Thank you for your comment, George. I know there are many residents who feel the same way. Would you be in favor of the bond if it were for less money? As you said, there are wants and needs, and some of the things on the bond could be argued as needs, such as technology upgrades and building repairs.

I agree that everyone is entitled to their own opinions. Regardless of mismanagement or who is to blame for the mess we are currently in we need to have a positive attitude and look forward. This is about the children and the community as a whole. Why should our children be punished due to mismanagement, they do not deserve it. We need to look forward and stop looking back at the past. We have new leaders in place that are doing a wonderful job and I strongly feel a VOTE YES is the only way to get "BRIGHTON BACK ON TRACK" We most certianly need new technology an building repairs. I feel we have to many people stuck in the past that they will never agree on making this a better community.
VOTE YES ON MAY 8TH!!!

I agree our kids should not be punished but why should we as taxpayers? And what does it show our children? There are other ways to improve our schools for our children, simply throwing more money after bad is not the right way to do it....though it pretty much seems to be the mantra of any .gov institution.

I am tired of hearing we're punishing the kids if we vote no. The truth is that the school leaders have proven they are not managing or maintaining the schools,a nd letting the kids suffer. If they wanted to "BRING BRIGHTON BACK ON TRACK" they would have requested the smaller mileage that was discussed. The smaller mileage that would have repaired and maintained buildings, improved technology and classroom needs. This larger mileage does that plus builds tennis courts, tracks, two football fields, a new pool and lobby entrance. Even the school board couldn't agree on this larger mileage, but they still asked for it. That doesn't show me the 'new leaders' are being responsible. They are in the same pattern of poor management. People are still in tough financial times, its not the time to bundle NEEDS with WANTS. I always vote yes on mileages (family of public school teachers), we all will be voting NO on this one. I urge you to do the same. Get the message out to the leaders: show you understand what needs are get these addressed first. Show that the kids are really the priority.

Safety for our kids is not a "want" it is a "need"! George, give me a break!

No matter what the issue or venue safety is always used as a tool to get people to pay for stuff or accept changes that are unqualified. Why don't we demand seatbelts on school buses? Seems like a big safety issue to me. Should the kids wear helmets on the play ground in case they fall off the monkey bars?

I most certainly agree the system should do what it can to protect our kids but where is $88m worth of "safety" here?

My taxes will go up $500 / year for 33 years ($16,500) and my kids don't even go to Brighton schools and we don't use the community pool. I certainly don't begrudge the school system the taxes I already pay, however if the school system cant live within its means, than budget cuts need to be made, just like tax payers do every day. I cant imagine the average tax payer planing a major remodel for their home and expecting their neighbor to pay for it because they are broke. This needs to be voted down. Where can I get Vote No signs?

Mr Lenninger, the items that the money will be used for are spelled out in detail in the proposal and submitted to the state treasury. There is very little chance that they can or will deviate from this plan.

It seems to me the prudent choice in these harsh economic times would have been to renew the bond at its current rate - or just slightly higher - and outline the "must haves" and then the "wants" for taxpayers to approve. Expenses keep going up, and our salaries are actually DECREASING because we can't buy as much as we used to. No wonder so many people want to ax the tax!

I'm voting yes!

How about protecting our investment by making people accountable for their poor management? My kids (3 of them) have previously been in BAS though because of everything that has happened we went elsewhere. I'd very much like to be here for many reasons but I can't because of what I've seen over the last several years. Giving them more money to mismanage is not protecting our investment, it's promoting irresponsible management.

It is certanily your right to vote as your "heart" tells you....but before you make that decision to raise your taxes for the next 33 YEARS... give your "head" some time to look at the facts....please take a minute to read the comments from Jack's post...very revealing information. Almost ALL of the items listed are what I would deem "Wants"...not "Needs". Yes, we need to protect our children...that is not what the Bond issue appears to be about....it appears to be a rush to spend some more tax payer money...that would result in driving up our tax base further....not exactly a way to entice folks to move here. Another question to ponder....what happened to the last "solve all our problems 30 year bond" for the Brighton Schools????....we are still paying for that one. I urge a NO VOTE....spread the word...tell your neighbors...we don't need higher taxes!!!

