Supporting the local school district

I am now and have always been proud to be a member of the Ritzville Community. No matter where my travels have taken me people always knew I am from a small town in eastern Washington by the name of Ritzville.

One of the biggest reasons I moved back after being gone for 22 years was to be a part of a community I know takes care of each other and I knew Ritzville was the best place for my family and I to finally settle down.

However, about a month ago I was a little more than disappointed when my community, our community, did not pass the school bond.

Despite popular belief the bond entails much more than building another gym, it is meant to upgrade and improve buildings in dire need of renovations so as to provide better learning environments for our youth.

The high school, which used to be the middle school many, many years ago, needs to be renovated.

If you don’t believe me go take a look for yourself, I know the administration would be delighted to show you around.

I also realize the practice gym seems to be a sticking point, but I believe the community would benefit just as much, if not more, than the members of our sports teams.

I have talked to many people and I am hearing the usual reasons for people voting no. Please don’t use the line, ‘that’s the way it has always been’ or ‘I never had that’.

My Grandpa Weber farmed with mules and he loved those animals, but if someone would have offered him a new modern tractor or combine I believe he would have given up those mules on the spot.

We have to modernize in order to give our youth a better environment to learn.

My daughter is a sophomore at OUR high school, but I am not asking for your yes vote as a father, I am asking as a community member.

I am asking for your yes vote because I want this community to grow stronger and I believe passing this bond is essential to our community’s growth and our youth’s desire to return to Ritzville to raise their families.

Before you cast your vote I implore you to arm yourself with the knowledge to cast an educated vote. Go to one of the future public meetings our Superintendent will be presenting, read the informational flyer our school sends out, open your door to the Ritzville YES group and let them answer all of your questions.

Stop me on the street, I’ll even buy you a beverage and I will provide factual answers to your questions.

I implore you to vote YES for the bond in April and at the very least, educate yourself and get your questions answered before you vote. I believe if you are not trying to make our community stronger you are weakening it.

Grant Weber, Ritzville