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Tim Hattenburg spent last Thursday putting up campaign signs in support of the Spokane County Library District.
Now he’s hoping that local voters will get the message.
As part of a group called Citizens for Greater Spokane Valley Libraries, Hattenburg has been campaigning for a pair of ballot issues that would provide the framework and funding for a new Valley Library, an extension of the Argonne branch and an additional library in the Greenacres/Veradale area.
Ballots for the March 11 vote are expected to be mailed out this week. The first order of business for SCLD is to gather a simple majority (any margin over 50 percent) to form a Library Capital Facilities Area that would include patrons of the three proposed capital facility projects. The next item on the ballot – a $33.4 million bond that would fund construction and renovation efforts – requires a supermajority, or at least 60 percent of the electorate, to pass.
Hattenburg, who ran for state senate in 2004 and has worked on a number of local political campaigns, was nominated as coordinator of the citizens committee after it was formed last November. In addition to 300 yard signs and four billboards, the group has held fund-raising events and plans to send out mailers outlining the benefits of both SCLD initiatives.
So far, Hattenburg said the support has been encouraging.
“I think people realize there will be a good return on their investment,” he said.
The library bond would add approximately 25 cents to each $1,000 of assessed property value beginning in 2009 and span a total of 20 years. The tax would result in an increase of around $50 per year for a home valued at $200,000.
As the March 11 ballot approaches, volunteers in the East Valley School District have been working to get the word out about a bond vote to fund major renovations at three schools and improvements at others. Like the library district, EVSD is benefiting from the efforts of community volunteers who are donating their time to help the cause.
By state law, employees of a library or school can distribute factual information about the vote, but can’t lobby for, or against, any ballot issue while on the job.
“It makes sense,” said Judi Christianson, spokeswoman for EVSD. “It’s not an appropriate use of employee time. They shouldn’t be in a position at work to pressure a voter.”
Kay Sieck, an employee of the Spokane Public Facilities District, is heading up the committee in support of the East Valley Bond. Seick was also part of a group that submitted a report to the school district based on a two-year study of facilities throughout EVSD. She said the research clearly showed that a number of buildings require extensive renovation, particularly in areas like air conditioning, heating and kitchens.
“This wasn’t just because someone wanted to repaint a building,” Sieck said.
If passed, the bond would fund major upgrades at East Valley Middle School, Otis Orchards Elementary and Mountain View Middle School as well as infrastructure improvements at each of the district’s elementary schools. The $33 million bond would be supplemented by $22.7 million in state matching funds.
Payment on EVSD’s last bond – passed in 1996 – concludes this year, meaning residents of the district would not see an increase in property taxes over what they have paid in recent years. In 2007, citizens paid $1.40 on every $1,000 of assessed property value.
There are about 40 people who are donating their time to campaign for the vote. Like supporters of the library district, EVSD advocates are putting up yard signs, making presentations and talking to neighbors about the benefits of voting yes.
Sieck said those who volunteer – even if they don’t currently have kids in school – understand the importance of the community contributing to the greater good.
“Some people feel it’s their turn to give back,” she said. “They want to make a positive change in the school environment. It’s time to invest in these buildings again so they’ll last another 30 or 40 years.”
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By
Craig Howard
