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“I have been the contact person for the
“Let Duluth Vote Group”. It has been my name and phone number that has been
published in the Duluth News Tribune, web sites, fliers, petitions, television
and radio interviews. I have received hundreds of phone calls from concerned
citizens over the last two months. So many that I had to add an additional 1000
minutes to my cell service. I have spoken to citizens from all parts of town,
all social-economic backgrounds, and all age groups. Although I have been
hearing many thoughts and ideas from these folks the main two recurring things I
have heard is that they are appalled at the amount of money to be spent on this
plan, and secondly, that they are angry that they are not allowed to vote on
this huge amount of money. The group that I have heard the most from is Senior
citizens. I have received phone calls from Seniors that initially just really
wanted to sign the petition, knowing full well that it held no “legal”
weight, but willing to do anything to be “heard“. Most of these seniors,
once they signed the petition, wanted to bring it to their friends and neighbors
to sign. I had one 82 year old lady who walked her neighborhood for two days
getting signatures, talking with people she had never spoken to before in her
life - simply because she was so passionate about the right to vote on this
issue. This lady got 150 signatures and shared with us that only two out of 150
people approached did not sign, and even those two people admitted it was
because they were teachers (current or retired) and did not want to be seen as
against the district. Most people who sign ask to take a petition to circulate,
as well as some yard signs. I have spoken to many working families that have
shared that they simply are not financially able to pay higher taxes because
they already live paycheck to paycheck. These same citizens don’t understand
why they are not allowed to vote on this issue. As far as Petitioners, I would like to share
that the number of people willing to jump in has been amazing. Duluth School
Plans have had their share of controversy, especially when you ask which schools
should stay open and which should close, however, this issue has been uniting
rather than dividing because it is an issue a clear majority of the citizens
agree on. They all want to vote on this huge amount of money to be spent. Their
money! Money that will be on their taxes for the next 20 years. They all feel
like their constitutional right, the right to vote, is being taken away from
them. I have heard frustration, anger, hopelessness. This is a simply
unacceptable way to run a district. In closing, today, our group will show you 289
pages of signatures. This represents just over 3000 signatures from Duluth
Citizens. This is just a sample of I know I honestly speak for large numbers of
Duluth Citizens when I ask you please do not approve this Red Plan with its huge
financial burden. Together we can find a plan that is a compromise. A plan that
costs much less, addresses programs first, and then buildings, and preserves
some of what Duluth citizens value most…our neighborhood schools. We
respectfully ask you to please “Let Duluth Vote”. Thank you |
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