My understanding is that a committee of community members was asked to tour the facilities and make recommendations. These are parents who have kids in band, sports and other activities. While I agree that improving our schools will improve our property values (which means we'll be paying more in taxes later on as a result), I agree with Jack that perhaps most of these items are wants and not really needs. The superintendent will be addressing these issues to the Brighton business community at the chamber on Monday. Who's going?

Take a walk through the buildings. Remodeling and upgrades...need or want...see it for yourself and make your own decision rather than allowing others to feed you fodder. You need to be educated in order to make the correct vote. So go into the best place to receive an education-your neighborhood Brighton Area School. Vote Yes on May 8!

The leaders of the past are no longer with BAS. The new leadership has been frugal and continues to pay down the debt. Vote YES to give them the means to improve schools, improve property values, improve opportunities for students!

Are people seriously concerned/upset that they will pay more taxes... because their value will be higher?! Srsly?!? Cut your nose off to spite your face much?
OK, so here's the deal: you pay more in absolute dollars, but you have more in your pocket too (liquid or no). That's the deal with percentages.
Sorry for the somewhat sharp response; I find the argument to be very revealing. My perception of it is: I don't want to give any of my money up and no dollar amount for society as a whole is acceptable.

We live in a society; I'm not an advocate for the degree to which some societies socialize, but I don't want to go back to what we moved past so many years ago, either. Are we like China and make our people pay for schooling out of pocket? (note: China apparently does this for high school; many other countries do it for all ages.)

Please check out the existing facilities for yourself. Then compare to the other area schools for yourself. Then, ask yourself: if the demand for housing in my area is less because families are not part of the housing demand equation, will my biggest single investment have the best growth potential? Or maybe have a smaller growth potential?

We are not Mississippi (one of the worst states in the nation for public schooling). Let's not try to act like it either.

Is it true J. Michael's comment that (presumably) Brighton BoE had a committee of community members/parents go through the facilities to evaluate "needs?" If so then once again I'm very disappointed by their actions. Remember when we "needed" to close a school and they put together a committee of teachers and parents to evaluate the various schools to see which one they would recommend to close? How is it even remotely responsible to put those with a stake in this position? These kinds of evaluations should be made by unbiased, and preferably qualified, people. I've been disappointed with the BoE for many years but for the last few have been less than informed of all their actions, I certainly hope they're doing better than they used. On the surface, this committee does show me it has.

I've been in many of the buildings, some recently and somewhat regularly. I don't doubt there ought to be some improvements, maintenance (rather fixing from lack of maintenance), and upgrades but I'd hardly say most of what they are asking for falls in this category. Heck, I'd support technology improvements too, the US as a whole is well behind much of the world when it comes to this but I don't see $88m worth of technology, educational, and safety upgrades. If there is, I'm in the wrong business. I will vote NO until such time as the board can prove specific needs appropriately (some of us have seen how they present "data" in the past) and show some proper management of the system.

BTW, by way of all this mismanagement, how exactly are the kids suffering? Seriously, what are the specific issues that requires $88m?

We need to stop focusing on how things have been mismanaged in the past. Yes, you're right, things were awful and a lot of trust was lost. However, Dr. Gray has been forthcoming with his role and how he has and will continue to go about it. He has done many wonderful things for this district, has eliminated a great part of the debt that he assumed when he accepted his position with BAS, and he continues to strive to create the best learning environment for the students. Take a look at Pinckney and Hartland. They are ahead of Brighton when it comes to a good number of the items listed in the BAS Bond proposal. So let's approve this bond and give our own kids the same advantages (or even better advantages) as our neighboring district. The staff have proven time and again that they do a great job educating our kids and State mandated tests prove it. Let's support our kids by giving them the best "tools" to use while in school. Vote yes on May 8!

I am frusterated with all your comments as a parent and employee in the district I can first hand say that we need technology! Our students do so well academically I can only imagine what they could do with technology that is updated and actually works. Not to mention let's do one bond and not have the distirct have to come back to us every 5 years to ask for more...do it NOW and lock in a fixed rate and move on! Vote YES it makes sense

Amazing!!!, simply amazing. 88.4 MILLION??? Do we really need a new swimming pool????? 9.4 MILLION for new athletic facilitys???Give me a break. How about getting back to basics...the three "R's"? All this stuff is pure fluff and not needed. I truly pray that the good folks of Brighton have thier thinking caps on and vote NO on this foolishness. Send 'em back to the drawing board to re-submit a Bond request that deals with what is REALLY needed...not all the goodies the Brighton Schools "Wish" they could have.... . Fix what needs fixing...nothing more. The tired old refrain of "it's for the Children" is really wearing thin.

