To the Editor:

Unsurprisingly, there appear to be two basic factions that have formed in regards to the school referendum issue. Those in favor are a decidedly younger set, presently raising children. And those against are a generally older crowd, invariably without children. The reasons for these positions are obvious and understandable. The former want nothing but the very best for their offspring and their hopeful future. The latter are seriously worried about their own future and their ability to hold on to their homes.

As the oldest of eight children, I understand the outlook of the former. Now, being older, and never having had any children of my own, I am decidedly with the latter faction. My wife grew up in the house that we own and live in, and she wants to spend her remaining days here. She and I are gravely concerned about any further increase to our already astronomical property taxes, which we are very hard-pressed to pay as they are now. Since we both free-lance (a musician and a historian respectively), you can guess what sorts of resources we have to rely on (the dwindling, shrinking kind).

Something which would certainly help the referendum pass would be to institute an allowance or dispensation for those without children (especially those who have never had children), or maybe property taxes based on a small percentage of the actual income of the childless home owner. In a time when people are struggling to hold on to what they have (their homes, their dignity, their health) is it really fair to force those without children to pay for very high-end school improvements and renovations, when they, in turn, are forced to defer crucial expenses, or even urgent medical issues, in their own lives?

Consider for a moment if the referendum included basic healthcare coverage, especially for the childless homeowners that are going to be forced to pay for these upgrades. (Bear in mind that in Europe everyone has both free medical care and free schooling through college.) Not really that unreasonable if you consider what is being asked (or more to point, what will be mandatory — that is, finding the extra funds to be able to remain in one’s home — if the referendum passes).

Let those who have children choose to pay for the very best while not unduly burdening those who are childless and already struggling financially. Institute an allowance or dispensation for them and you’ll pass your referendum.

Bruce Lawton

Hawthorne Avenue