Vote no, force schools to live within their means

RICHARD ROGERS had this letter published in the March 21 Dispatch/Rock Island Argus. "Take a moment to reflect upon the current attempt to raise sales tax for school funding. This has been defeated twice in just a very short time. ..... A gas tax increase is on the agenda in Illinois and fee increases for registration and license renewals are being discussed. The state intends to cut back on state money to cities and counties, which will ultimately lead to an increase in property taxes. ..... Gas prices have risen dramatically in just a short time. And yet the schools want more money from us to fund projects. ..... Schools must start cutting administrative costs, condense into one superintendent for all Rock Island County schools. The savings would be in the millions of dollars. All these administration costs, salaries, cost of operation, equipment, etc., that are duplicated in each district. Cut out the waste in administration rather than continue to push for more money. ...... Despite the recent letter that quoted state law that would require the money to go to facilities, the law is no guarantee that if passed the monies collected will go to any specific agenda. ..... Illinois state law requires the state to make pension payments to the pension fund, which it has not. Davenport schools are trying to violate Iowa law by using reserve funds incorrectly. Vote no on the sales tax increase again, force the schools to do what the taxpayers must do, live within your means."