Guest Post: Not Yet

A supporter of ours near Timpview High School wrote her thoughts about the 2019 school bond. Her point is that voting no is not a vote against safe schools, it's a vote that opens up the option for a better bond.

"Bond/No Bond?

My reluctant response: Not yet.

It doesn’t feel nice to say “No” to “Safe Schools.” Motivated by a sense of altruism, duty, and perhaps a bit of fear, people I know and love are saying “YES!” They are willing to sacrifice their money and time for the children of Provo! For education! For safety! It feels nice. A series of propaganda nights have presented this bond as the flawless way forward for our city and our children.

I care about children. I care about education. Should I vote, "Yes?" I have supported and rallied behind these very causes in the past.

Others I know and trust are saying, “NO!” There is a bit of anger and distrust behind their answer. They are people who care to have dug deeper into the issues. They are people who have spent time and effort speaking out in the past and found they have had a lot to say, but no sway. They are people who know that Provo City and Provo City School District have some inconsistencies in what they have said and what they have done. There is a worry about “What is the real plan?” and “What happens when…?” No trust! No bond!

I am not willing to say “No” to safe schools. But, I am not willing to say “Yes,” to this bond, handing over money and losing hope for a better plan and further input.

Thankfully, there is a viable third option. By voting “No” to the bond, I hope to simply be saying, “Not yet.” It is essentially a place holder while waiting for a better option on the ballot. It leaves room for a “better bond” in the future. I am careful with my own money, often leaving it in the bank until I find the right house or the right car. It doesn’t mean I don’t want a house or a car. It just means that I don’t buy the first one I see, especially “as is” when there is a question about what the salesperson is promising. Before I make a large purchase, especially if I am unsure of the seller’s track record, I like to have some issues fixed and to have some guarantee or warranty.

I will wait by saying no. I will wait for a better bond, with more input, more-inclusive planning, and a look further into the future."