Letter to the Editor: New school is financially, morally right for Sidney

Dear Editor,

Every New Year brings about ambitious goals, a feeling of accomplishment from the previous year and a general sense of excitement about the possibilities that lie ahead. The year 2015 is no exception. Our community is faced with an important decision on Feb. 10 about whether or not we are going to move forward with a new elementary school bond issuance.

My work experience at Cabela’s and now Adams Industries has taught me to realize that if I want to be a part of positive change in my community, all I have to do is get involved and be supportive. That’s why I’m writing this letter.

Our community of growing businesses affords individuals incredible possibilities that include small-town lifestyles revolving around our families. Sidney has a growing population base of young adults starting families. These kids are the future of our community and will perpetuate the core values of Western Nebraska, Cheyenne County and Sidney.

It’s no secret that scores of small town Nebraska communities are dying out. Sidney has been the exception. The leaders of our community have already made the commitment to grow. We must continue the next few steps to finish laying the foundation that will provide for our community well into the next generation. The only alternatives are stagnation, or worse yet, degeneration.

A new school will continue to attract talented teachers who care about having the tools necessary to do the best job they can. These teachers and facilities will attract and retain talented people who will help us carry the burden of the investments and commitments we’ve already made and add vibrancy and strengthen our community. A vote against a new school and all the educational benefits it will provide is a vote against the future of our kids.

On Feb. 10, I’m going to vote for the bond issuance and the new elementary school. I’m voting yes because I believe it’s the right thing to do financially and morally as a proud citizen, husband and father.

Let’s get this done for our children, our community and our future.

Josh Watchorn

Sidney