In reference to your editorial regarding the Coupeville School levy on Feb. 15: “Fewer say yes in Coupeville.†I have a different take on the topic.
The editorial said: “Observers can only surmise that there has been some negative reaction to the Coupeville High School bond election in May 2004,†citing the increased construction costs and planning gone “awry.â€
From what I understand it would have been nearly impossible to predict the jump in construction costs that occurred following the election due to a variety of complex, unpredictable factors not limited to economic variables and the impact of skyrocketing costs caused by events such as materials going to Iraq and hurricanes Katrina and Rita on the availability and cost of building materials.
It would be nice to have a crystal ball when it comes to the economy, lacking that, I don’t think the problem can be attributed to bad planning.
I’ve been wondering if the drop in support might have more to do with population growth. As a native Coupeville resident who used to know nearly everyone in town, I now can go to a restaurant or the post office and sometimes not recognize a single person. Newcomers may not know about Coupeville’s historic support for our schools. I hear of people that move here with the hope and intention of paying less in taxes than they had where they last lived.
As more people come we are seeing qualities and values we have cherished begin to erode. This can come with growth, but it does not have to be what happens here. While I have met a lot of folks who have more recently decided to call Coupeville home engage in the community with commitment, respect and passion, I observe there are other newcomers who choose not to get involved in our community.
It is my hope that we can convey to all newcomers what it is that has made Coupeville so hospitable and unique, thereby gaining not only their support for local levy and bond issues but, also, their participation in helping to sustain the integrity and history of the town.
Jan Pickard
Coupeville
