I had the fortune of working the 6.84 mil campaign in 2003 and was privileged to work with talented educators, brilliant students, and proactive-minded community members. I was aware then, as I am now, of tight economic situations, and for some the thought of paying approximately $1 per month to pay for the maintenance for new schools is difficult. I am also aware that many people are uniformed about the facts surrounding the .5 mil and have responded to false rumors and disinformation circulating throughout the city.

As a co-chair along with Dr. Ty Huggins and a visionary group of individuals on the levy committee, we want to INFORM all of you of the facts and benefits of the .5 mil maintenance levy. We will be presenting as many facts as we have about this levy in the next two months. Please take time to ask questions and/or dispel any disinformation you have heard. In addition to the speaking circuit we will have in the community, most of the facts about this levy can be found at www.supportgalionschools.com. This site also contains information on the Homestead Exemption Application Form for senior citizens, disabled persons, and surviving spouses. If you do not have access to the internet, please call Dr. Huggins at 419-468-1580 or me at 419-468-1055.

I believe it is our civic duty to support our schools like we do our firemen, policemen, hospital and other city services. My children more than likely won’t benefit from the new schools, but I comforted by the knowledge that your children will. Generations before me supported levies and schools so my/our children today could have the best education in the world. Likewise, those same people who paid to support today’s children were once supported by a generation before them. The cycle continues; it is now our civic duty to support our schools and no better time than now – a time when the state is prepared to release $38 million once we pass the .5 mil levy on May 3.

I ask for your support and I ask for all of you to become informed. I also ask for those who are opposed to this to, at a minimum, to become part of the SOLUTION and not the problem by actively AND positively giving your recommendations to our committee and the school board. The opportunities for better education and a brighter future begin with these new schools. Please call with any questions or concerns.

Respectfully,

Philip Brown

620 Alayne Avenue