What George said....x11ty billion.

Personally, I'd be more than happy to vote several times for multiple bonds when/if they are presented properly with correct priorities.

So by this logic as long as it's only a little bit over a long period of time and I can afford it I should promote past irresponsibility with the continued hope that more money will change it? Is this how we are raising our kids to think?

I'm happy to give more money to the schools....when it's utilized properly. As I said, I've never voted against a school request ever that I can recall but this I simply cannot do based on what I see.

Concerning your comment previously about people really being worried about their property values going up, meaning their tax bill WILL go up; no that's not the case. But it is a fact that any increase would be coming out of a limited budget. If I were planning to sell the house, ever, it would be a boon. But it will ultimately be a benefit or a burden for our heirs to handle. Good analogy of yours to give up store-bought fru-fru coffee to pay for better schools. Let me open another can of worms: If all school districts were consolidated under one governing body in Livingston County, wouldn't we have a fairer distribution of tax revenue to support schools of choice? The superintendent's response: "We don't want to end up like Detroit Public Schools."

Mr. Lenninger: So what you're saying is that you don't want to increase any home value because then you will have to pay more for taxes and you never plan to cash out of your investment anyway? I understand your point, but I don't accept any validity in the statement. I also think this puts you in a _very_ small minority of home/landowners.

For example, for another way to pay less tax: quit your job (less income) and you'll pay less in taxes. There are consequences, but if your goal is to pay less tax, this is one way to do so.

Yes, I understand the difference between liquid and illiquid assets. I also think that if you would rather live in a hole to make your home value less so you pay less in taxes, I'd have to say, "go for it." It would also allow you to cash out your current home value into a more liquid asset. Since you don't care about heirs or your own net worth, this might be the best option. Go blow all your new found liquidity at the casino and have a blast. In the morning you won't have to worry any taxes on it!

I'm a pretty fiscally conservative person, but I think the attitude of reducing taxes at all costs is missing the point intended by the most common idea of reducing taxes: ending up with more money in your own pocket. If you are willing to sacrifice more money from your own pocket in order to reduce the amount of money sent to a government in taxes, that seems to say "hate the government" more even than "love money."
Even greed seems more noble.

Nate Warner: I am interested in reducing my taxes. But I'm not that concerned about my property values - they've gone down by half in the last 6 years.

Nor am I really concerned if my property values go up and I have to pay more taxes - it's all about budgeting my household finances. My cash flow out is greater than my cash flow in.

Heard an interesting article on the radio Sunday about a San Francisco consultant who decided he wanted to cut his salary by 2/3 but his employer and the H.R. Dept wouldn't agree to it. (He didn't want his taxes supporting the war in Iraq and Afghanistan.) So he found a way to exist on just $36,000 net income a year and still not have to pay federal income taxes - like about 46 million other Americans. He's happier now and leaves less of a carbon footprint. Good for him!

I think paying taxes is our patriotic duty - together we can achieve more for the common good.

I couldn't make the meeting at the Chamber Monday - I was teaching a class for Junior Achievement at St. Patrick School, suprisingly enough a segment on credit scores.

I still would like to understand while such a new school like Hilton NEEDS millions of dollars in renovations now.

Let me see if I understand your train of thought......we have a school system that is in tatters because why????....the folks charged with managing the School District have evidently failed....miserably...in thier duty to maintain that School District that you claim is in tatters. So what to do?....according to your thinking we should all just give this same bunch a "vote" of yes to throw another 88.4 MILLION at the problem. I think not....I am not from Missouri, but I adhere to that old refrain...."Show Me". If your kid wrecked your new car due to poor driving, would you run out and buy him a new car???? You evidently would....I would not. As for the School "Improvements" being good for the community...and all 100's of people that would use the new pool and gym....baloney. There are over 7,500 folks living in Brighton proper...to raise the tax base of all property owners so a few hundred people can swim in a new pool seems a bit of a strecth to me. When the School District can show me that they have the business skills to run the District properly..with planned maintainence programs...maybe, maybe we can talk about risking 88.4 MILLION....VOTE NO...DO NOT RAISE YOUR TAXES FOR 33 YEARS.

