Third, we are not convinced that east-side residents, many of whom are older and whose children are long gone from the public schools, will be committed to the almost certain tax increases that will be required to maintain quality facilities and educational programs in a much smaller school district. Even with ever-increasing amounts of residential and commercial tax revenue flowing from the booming south valley economy, the Jordan District as presently constituted cannot keep up with facilities demands without substantial bonding. Those arguing that a new district, facing the loss of a huge portion of revenue from the west side, could remodel, construct and maintain capital facilities without also bonding, are naive. Bonding and property tax increases will be necessary, and it may be difficult to secure support for such with an aging east-side population.

Finally, we are discouraged that I-15 continues to be a mandatory dividing line of communities along the Wasatch Front. As an attorney representing public schools across South Carolina, I experienced firsthand the lingering effects of de jure segregation in the South and therefore have no appetite for any policy that divides people, regardless of whether it is on the grounds of race, socioeconomic status, or ZIP code.

Our strength as a community depends on us pulling together, and we urge the Salt Lake County Council to vote against placing this issue on the ballot until its complex financial, legal and educational implications can be fully debated in the Legislature and other appropriate forums.

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David S. Doty is an assistant commissioner with the Utah System of Higher Education. He and his wife, Rori, a registered nurse at LDS Hospital, and their three children live in Sandy.