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Bumps and decisions on our highway of life

With such beautiful weather we should all throw away our worries and enjoy these glorious days, because they wonít last long.
However, in the course of our lives come bumps in our pathways and pain and sorrow for us to bear. One such bump appeared this week. Our communities have lost a good friend, a man with spirit, strength and faith.
For the several years I have known Howard Kurtz, I have never know him to not have a smile on his face. He was gentle and kind to the youngsters when he worked with them. I saw this first hand at the North Branch bike rodeos each spring.
He was an avid supporter of senior citizens, and worked diligently to promote the TRIAD program, a program of seniors and law enforcement agencies working together.
You didnít see him a lot, but when you did, he left a smile in your heart. Thatís what I got the last time I saw him, at the National Night Out event in Central Park. Oh, he saw me with my camera as he sat behind the table where he helped promote TRIAD.
And he wasnít going to let me get away without snapping a picture of him. So, with a wave and a great big smile, he posed for the camera and I did my job. And Iím glad I did. Thatís how Iíll forever see him, smiling and friendly, with a twinkle in his eye.
Amidst the pain of our loss, we also come face to face with an election in North Branch- levy referendum questions to garner money to help the school district continue offering educational services to the children at the current standards.
I commend those who have eagerly jumped on the bandwagon and are recommending a yes vote on Nov. 4. I applaud your desire to provide the most excellent educational opportunities possible to your children.
Iím not going to tell anyone how to vote, however, because itís not as simple for everyone as placing an x in the right box.
There will be tax increases associated with a ìyesî vote, and a lot of people are willing and able to deal with these increases.
Some others may be willing, but are not able. It becomes a painful decision when you weigh prescription refills and food against additional tax dollars.
The numbers of seniors on fixed incomes remains high in our area. The numbers of people being laid off is also increasing and, as the school district will have difficulty meeting its financial obligations if oil prices sky rocket or other costs exceed budget, likewise it will be extremely difficult for some people to deal with their tight budgets and tax increases.
I agree with many who are saying toss this one in the laps of the state legislators. Unfortunately, that wonít help the current situation.
Many will have to bite the bullet it the levy referenda pass. There is no doubt it will be good for the kids, good for the school, and perhaps in the long run, even good for the whole community. But it will be tough for some.
I just ask all of the levy enthusiasts to remember this and perhaps the next issues you can work on are finding ways for limited income people to exist in our communities with ever-increasing taxes.
I encourage you all to attend the public information meeting Thursday night, thatís tomorrow night, Oct. 23, 7 p.m. at the Main Street School Media Center.
The best answers for this election will come from the mouths of those dealing directly with the money issues. Bring your questions and concerns to this meeting, and your manners, so the night can proceed in such a way that all may learn about the upcoming election through a dignified process.
Donít forget the meeting, 7 p.m. tomorrow night.

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