I am a life-long Lake Orion resident and I fully support the Lake Orion Community Schools Building and Site Sinking Fund. I have had the opportunity to go ‘door-to-door’ to share information and encourage people to vote and vote “yes”. There has been an incredible, positive reaction. I am writing to share a few ‘comments from the community’ that I have heard:
The need for repair is real. “I get it. The buildings look OK from the outside, but you really notice the need on the inside. let’s make sure we have resources to fix things right the first time. I support this. The repairs and improvements provided by the building and site sinking fund are not ‘nice to have’ cosmetics. They are needed repairs for things like furnaces, roofs and sidewalks.”
Comment from the community, “I don’t like paying taxes, but I understand these things cost money. We can’t cut our way to improvement. I’m voting yes.”
The need for financial resources is not due to mistake or mismanagement. It is due to the financial realities facing schools across the state. Almost half of the School Districts in Oakland County and across the State have implemented building and site sinking funds.
You can trust where your tax dollars go. “This sounds like a despicable slush fund. No way I will support it. I already voted ‘no’.” This was unfortunate to hear because it’s inaccurate. The money can only be used for buildings and site (not salaries, or other programs.)
If you have not engaged with our teachers, principals, administration or elected School Board I encourage you to at a meeting or public forum. I am sure your experience will be like mine and you will find openness and transparency at every stop. There is nothing hiding.
Together, with the Police and Fire ballot proposals, we have a great opportunity to continue to preserve, protect and strengthen our community. I will be voting “yes” and encourage readers to as well.
Nate Butki
Lake Orion resident