Letter to Editor | Quid Pro Quo or Hobson’s Choice?

— from Bea vonTobel —

The OISD board will place an interesting proposal on the February ballot. It will pit the concerns and interests of three major island groups against each other: those who wish to bring buildings and grounds to health and safety standards, music program supporters, and track supporters. Here’s how it will work:

The majority of support, as evidenced by results from public and staff meetings and e-mail votes, concerns

• bringing to standard what the district already owns (old gym, HVAC in various buildings, School Rd and environs, Waldron repairs/replacements, painting/floor repairs throughout). There are other items on this list, noted on the spreadsheet. To help with the passage of the anticipated $8 million total, the board also included:
• a music room, knowing the ongoing support of the community for this program would garner positive votes;
• a $2 million track and field complex [offset by a $1 million donation].

It’s a yes/no vote, with a 60% passage needed on the proposed $8 million price tag.

If either or both the last two items could be eliminated, other items might be added. Or, the total asking price could be lowered. The way in which the levy will be worded is that it becomes a quid pro quo between the last two items—if I like the music room, I must also like the track, and vice versa. And, if I really want the district to repair/replace what is needed for the health, safety and liveability of all who use the facilities, then I also must like the music room and the track.

The Hobson’s Choice is that either I like the whole package, or I don’t.