There are trends, but mostly local elections just prompt more questions

Colorado voters seem to have passed a state referendum to provide free school lunch for all public school students. The $100 million per year added expense will be covered by limiting some tax deductions for those making over $400,000 per year. The fact that we can keep kids from going hungry and indirectly support low income families, all without most of us paying more in taxes, seems like a no-brainer.

The only surprise was that 45 percent of voters chose "no" to this proposal. Were they thinking they might someday make a fortune each year, and wanted to avoid adding to that future tax bill? Were they just curmudgeons who automatically vote "no" to all ballot propositions? Were they people who believe young kids should suffer, just like they did? 

A separate proposition that provides spouses who lost their husband or wife in combat a reduction in property taxes was passed with nearly 88 percent, but that still leaves a pesky 12 percent in opposition.

I sometimes wonder if voters read the issues carefully, though I suppose someone could say, "Why does this only go to homeowners? I am a renter and not married, but I can imagine losing a spouse to war."

Of course, 65 percent of voters approved lowering the state income tax rate from 4.55 percent to 4.40 percent. If there's one thing we can mostly agree upon, it's that we want our money. Of course, we also want our services and roads and schools and so much more. 

We are just not going to be enthusiastic about paying for anything.

Voters in Douglas County, one of the richest per capita in the country, voted down two proposed tax increases, one for new buildings and maintenance and the other to boost teacher pay. Yes, we have had bitter feuds within the school board and with the firing of a beloved superintendent, and yes, some can argue that they don't trust those in charge. 

But my guess is that DCSD teachers with fewer than ten years experience will be looking to switch to a neighboring district in ever-greater numbers. On average, they can make an additional $20,000 per year, plus the major boosts to their eventual retirement payout (a huge factor from the perspective of a retiree). 

Taking your talents to another district is not good for students, but it's the only possible way for educators to make their point about how cheap Douglas County voters are. We won't see the numbers until March or later, when teachers are signing new contracts, but everyone should be able to see the looming crisis.

The vote was fairly close, probably just close enough to have the measures return in the coming year or two. But voters have made it clear about how much they value their teachers, and it's not much.

Students are paying attention to such disrespect, and how many are quickly shedding any hazy plans to someday teach? 

That would be like aspiring to join the ranks of garbage collectors. Sure, we need them, but who jots down "trash industry" on their vision board?