It would be a shame if the next school tax failed

It will be a shame for students and staff in schools that are in need of repair.

This community has a record of taxing itself in support of its schools. But voters are tired of holding their noses while they trust even more of their money to people they don’t trust.

When Governor Richardson urged voters to support the last bond issue; he asked them to ignore APS’ waste on bureaucratic red tape, long history of dodging accountability, ill will across the state, Legislative and community distrust, and lack of leadership.

Through how many tax elections are we supposed to ignore the problems with the people who spend the money?

Voters will turn down new taxes because they cannot turn out those whose history is one of squandering their trust and their treasure. Because the Leadership of the APS has no record of honest accountability for corruption or incompetence; voters will hold them accountable in the only way they can.

Between the February and September bond issue elections; the number of voters who voted against the issues almost tripled.

Before the September bond issue, Governor Richardson said, “Following the election, I welcome a debate on potential solutions aimed at requiring more accountability in our schools.”

I guess he didn’t mean that he would assume any personal responsibility for a debate, or that there would actually be any debate; just that it would be welcome if it did happen.

It didn’t.