
Mary Alice: Every time I saw you you were ready to charge ahead. Your boundless energy constantly put gas in my tank.
Marcie Maxwell: Words cant express how much I appreciate you. Your advice and the countless e-mails from past campaigns helped get me up to speed on what was done before.
Pam Teal: Where do I start? We had so many phone calls and meetings. You worked your tail off. Thank you for working with the PTA’s and for being my partner in crime. Who am I going to bug now that we’re done? 🙂
Bill Taylor: Thank you for all of the support from the Chamber. Everything from allowing us to hold our meetings in the office, the e-mail blasts reminding people to vote, to giving us time at the Ahead of the Class ceremony.
Carrie and Lynn: Your work in the community getting the word out and drumming up support was vital.
Randy Matheson: Thank you for asking me to chair this effort. Your knowledge of school campaigns along with your wit kept me grounded and kept me laughing.
As I said earlier; all of you and your friends, children and their friends helped us make this happen. Thank you, Thank you, Thank you!
Ed Prince
Chair,
Citizens for Renton Schools
(206)-478-3802
Special Election
KING COUNTY 5/21/2008 3:09:47 PM
Unofficial Cumulative
May 20, 2008 Page 1 of 2
SCHOOL
RENTON SCHOOL DISTRICT NO. 403
Ballots Cast/Registered Voters: 14693 / 51894 28.31%
Poll Precincts Counted/Total Poll Precincts: 133
/ 133 100.00%
Proposition No.1 – General Obligation Bonds – $150,000,000
APPROVED 8879 60.49%
REJECTED 5799 39.51%
Funding
72 votes. WOW! That is a close one.
I voted for the bond and am glad it passes. It is almost as if I didn’t have a choice to vote for it thought. The question is basically do you want our kids to succeed or fall behind. I have a moral objection with having to barrow money to fund basic services. The same was true with the Medic 1 bond a while back.
State legislation has set up a system where they routed funds away from basic services and filled the gap with bonds. They know people are more likely to vote for a bond if it is going to schools than some pet project when it is the pet projects that should be paid for with a bond. It is a way to push an agenda.
All basic services (first responders/public safety (fire/police/aid), education and infrastructure – in that order) should be fully funded in the general budget. After that comes social services, parks and all the rest of the stuff the government pays for. While I don’t like to use the word should as it puts my beliefs above others, I think it is appropriate.
This is especially true for education. A quality education can change the life of a young person. By not fully funding education we are selling out kids short. I know money is not the only answer but it is a big part.
Mark Martinez
Renton Highlands
Re: Funding
We appreciate your vote Mark!