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CVSD levy debate heats up with opposition group
2/1/2012 11:59:27 AM
By Kelly Moore
Splash Staff Writer
Ballots sent out to Central Valley School District voters last week weren't the only levy-related items landing in the mailbox. Alongside informational literature from the district and "vote yes" yard signs and advertisements, a "vote no" campaign of bright yellow flyers and ads has also appeared.
The group organizing against the levy - and other levies throughout the county - is the Citizens for Responsible Taxation. According to the group's website, it "formed to thoroughly review, objectively question and clarify for all interested parties all proposed taxes on our property and income and support only those we can affirm and justify." The same group opposed CVSD's failed bond campaign last February.
The flyers oppose the district's three-year levy, which is expected to generate $27.1 million a year for the Central Valley School District, calling it an "excess."
According to the Washington State Public Disclosure Commission registration records for political action committees, the group lists John Beal as the campaign manager, Marilyn Montgomery as treasurer and Elvin D. Alton as president. Since forming, the group has raised $33,395.21, of which $32,150 came from Alton, the former owner of Alton's Tires and a Liberty Lake resident.
Levy supporters from the "Vote Yes" campaign have responded with ramped up doorbelling efforts in Central Valley neighborhoods. Advertisement
Levy funds account for about 24 percent of the CVSD budget, funding educational programs, utilities and insurance, extra and co-curricular activities and bus transportation. The current levy, approved by voters in 2009 is set to expire at the end of this year. Ballots will be counted Feb. 14.
If you go ...
Central Valley School District's final two informational forums before the levy vote:
• 6:30 p.m. tonight (Feb. 2) at Liberty Lake Elementary School
• 6:30 p.m. Feb. 9 at University High School
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