Livingston County is a great place to raise kids, and we chose Brighton in 2006 when we moved here from Florida. (I know, WHAT were we thinking!?). The condition of some of the schools is deplorable. But Hilton Elementary is a relatively new school - why so many millions of dollars for them? I can't even balance my own household budget - do I have faith our school board can do the same with the funds we will give them? I have great faith in Dr. Gray, but he's just one man. I'm leaning toward voting this proposal down (who's doing the market research on this?) and ask for a new, pared-down proposal in the fall. I think that's what the public will accept.

George, please stop saying the same things over and over again. There is a new Superintendent, new Board office administration, and new Board members. You cannot keep living in the past and making a decision based on what other, irresponsible people did. Dr. Gray, the Board of Education, and the Administration and Staff of Brighton Area Schools have worked very hard to make things better (and they've proven it by decreasing the debt incredibly), even with the huge amount of issues that were presented to them from 3-5 years ago. Please, for the benefit of all readers and voters, get in the NOW. You need to look at what lies ahead. People who don't think that this bond is worth it: over 33 years, all of the items listed in this bond will be taken care of. And as another person commented above, our schools are not just for our students. They are also for the community. Walk out to the playground at any school over the weekend. What you will see are lots of kids and parents who have joined community groups (SELCRA for example) who reserve and play on our fields. The fields are a mess and an embarrassment! How sad when other districts' sports teams come to our school. Our HS track has been determined to be unsafe to run on for our track students. Have you ever been to a football game to see what our field looks like? Have you walked into a computer lab and asked "what the heck is that big picture tube box thing? A monitor? Does it even work?"

We need this Vote!

^ This.

People who are complaining so much: did you attend this meeting? Did you hear what the Chamber's members were saying?
How about the perspective of the non-naysayers?

I'm curious: I suspect the Chamber was for the millage; granted it's not much skin off their teeth, but they _are_ concerned with an increase in economic activity (i.e.: growth). If they supported as well, I wonder how many arguments are still available. I know there are some, but I wonder the effect it has.

I would have liked to but since I work during the day, not really an option for me unfortunately. From attending previous meetings and sessions I don't find them to be all that useful or particularly informative.

Sir,
I too was in a position of being able to claim that my day time job prevented me from attending.
However, if I were to claim this as the main reason, I would also recognize that this was truly an excuse.
If I were instead to say, "I've pretty much made up my mind already." Why then I'd be being more honest with anyone listening.

I do know that writing off all sessions based on my previous interpretations might be a valid method of improving my efficiency, but again, mainly due to the fact that I've already made up my mind.

I further offer that if someone is willing to attend with an open open mind, I suspect that a straight up comment of "it's no use" might not appropriate. Key point is an open mind. If I attended with a closed mind, there'd be no point.

If our mind is already made up, it's worth noting that to others we are trying to convince; it's a valid data point in the decision making process.
(My own mind is already made up, too: I will vote YES for many reasons. If you've read my other comments, you know them already. If not, I appreciate your time to go back and read them now. Thank you!)

@Nate Sorry, I have limited time off and while this issue is important and I'd like to learn as much as I can, I'm saving the time for more personally important things. I have an open mind which is why I continue to learn what I can and ask questions (to which no one has ever really responded BTW) but I've been to several board meetings and sessions over the years and rarely find them worth the time. Rather I can get the same info outside in a more efficient manner.

Can anyone respond to this? Supposedly plenty has been done to reduce debt and improve financial management but unless I'm reading these reports incorrectly I don't really see much difference, certainly not in the last 2 years. So......anyone? I don't see alot of responses refuting any of the real numbers here, that I have a problem with. I'm happy to support my local public schools whether I have kids or not. But pretty much all of these responses have nothing quantifiable behind them, just a lot of "it's better and we must act now" type stuff. Give me something to go on please. If I'm wrong about anything I'm happy to be enlightened and learn otherwise but I don't see it and I don't see anyone showing me anything of substance.

Please check the amount of money the state has funded to local schools in the last several years and the general trend of it.
Yes, this is a valid response.

