Higher Turnout Key To D86 Referendum Vote: Letter

HINSDALE, IL – Margaret Russell of Hinsdale sent us this letter about the upcoming District 86 referendum vote.

Kudos to 16% of you!

If you voted in the November 2018 election you are among the 16% of local voters in the Hinsdale Central area who did. Just 16%. (It was 26% from South) Think the referendum makes so much sense that it is bound to pass? Not without YOUR vote. Only approximately 35% of D86 households have kids in ANY grade K-12. Not even close to enough to get this passed. There is a desperate need for young adults and parents of kids 0-5 to get to the polls. 68% of empty nesters voted but only 4% of 18-34 year olds did and only 28% of 35-54 year olds. Hopefully by now you know that the 4/2 referendum needs to pass for our high schools to remain competitive and our property values to keep from plummeting.

Future homebuyers will simply not buy in a town that does not prioritize their schools. Why should they move here when they can pick from 23 other top Chicago high schools who have updated their facilities with voter approved funds – the only way to fund major facilities needs within current state laws? No one will come here with an out-of-date high school straight from 1950 when they have a choice. The next possible referendum is not until spring 2020 and by then, after a year of a stripped down school system, our reputation – and our property values - will be irreparably harmed. This is a pivotal time in our community’s history – VOTE!

Margaret Russell, Hinsdale