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Recapping our election advice
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This is a quick reminder that we are urging Mesa and Apache Junction voters to say "yes" in Tuesday's election to continue budget overrides for their school districts. But we suggest voters in the Higley Unified School District say "no" for now to a new override that would impose a new property tax.
Already facing some tough financial challenges, the Mesa and Apache Junction unified districts deserve the budget stability offered by the spending overrides that voters previously had supported. We acknowledge Apache Junction voters recently had rejected a continuation, but we believe that district has responded in a manner over the past two years that should be rewarded by restoring the override.
On the other hand, Higley is asking for additional tax money - targeting kindergarten through third grade - to hire more teachers and reduce class sizes, employ more teachers' aides and buy more classroom materials. The goals are noble, but the timing of this request is wrong as the East Valley and Arizona still struggle to emerge from a deep recession. It was just last year that Higley voters kept in place a broader spending override.
Whether you agree with our advice or if you think we are crazy, please cast your ballot Tuesday if you haven't already. Polls will be open from 6 a.m. to 7 p.m.
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