I have been following the debate on District 281 operating levies for a little more than two years now. During that time, I've learned more about my neighborhood and the folks who live in it.

Our neighborhood is comprised of long-term retired residents living on fixed incomes interspersed with first-time homeowners who took advantage of past easy credit to finally become homeowners. These folks are solid middle-class citizens who are doing the best they can to get by.

The rhetoric of the last levy campaign included a reference to "the cost of a latte a day," indicating folks were sacrificing children's education for selfish luxury. Let me put a different perspective on this claim, one that is just as valid today. The current figures put forth are $12 to $15.41 a month on a home valued at $245,000.

Twelve dollars a month equals three of the cheapest medications a month; fuel for about three trips to a local large grocery store at $4 a gallon for gas; four days of heating or cooling at current rates (costs are projected to increase 40 percent to 50 percent this winter).

Add to this an average of one to three homes per block in some stage of foreclosure.

Surely anyone with basic common sense sees that the message from taxpayers to the district last time around will be echoed in a new referendum.

It is past time for belt-tightening in the district, as well as in neighborhoods.