Letter to the Editor: Brady, Amaral, Waggoner for 65 Board

This Concerned Taxpayer Supports Mary Jane Brady, Kate Amaral and Eric Waggoner for Lake Bluff School Board

Why does the group  "Concerned Taxpayers of Lake Bluff" assume those who do not agree with their sentiments or tactics are "Unconcerned Taxpayers?"  Although I disagree with the torch-and-pitchfork emails, editorials and website endorsed by this group, I live in Lake Bluff and am concerned about my taxes.  It is a redundant name that distinguishes this group as much as the "Concerned Oxygen Breathers of Lake Bluff."

I believe we all are concerned taxpayers. I am very concerned that a group of long-term residents are set on bullying our elected School Board whenever the Board considers investing in improving the facilities at our Middle School. I am afraid this group will intimidate well-meaning parents and administrators and question every single expenditure only because they are obsessed with spending down the surplus and slashing the budgets that help attract and retain talented teachers and administrators.

I am concerned this group is ignoring the fact that the Stonebridge development will add 86-108 new homes that will bring at least 100 new students to our school system in the next two years.

I want to support candidates who understand The Digital Age has changed the way our children learn and process information, and we need to invest in good teachers who know how to incorporate technology effectively. We need to support smaller class sizes and recognize the basic premise that teachers are doing more to enhance the learning experience in the classroom. I believe smaller class sizes are needed more now than ever.

Times have changed, and we need to embrace practical learning methods but not ignore the reality that our kids need to learn how to manage the language of technology to communicate ideas. Personally, I prefer my school board members to consist of parents and citizens who understand the need for our schools to evolve and provide a positive, safe and healthy environment where students can collaborate and learn. I do not want to support candidates whose only concern is to deplete the budget surplus and cut spending.

Some citizens are using statistics to scare residents into believing Lake Bluff's taxes are outrageously high compared to other North Shore communities.  To quote Mark Twain, "Facts are stubborn, but statistics are more pliable." Our School Board adjusted the levy, and yet it seems certain citizens will not be satisfied until the surplus is completely gone.

I am baffled by long-term residents whose homes have tripled and quadrupled in value since purchasing property in Lake Bluff in the 1960's and 70's, however expect their property taxes to not follow suit.

Lake Bluff has changed quite a bit over the past 30 years. The Methodist campground cottages were systematically torn down and replaced with expensive, beautiful homes for many reasons. Lake Bluff's proximity to Lake Michigan, land considerably less expensive than other North Shore communities and quality of schools all attracted people to invest in our community.  The tear-down phenomenon was not a bad thing. I believe it has improved the status of Lake Bluff over the years and it has welcomed the sort of citizens who recognize "cheap" is rarely associated with "good."

Downtown Lake Bluff has physically and economically changed, and successful restaurants like Bluffington's and Inovasi would have never survived years ago. Lake Bluff residents of 20 years ago did not support the local businesses as they do now. The turnover of small businesses was so frequent, it was rare to see a shop survive longer than a few months.

Today Lake Bluff is more prosperous, and compared to other North Shore communities, it is still a bargain. Perhaps not the bargain it used to be, but that is a reality of growth and prosperity and increased home values. If you want to live along the North Shore, enjoy the quaint lifestyle and good school systems, you will need to pay a little more. If one plans to retire here, one better save their money because living in Lake Bluff has evolved from being an asterisk next to Lake Forest to become one of the "Top Seaside Towns in the USA," and that is a good thing for those who have lived here for a long time. The only downside is that if you want to stay, you will probably need to pay more in taxes as your property value increases. You cannot have it both ways.

I am voting to support Mary Jane Brady, Kate Amaral and Eric Waggoner because I believe they are well-meaning parents who would manage the budget responsibly and thoughtfully. I encourage those wiling to invest in the future to support these qualified candidates.

Barbara Allen Pigg

Lake Bluff