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Subject: District 197 levy campaign

I am the co-chair of the District 197 Vote Yes levy campaign (Mendota Heights, West Paul, Eagan) and I have little time to draft this message, considering we only have 5 days and 19 hours before district residents get to "go to Vegas" in order to fund our kids' education.

That's what Nov 6 will feel like when we ask our voting public to interrupt their daily lives, understand the importance of proper school funding, and vote in favor of raising their property taxes for the good of the community.

Considering only 13% of our district has kids in public school, this day will hold a lot of angst for many of us with kids in public schools and for those who see the broader picture (strong schools = strong community).

I have invested 523 hours since May 15 of my time volunteering on this campaign.  I'm pretty sure I could find more valuable uses for my time (and as a former financial services consultant, this time is worth over $100,000!)  Luckily, we have a few volunteers who are devoting vast amount of time in this campaign to spread the message.

What happens if we fail on Nov 6?  What happens during the next annual levy season if we are unable to convince our voters?  Who suffers?  Our kids.  My kids.

I don't gamble for entertainment.  I certainly don't want to gamble when it comes to my kids' education.

Please make it a priority to improve education funding in this state.

Debi McConnell
District 197 parent and tired volunteer