By By KATHIE HEMPEL / Niles Daily Star
NILES – The issues continue to be debated in coffee shops and around kitchen tables. Leading up the May 8 election, bond proposals concerning both Brandywine and Niles community school districts are to be decided.
There is a lot of talk, however, few people were willing to talk on the record when the Niles Daily Star asked the questions for this week's Street Talk. We asked individuals from both school districts: do you understand the bond proposals presented, have you made up your mind how you will vote and what leads you to your decision? We also asked if those questioned knew what the impact to their personal pocketbook would be.
Those who spoke to us from the Brandywine Community School District were largely in favor of the proposal to care for their schools. Many though did not feel they were well versed enough on the proposal to give comment.
Only one Brandywine taxpayer was willing to be quoted. Melissa Kachur is the mother of Lauren, 17 and Leah, 16, who both attend Brandywine Middle/High School and of Michael, 8, a student at Merritt.
"We need the money in to support the schools. I am aware of what they are trying to accomplish with the bond. I'm voting for it. I just wish we had better support coming in from Lansing," she said.
The Kachurs are building a new home in the district. Kachur thought that the mill rate was rising slightly and she was surprised and pleased to find out that it will not increase.
In talking with Niles residents, many were more confused about the issues. Several questioned were not willing to go on the record. While many said they wanted school improvements, they were less sure about paying for those improvements with a bond.
Duane O'Connor said he remembered when Niles was thriving. Now he is on a fixed income and concerned about any raise in taxes.
"I realize something has to be done. I would like to see them build an elementary school where all the land is at Southside. I think the administration and special needs could go to the Eastside facility when it is fixed up and they could build a new elementary school on the 10 acres at Southside. I can't see sending half of our elementary kids all the way out to Howard. It's a pity we don't get to vote on the higher assessments instead of having to say no to the kids," he said.
Dan Byrd was having lunch with his family at Subway in Wal-Mart on Friday.
"I haven't heard all that much about it. I work in Elkhart and drive a half hour every day. With the cost of gas and everything else costing so much we don't get a paper and don't have the Internet. We didn't see any flyers about it," he said.
Byrd said he wished there was more information out on issues before the elections were almost here.
"I wish I worked closer to home. It seems like a lose-lose situation to me. Most of the time I don't understand the way the proposals are worded. Everything seems to be in the control of Lansing when it comes to the schools and they want to cut their spending," Byrd said.
Cassidy Verhostra, 12, was listening in on the conversation. She attends sixth grade at Oak Manor.
"I don't think we need a lot fixed at our school except for the playground. Some of the equipment is broken and there is writing on our stuff that just stays there. That takes money to fix," she said.
Brenda Sullivan was waiting outside the high school with her son at school's end on Friday. She works three jobs to make ends meet.
"It you take it away from the kids where will they go. They need the schools to be better. We need to fix the schools. What I want to know is where does all the lottery money go? I always have better places to put a dollar, but I personally know people who spend up to $25 a time," Sullivan said.