There have been several well written, persuasive letters in this space setting forth why Proposition 2, which would re-establish the threshold distance for bus eligibility for seventh - 12th grade students to 1.0 miles, should be passed. Readers of those letters most likely already have decided to vote "yes" on Proposition 2, as it is hard to imagine a responsible informed argument in opposition to the proposition. However, for those others who remain unconvinced, or who have missed discussion of the issue, I offer the following:

It is easy to all imagine the variety of tragedies that could occur on our roads. Dangers of several types presented by the high speed multilane thoroughfares, by the winding roads without sidewalks and obstructed views, and by the more isolated stretches of roads are each more than our pre-teens and teenagers should be exposed to. Consider the early darkness and cold and ice of the winter months, and a worrisome scenario emerges.

Passage of Proposition 2 would reduce that exposure. The district's department of transportation had estimated that Proposition 2 affects the bus eligibility of approximately 375 students. This is the number of additional students that would have the option of commuting to and from school by bus if Proposition 2 passes, and that would have to either walk or rely on a driver if Proposition 2 fails. Even if not utilized every day by every student, that option of bus transportation is a daily benefit to a significant number of kids.

Opponents may rationalize that the additional cost of Proposition 2, estimated at approximately $40,000 annually, justifies a vote against. However, any fair analysis must consider the value of the benefit received as well as the cost. In this case, the cost to restore this daily benefit of safety and convenience to 375 children approximates 0.0006 of the proposed budget. Everyone should recognize the value in this expenditure.

Vote "yes" on Proposition 2.

David Canfield