Seriously, did anyone who's naysaying listen to the fairly conservative governor talking about Detroit today? What makes you think Brighton isn't on the same path to destruction our governor says we need to get Detroit out of?

Ask a business which is easier/cheaper: getting new customers (residents) or keeping existing ones? Same is true for a town.

OK, now I feel silly. Let's see the data for both sides. You find the data for your statements, I'll find the data for mine. (Another paper reports dramatically different numbers for the current status and I find myself having not questioned the veracity of the claim before responding. I don't claim theirs are right, just that I need to see the data first. And I need to find the data to back up my own claims. :/ )

I'm sure the amount of money the schools are getting from the state/fed govs has been declining, that ought to be no surprise to anyone. I don't know the actual amounts but it should be easy enough to find if I wanted to know.

As for the numbers I point out above, see here: http://bas.k12.mi.us/administration.cfm?subpage=862201

School Finance Information, Budget and Salary/Compensation Transparency Reporting

Other schools have this too. I would be a bit curious to see the tax rate from other districts that the residents pay for their schools, might be an interesting fact.

Gov Snyder....there's a vote I regret.

I'll say again too....I fully support public schools, even when most people would turn their backs but the proposed bond is not one that I can support at this time. The responsible thing to do is take care of needs, prove that it's working and ask for more.

Still no response to the numbers. I'm asking because I want to understand it. For all the PRO opinions here I'd think someone would/could offer a response. I will continue to do research on my own.

Please don't bring my employer into this political discussion. The Red Cross is impartial like Switzerland. They don't take sides. My comments are from a private individual asking for honest discussion of an important issue. I'm still not convinced. There are other bond proposals and millage increases in the works in the next five years - including one for a local library. Can any community afford to lose its public library? How can you say if this proposal gets voted down, another one won't pass? All or nothing? Not much of a choice. There's a saying I learned four years ago in a classroom. Sometimes you have to let the ball drop.

Mr. Lenninger and I agree!!! Well, at least that employer has nothing to do with personal position.
Let's also remember that when we accuse those who work for "liberal" companies of being liberal and considering this proved by the fact that they work for "that" type of company.
Employer does NOT define personal beliefs and may in fact hafve nothing to do with them.

I don't use the high school almost at all. There are a lot of streets I don't use either. I don't use many county services. My kids don't take the bus to school. I don't use the police service much. Or the fire, either. I've maybe been to a local hospital like twice in the 12 years I've lived here.

On the other hand, I like the fact that my community has the power to draw more people into it, or at least used to. I would like to do what I reasonably can to support the idea of my community being a place that's nice to live and can draw in new people.

One of the purposes for this millage (to me) is to improve the attractiveness of our community. This has many benefits, but some of the most direct are increasing quality of life, increasing home value, expansion of available restaurants (or at least keeping current ones here/in business), increasing quality of education for local kids, etc.

Hi bright res and a BAS supporter and concerned tax payer. Just found the audio files online for the last two public "hearings" on the bond proposal, so if you didn't attend the discussions and Q&A sessions and have about 90 minutes, go here:

http://www.brightonk12.com/district.cfm?subpage=1477857

There are also pdfs of posters and powerpoint presentations. Did you know that some of the cost includes re-wiring all of the failing fire alarm systems in some of the schools that are now failing? That's a public safety issue.

Spot on brigt res. Brighton has a lot to offer. The pie is only so big. We need to make the most out of & enjoy what we already have. If that's not enough for some let them add topping to their slice at their own expense. These are not affluent times. Nothing wrong with a "pay to play" approach to things. Besides none of us are prevented from cutting a check at our own discrestion to support others as we see fit.

Please read the Bond Application (http://bas.k12.mi.us/district.cfm?subpage=1477857) and you will see exactly what this money will be used for. A whole lot more than just computers and wires. And the pool and football field are only a small portion of the proposed improvements, but anyone with a degree in marketing will tell you "window dressing" is often as important as the content! I strongly believe we all are selling our community to people, hoping that they chose to live here, and spend their money. Ask a local area business if they've needed some help with sales! Also consider how much money it really does cost to run a whole school district. I'm sure the vast majority of us have never really looked at those costs, and this information really opened my eyes.

