We are all feeling the pinch of a troubled economy. We just paid our house taxes, bought flood insurance for the first time ever and are admiring the new roof our house needed. However, that doesn’t mean we will pinch our pennies as far as Auburn’s School Maintenance Levy goes or Tim Eyeman’s Initiative 1033 either.

Just as our house needed a new roof, older school buildings need repairs and replacement parts to keep our kids safe, dry and warm in their classrooms. Without that levy, these repair will either be put off causing poor conditions or the costs will come from funds better spent on class size and other educational issues.

Besides, in a bad economy, these repairs will put contractor crews to work, probably at bargain prices, and put money back in the local district.

Support for our schools and our students is not the place to cut back. That money will give back over the years by continuing to provide a sound education for the future citizens of our community.

Please vote no on Initiative 1033 and Yes to the Auburn School Levy on Nov. 3.

– Fern and Ken Valentine