Letter To The Editor: Join With Us In Voting For The One Penny Sales Tax

Editors Note: The views and opinions expressed in this editorial are not necessarily the views or opinions of Oskaloosa News.

Forty-six years ago, I had graduated from the University of Iowa and had worked in an Iowa City Insurance agency for a year and a half. That agency was sold and I interviewed with a number of insurance agencies and companies in Iowa and other states and had multiple job offers.

Initially, our first choice was not Oskaloosa, but Chuck Russell and Jack Lamberson continued to point out Oskaloosa’s assets including William Penn College and the new YMCA. The YMCA was important not only because our soon-to-be family would be able to take swimming lessons and use the facility, but also because it showed Oskaloosa’s community spirit that enabled the new YMCA to be built.

Dorothy and I decided that Oskaloosa was where we wanted to live and raise our family.

Today, we are at a crossroads. Our Early-Childhood facilities and indoor recreation facilities are inadequate for the community’s future needs and in financial jeopardy. While none of our family will ever use the Early-Childhood facilities, we realize that Oskaloosa must have outstanding childcare and indoor recreation facilities in order to attract new young doctors, dentists, business people and new businesses.

We urge you to join with us in voting for the one penny sales tax that will provide for improved roads in

Oskaloosa and Mahaska County, a new Environmental Learning Center and a new center for Early-Childhood education and indoor recreation.

Ed Butler