Dr. Gray is a smart man???.....trying to do the right thing??? Spending another 88.4 MILLION of taxpayers hard earned money for some very dubious "wants" still leaves me scratching my head. He seems to be cut from the same cloth as our current President....SPEND, SPEND , SPEND. I am not convinced by all the spin Michael....the city of Brighton will not only survive if this huge spending bond fails...it will be better off it does fail. We do NOT need tax increases now. Go back to the drawing board and come up with what is really needed for the Schools....nobody will quibble with safety needs...but a new swimming pool??? 'cmon!

Mr. Mc Connell,
I wish you hadn't brought politics into this matter so strongly. I think that is another topic that would divide the voters in a different manner. Since I feel this way, I will avoid your political comments and stick to the others.

"_Dr._ Gray is a smart man???" (emphasis added) Yes. Show me how his doctorate makes him less than a smart man and I may believe you. (I've personally always believed that a doctorate does not make the intelligence, but it is a good indicator of it. In the same way, the lack of one does not make a LACK of intelligence, but just means that it is unproven in a collegiate/academic setting.)

Please provide evidence of your accusations, sir. I am unconvinced by your "arguments".

@George Mc Connell: I agree we can't continue to spend, spend, spend. But I trust Dr. Gray -- he is sincere, honest and responsive.

Past administrations did NOT set up a continuing maintenance bond - one of the things Dr. Gray asked about when he first was appointed. Judging from his comments and the answers to the questions asked by citizens at the public forums, I believe this issue has been thoroughly researched and well thought out.

Yeah, there may be a few frivolous things thrown in. I would be willing to pay $300 annually if I get FREE access to a private gym and heated pool for exercise. But I'm sure I'm going to have to pay to play.

Through benign neglect, ineffective management and countless battles over budgets, (while approving a deficit budget every year), we've let our public school facilities deteriorate almost to the point beyond recovery.

I feel our current BSA leadership are being good stewards of our taxes. We need more discerning opinions. But this forum is not necessarily the place to get solid answers, just more rhetoric. Go to the source! Ask Dr. Gray and the unpaid consultants (who get paid NOTHING if this bond millage does not pass).

I'm still leaning more toward voting YES on the bond, unless someone can provide a convincing argument why it would be best to wait.

Now, who wants to open a can of worms to discuss teachers' salaries, benefits, curriculum and tenure?

As to your viewpoint on the value of a Doctorate degree....we have an area of agreement...holding that piece of paper does not denote intelligence. As for the value of further debate....I also totaly agree Nate....most debates do boil down to one of two choices. I will, like you, decline further comment...and pray that the good voters of Brighton will make a sound decision regarding raising ALL of our taxes for this upcoming Bond....I still say vote NO on this Bond...too many "wants" vs. "needs" to justify the high costs.....regardless of what degree the author of the Bond holds.

Disagreement does not mean a closed mind for those of us currently more against than for....same as I wouldn't say you have a closed mind for not considering my side. I've asked questions about numbers and get no response, only more comments about needing it. This thread has devolved into more show than go, that's the problem. I'd like to continue an intelligent discussion with facts but this is mainly just opinions and +1's.

@b.res: Buy our kids a pool? Boy does that bring back memories. We moved here from Florida in 2006 and one of the first things my wife wanted to do over the summer was buy the kids a pool. An above ground pool.

Why? Because HER parents had an in-ground pool when she was growing up in Brighton and attending BHS. Lots of kids came over to the house. Maybe they also liked that fact that her parents owned an ice cream parlor. Shrug.

So we bought a pool. What a fool was I! Filled it up with well water. Big mistake. Too much rust in the water. After many chemical treatments and filtering, the water was semi-clear. But the weather wasn't co-operating. It was a very mild summer.

The kids got into the pool ONCE. Too cold! They immediately got out. And so we wasted our investment.

I don't think a large, heated pool for our kids will be a wasted investment. We will have many, many residents lining up to use it every day. And many scuba training classrooms will occur as well. and Water Safety Instruction courses. It will be a boon to the local community, not a boondoggle.

Everybody into the pool - please shower before entering.

Now

Thanks for your comment. I was not aware the two football programs had merged. I would like to learn more, can you either email me at nicole.krawcke@patch.com or give me a call at 517-488-5886?