My late husband and I have been spending winters in Fountain Hills since we bought our home in 1998. We were attracted to this community by the stunning natural beauty. We also knew that as retirees, we wanted to live in a multi-age community where we would see children on a regular basis, not just visiting grandparents during the holidays. Fountain Hills was that community.

I am very concerned that the recent defeat of the school bond issue has sent a message to young families that education is not a priority in this town, nor are those young families. Public education is the foundation of our democracy. Easy access to communities with good schools and other resources is essential to maintaining strong participation in a democratic society.

As a retiree whose own children’s public educational needs have long ago been met, I would urge my fellow citizens to support measures like the school bond tax that benefit all of us. That measure was defeated but there will be others. 

Reader reactions, pro or con, are welcomed at AzOpinions@iniusa.org.