Noblesville voters explain their reasons for supporting referendum

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Dear Editor:

We are retired and voting YES on the Noblesville Schools referendum. We’d like to tell you why.

We came to Noblesville 45 years ago because it was geographically located between our then places of employment – Indianapolis and Anderson – but as our children arrived, we stayed for the schools.

Our children attended Noblesville Schools from Kindergarten through high school. We believed they had a quality education, but we were assured of that when they went on to highly regarded universities where they felt well prepared. They have gone on to successful careers in other cities and states but have returned to Noblesville to raise their own children.

We will be voting YES to the referendum question on the November ballot. The most important reason is that we want all children to continue the outstanding education we are witnessing at all three levels: elementary, middle, and high school.

Secondly, we believe the referendum will ensure that Noblesville remains a great place to live and work. Noblesville Schools is the largest employer in Noblesville. Most Noblesville Schools employees also live in Noblesville. What will happen to our local economy if 20 percent of these employees lose their jobs? A vote of YES is a vote for our own community.

Finally, we want to be sure our property values remain high. We watch our spending closely. The ballot language is confusing as it does not take into consideration that the previous referendum is ending. In reality, it is a very small increase going forward. Ours will be less than $15 next year. An investment in our schools is an investment in our personal home value.

Please join us in voting YES on the referendum question – for the children, for the economy, for our property values. It’s the right thing to do!

Jerrold & Holly Hochstedler
Noblesville