Editorial: Yes to levies

The editors of The Odessa Record do not usually weigh in on political issues, but the struggles of our public institutions, such as the school district and hospital, compel us to make an exception. Odessa as a community has tried very hard, especially over the past 10 years, to bring new industry and other types of businesses to town. Some of those efforts have been very successful, some not so much. Those efforts will continue, thanks to the dedication of Odessa’s business community and leadership.

But the school district and hospital rely on public funds for much of their respective budgets. Both are asking us as taxpayers to dig a little deeper to help them stay afloat. If either entity gets into such a financial bind that it has to close or downsize to something less than it currently is, Odessa is unlikely to recover from the blow. Medical facilities and schools are the first things people look for when contemplating a move to a new town or area.

For most of us, the choice is clear. We like our quiet lifestyle and our distance from the traffic jams, violence and other negatives of urban life. We want to grow a little but not too much. Paying more taxes is not something anyone chooses to do without serious consideration. Please consider the town’s future when you mail in your ballot.

We urge a Yes vote for all levies.