As a former school board candidate, I believe that voting for the local-options sales tax is irresponsible.

We need to examine more innovative alternatives to building plans before we waste our tax dollars on unwarranted expenditures. During my campaign, I proposed such alternatives, including second-story additions over the teacher parking lots at either Ames High or Ames Middle School.

This tax affects not only permanent Ames residents, but also the students at Iowa State who spend the majority of the year here and are so important to our community. Furthermore, why do we need duplication of facilities in this city? We already have a first-class indoor swimming pool at Ames High School. This facility is neither overburdened nor in an inconvenient location. So far it is an example of harmony between the community and the school. Estimates put the cost of a new pool, a joint city and school district project, at $5 million. If we so “urgently” need more money for the schools, why should we be squandering part of the school money on a new, expensive, unnecessary pool?

This is a form of economics that I do not understand.

And let’s not forget there’s a declining enrollment in the elementary schools, the effects of which will be felt at the middle school in the near future.

There is a reason why Ames voters have rejected bonds proposed by the school board. The school board needs to get the idea: We are not going to throw money at a problem and hope it disappears.

Milan Dalal

Junior

Economics and Political Science