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Those of you who know me will have to agree that I have dealt with quality life issues in the last 23 years by helping families relocate to Steamboat Springs through business sales as a specialized business broker. A good education system and a sense of community are the top inquiries from people seeking a new life in the mountains. Now, what does that have to do with voting yes on 3C and 3D in the upcoming elections?

Well, a good school system, especially preschool, kindergarten and grade school, sets the tone for the quality of life that we seek.

Recently, Time magazine, in the April 17, 2006, issue, did a cover story on high school dropouts, "Drop Out Nation." The subtitle read, "30 percent of America's high school students will leave without graduating. Here is what one town tells us about the crisis." If you read the article by Nathan Thornburgh you will discover that the town he used as an example compares very closely to Steamboat Springs by both population and demographics.

The tone for our community should be that we value our children more than ever so that Steamboat Springs' students do not become a 30 percent dropout statistic. The article makes a strong point that the 30 percent dropout children did not lose interest in high school, but rather were discouraged about learning and discovering new things long before high school.

Bond issue 3D will take care of the antiquated Soda Creek Elementary School. The facility will be modern with the latest in learning tools. Bond issue 3C will address teacher retention, relocation assistance and bonuses for superior performance similar to districts located in other Colorado ski resort towns. Please read the detailed information available from the "Yes for Steamboat Schools" Committee.

Now, is it not everyone's wish that our children, employees, and entrepreneurial-minded people stay in Steamboat Springs, raise families and carry on the legacy that we hope to build for them? This does not mean that all students have to be college graduates. It means that we instill a hunger for learning in all aspects of life and give the students the pride to succeed in academics, vocational training and specialized fields. It means we give them a thirst for continuing education.

This all starts in grade school and not in high school. High school only adds to the finishing touches so that they can pursue their own dreams. If students don't have dreams, they will become a dropout statistic, and we as a community will suffer greatly.

The small amount of property tax dollars that this bond issue is requesting has a built-in safety valve. As property values rise in Colorado, the mill levy must decline to keep the overall tax burden at a pre-set level. This formula is complicated. Please read the financial impact information at www.sssd.k12.co.us.

Would this not be a great investment if we have employees inspired to seek technical training after high school to service our business and community needs by earning salary levels to allow them to stay in Steamboat Springs and raise families to start the cycle all over again? Also, if you are asking "Why should I support this if I am an empty-nester or a retired or semi-retired community member?" The answer is that the main reason for crime, drug use and welfare burdens are traced back to high school dropouts who have written off our community and are trying to survive through crime. Certainly, you don't want to set that tone in our community. So, please join us in this investment.

Please educate yourself about 3C and 3D and please vote. See you at the polls for the quality of life we all seek in Steamboat Springs.

Peter F. Remy

Steamboat Springs