By Bruce Sultan
Although our three children are grown, we strongly support Measure R, which will provide continuing parcel tax support for our local public schools. As attorneys who both live and work in Santa Monica, we take issue with Matthew Millen, also identified as an attorney by the SMDP (“Gearing Up for a Ballot Battle,” page 1, Jan. 10).
We oppose Millen’s tortured use of language to explain why he believes Measure R, which does not increase taxes, is, in fact, a tax increase. We also disagree with his suggestion that Santa Monica voters must choose between doing the right thing for our school children and doing the right thing for the less fortunate among us, including the homeless. As a progressive and caring community, we can and must do both.
Even from a strictly self centered point of view, strong support for public education makes good sense. The democracy which we so highly value can not survive without a well educated populace. And, highly rated public schools help keep our property values up even during times like these when property values in other communities are declining.
Originally published in the Santa Monica Daily Press print edition on January 17, 2008. Read the original PDF.