Despite having no children, I voted for the current school levy renewal because:

Education is an investment in national and local infrastructure that pays off over many years. It helps build a more innovative, efficient and productive workforce that helps our country better survive in a very competitive world economy. A well-rounded education helps people better evaluate the corporate propaganda to which they are constantly exposed, and builds the knowledge and perception needed to pierce the rhetorical haze surrounding our democratic process. Education helps build more cohesive and collaborative communities.

Education benefits me by increasing opportunities for others. Those choosing music or other arts may bring me great pleasure. Those choosing health care may treat my ailments. Those choosing environmental careers may help us all utilize God's many gifts more effectively and safely. The list goes on and on.

Finally, education may provide opportunities for people whose circumstances would not otherwise provide them, reducing various social ills and my overall tax burden. Broadly funded public education allows people's lives, no matter what they choose to do, to be fuller and more productive, to my individual, personal benefit as well as theirs.

Please vote "yes" before Feb. 14!

Stephen K. Schuck

Bellingham