From the field: Spring ballots carry weight
Hannah Alden, Reporter, The Record-Review Spring elections aren’t often the most talked about or politically promoted. Although the ads for Wisconsin Supreme Court candidates this year have had a shadow of politics cast over them, at least in my opinion.
Although some people might think hitting the polls in April isn’t as important as voting in a presidential election, working as a journalist at small, local newspapers over the years has taught me different. There are usually issues that are going to truly affect the day-to-day lives of people or could change outcomes on bigger picture matters on the spring ballots.
For instance, there are two referendums coming up for the Athens and Stratford school districts. In Athens, the passing of the proposed referendum could save the school district from dissolving. From what I understand, the Stratford referendum could help to prevent the district from seeing a similar fate down the road, although its current financial burdens are not as dire (yet).
I’m sure there are folks in both districts who do not have students in school. There are likely people who fear being able to afford any tax increases. However, based on the time I’ve spent getting to know small communities around the state, strong schools have a rippling impact. It seems the areas with bustling, well-maintained schools have a stronger sense of community pride. While students who graduate from those places may leave temporarily for college or a job, I always found many end up returning because they remember the strong community, have family who stayed in the area or see the important work they can do to make it a better place.
When schools close, students get shuffled around, which likely means they end up with longer bus commutes, separation from friends and a loss of that sense of community. The responsibility to take on these learners goes to another district, which may or may not be in a better state than the ones that shuttered.
Schools face a lot of challenges in today’s system. State aid has not kept up with inflation, costs to operate have increasingly risen and changes to keep up with modern technology and class offerings must be made. Hopefully some of the state’s surplus will be used to ease burdens on schools, but nothing is promised. (That topic might be another column someday.)
In addition to school referendums, the elections of your local officials come into play on the spring ballots. I’m not sure people understand that those elected to county, town and village boards, as well as school boards, make choices that touch our lives often — decisions like what roads to patch, what zoning plans to approve, which staff or activities get cut when budgets are tight.
Take the time to learn about who and what you’re voting for before you hit the polls next week. In the future, consider if you could serve on one of these important local boards. It seems that we have a shortfall of people who are qualified and invested in their communities seeking these positions. Many spots are unopposed or vacant (or soon will be, based on what I’ve heard at meetings). For all of those who have been serving in these roles, thank you! It is no small feat.
