Growing up in Port Angeles in the 1940s and 50s, I remember receiving a very good education, having great teachers and living in a vibrant community.
I always planned on coming back.
Looking back now 40 years after returning, I see a school district that remains strong.
We still see great teachers, wide student participation in all sorts of extracurricular activities and a world-class music program.
And I see a community that is clearly getting stronger in many ways.
I see a downtown that has struggled but is now beginning to flourish.
I see great health care being delivered with a strong medical center, a new community health center, a strong behavioral health center and a dedicated, free volunteer clinic.
These all need to be staffed with qualified professionals, some of whom will come from right here, others of whom will be recruited from elsewhere.
All will want to raise their kids in good schools.
I would encourage all of us to do our part to keep our schools strong by voting yes on the upcoming Port Angeles School District replacement levy.
Ballots went out Wednesday, with an election date of Feb. 14.
Remember that this is not a new tax but simply replacing the current levy.
Let’s keep our community strong.
Roger M. Oakes,
Port Angeles