I and others railed against de-facto cuts to the police department, so City Council fully staffed the police and serious crime is down. I and others railed against lax tax collection and now we have $500,000 more in revenue in Williamsport because of better tax collection.
But now I wish to bring attention to the potential school closings and the state's cuts to education and why they are detrimental to Williamsport and you. I realize enrollment is down, but what happens if the population grows again? Or let's say your children are all grown up and moved away. If your home is within walking distance of one of the schools that may be closed, do you know the value of your house could go down by 15 to 20 percent? Do you think your property taxes will immediately go down 15 to 20 percent? And let's say your home is worth $100,000 and goes down in value to $90,000. Who is going to give you the $10,000 loss? Not the government. And that is why everyone should be against school closings. It is better to pay an extra $20 to $30 a year now than to lose $10,000 in a few years.
Regarding school funding cuts by the state, sure the governor balanced the budget, but our local school taxes are going through the roof. I don't feel like I am saving money. These cuts to our children's educations are shortsighted. Those kids are going to be the ones that will be paying our Social Security benefits. They will need good educations to get good paying jobs and attract businesses to our area. Write, call, ask questions and endorse candidates for public office that support school funding at the state level and come to school board meetings and support keeping the schools open. The future needs you today!
Scott Miller
Williamsport
