By now, you have heard all the numbers and justifications on the costs of the bonds you are being asked to approve.

It is clear, voting yes is the right thing to do. But, bottom line, the benefits directly affect a small number of us. So, it is easy to pooh pooh all the rhetoric and say what is in it for me. What is in it for you? Well, a great deal!

Sometimes it is difficult to see indirect benefits. The supporters have identified those indirect benefits, but let’s try to dollarize them.

Just look over the hill in Scottsdale and do some sampling of property values. I have found that property taxes are higher in Scottsdale for similarly priced homes. But, it is also true that in Fountain Hills, you get “more house” for your dollar. There are many reasons for the higher prices in Scottsdale.

But, for the moment, think about what home buyers look for, besides the right physical house for them. They look for excellence in schools. And they look for excellent infrastructure such as good roads. Scottsdale has both. Our roads are marginal at best. Our schools are good, but we need to ensure they continue to perform….and improve.

Our median home value in Fountain Hills is roughly $300,000 one of the highest in the Valley. That could easily change if we neglect schools and infrastructure. If our property values were to drop 5 percent, which is not out of the question, that is about $15,000 per homeowner.

That could trigger a spiral that would add to that loss of property value. So, please think of me….I mean yourself, when voting!