Editor,

It’s too bad the First Amendment rights afforded every American doesn’t include the responsibility to tell the truth. I believe it’s shameful for a group such as Citizens for Academic Success, when they don’t have the courage to take personal ownership, for the ad they took out against the Oak Harbor school levy in the WNT Jan. 23. The name of this group would lead one to believe their primary interest is academic improvement in the Oak Harbor School District. Nothing is farther from the truth.

If it were, their ad would mention the many meetings and workshops they have attended with this goal in mind.

Their ad would also provide a much different message. Well, they don’t, and their message is nothing more than political hogwash.

The levy campaign funding is provided by private citizens who believe we can do better for our students. It is interesting that Citizens for Academic Success compare and applaud the academic results of our closest districts without mentioning that they out-spend OHSD’s local levy by 3:1 toward that accomplishment.

Citizens for Academic Success wants you to believe that funding in this M&O levy includes monies for teacher supplemental pay called TRI-Day.

Although TRI-Days are a part of teacher’s compensation, there is nothing earmarked in this M&O Levy. That ad is nothing but political fantasy. I recommend that you join me and vote yes for this levy. It is good for our community.

David McCool
Oak Harbor