Practically Speaking

I, too, do not know what will happen.

I do know that the current downward pressure on interest rates is a once in a lifetime opportunity.  This bond will survive through 3 or so business cycles, but the low interest will be present throughout.

Infrastructure spending is a well-known antedote to a weak economy--think WPA.  Much of the money will cycle in the local and regional economy.  Further, there is nothing new, fancy, or risky about bonds for public works.  These things have been done like this forever.

Admittedly, the AC may be a tough call, but given the intense usage of schools from Sept to May, the AC won't be on much. Other energy savings will offset. I wouldn't sink this bond on this one factor--a redo will cost alot, and we can virtually guarantee that the interest rates will be higher.  No one gets exactly what they want.

Jobs follow communities that people want to live in.  Think of the healthy job markets in places like NY, Connecticut, and California, places with REALLY high taxes.  Our community must be stong and appealing, and in Brookfield, the number one draw is schools.

Make sure you read Tom Gehl's comments.  Unlike us amateurs, he has been in the middle of this for a long time, and you have to respect his opinion.

Kyle's reply: I was not suggesting bonds for public works were risky. Those comments were directed at the residents, who although are in over their heads often don't curb their spending.

Do $26mil of mechanical upgrades to stimulate the local economy? What about the drain on the local economy by taking money out of the taxpayers' wallets?

As electric, natural gas, and even water rates rise, it is prudent not to be dependent on their usage. On the Central tour we asked if the new windows would open. They did not know. (Nothing spec'd out yet) I think we get windows that open and save energy costs. It is foolish to go through the expense and hassle of putting in air conditioning and then say it won't get used much. Plus, any energy savings from heating and lighting should benefit the school district's budget which benefits the taxpayer's budget.

The 3 rules of real estate are not Schools, Schools, Schools, they are Location, Location, Location. Low taxes and close proximity to Milwaukee is what drew us here 22 years ago. Only 1 out of about every 4 homes have children, and then about 25% of those homes don't send their children to Elmbrook Schools. 

Tom does have my respect; it is our opinions that don't always match.:) 

One does wonder what sense it makes to install high efficiency windows in the high schools then add several acres of gyms to heat and air condition!

By this time tomorrow, someone in town is going to need some cheering up. You might direct them here:

    www.youtube.com/watch

Think NO real hard now. I will! Thanks for the blogs, Kyle.