“When people say, `how can we afford this?’ instead I say, `how can we afford not to?’”

You can see the growing list of people from our community who support the millage and are willing to endorse it – on the web site, in our mailings, and elsewhere. But we wanted to share with you some of the reasons why they support Proposal I. Read on!

From Steve Dobson

A strong public school system is at the heart of our community. As the current chair of the board of United Way of Washtenaw County, I have seen first hand the devastating impact that diminishing dollars have had on our network of community organizations and the services they provide. This millage helps us to take control of the future of our kids’ education—and the strength and vitality of our community.

From Paul Saginaw, co-owner Zingerman’s

Schools are the lifeblood of any community. This is especially true in Ann Arbor. We located our business here because of Ann Arbor’s unique blend of economic vitality and academic influence. Without this millage, Ann Arbor Public Schools—and all the districts here—face such a drastic shortfall in funding that it threatens the very fabric of what makes our schools special. Unfortunately this loss will be felt not only by current students but also throughout our community in declining home values, an inability to attract businesses or talent to the area and the loss of residents who chose to relocate or send their children elsewhere. With the economic crisis, we all know this isn’t an ideal time for a millage, but it’s the only way we have to save our schools—now.

State Representative Rebekah Warren (D-Ann Arbor), 53rd House District

“Michigan’s structural deficit and the national financial crisis have left Lansing unable to fulfill its promise to our school districts. While I am working diligently with my colleagues in the Legislature to address these issues, our children simply cannot wait. I am asking voters to join me in supporting this millage to ensure that our students continue to receive the top-notch education that will make them competitive in our increasingly global economy, and to ultimately invest in Washtenaw County’s future.”

From Simone Lightfoot, AAPS parent (and graduate of Huron HS)

With the school financial crisis, and now the added cuts from the legislature, I’m concerned about the impact on the Ann Arbor public school system. One of our greatest assets is our nationally recognized schools. Where will we find the money if we don’t pass this millage? We simply don’t have a choice at this point. When people say, `how can we afford this?’ instead I say, `how can we afford not to?’

Collectively, we have the opportunity to ensure we provide quality and equal education for each student. Our children both need and deserve academic programs and music programs. They deserve adequate staffing and curriculum coordinators. They need transportation and sports programs. These important elements keep young people engaged, less prone to trouble and puts them on the path to success. We must educate and provide access for all of Ann Arbor’s children regardless of their financial means.

Voting for this millage is weighing in on the right side of right. We must get out the vote. It’s the right thing to do.

From Debbie Tirico, AAPS parent

Maintaining a strong public education system needs to be the number one goal for our state and local community. The state education system is in crisis – each day seems to bring further bad news with additional state funding reductions. I personally have been impressed by the actions of the school district leadership to reduce costs, but without the millage, drastic cuts will be necessary and our children will pay the price.

I‚Äôm proud of the education system in Ann Arbor ‚Äì high graduation rates and college placement, nationally recognized theater and arts programs, accelerated academic curriculums, special education programs, strong athletic programs, highly regarded teachers ‚Äì all these don‚Äôt happen by accident. We need the revenues to maintain our high quality schools. A ‚ÄúYes‚Äù vote is a vote for our children and for our city. The quality of a community‚Äôs schools is a driving force in generating new businesses and people to the area, attracting and retaining good teachers, as well as maintaining home property values. A “Yes” vote helps ensure the long-term viability of Ann Arbor as a leading Michigan city and the education of our children!

From Bob Chapman, President, United Bank & Trust

The quality of our school system in Washtenaw County has a direct impact on our ability to attract new businesses and jobs to Washtenaw County. Economic development has improved in the other communities who have passed similar millages.

In addition, this millage is a good management planning initiative. If the Ann Arbor Public Schools simply dealt with the anticipated revenue shortfalls, the community might ask, “why weren’t we consulted and given an opportunity to pay more taxes?” This millage referendum is providing the community with an opportunity to understand the district’s financial challenges and that if not supported, the district will proceed with the needed drastic reductions to the operating budget to meet their responsibility for a balanced budget.

I strongly endorse the passage of the Wasthenaw Schools millage.