The Seneca Valley School Board is in an immensely powerful position that could affect what was once a rural, modest blue-collar town.

Many residents are elderly, retired, widowed and on fixed incomes. The tax hike you are proposing will place hardship on this population.

Are the proposed architectural plans are a want or a need? What are the taxpayers’ obligations regarding education?

Extravagant sports complexes, extracurricular activities, a performing arts center, connecting bridges, free meals?

Should a senior citizen trying to make ends meet be faced with an exorbitant tax increase? Should any resident? Could you please be realistic about our obligations and decide accordingly?

I cannot think of one benefit that the growth of Jackson Township has brought.

We have faced new taxes to mitigate the flooding issues that the developments have intensified. Our quality of life has decreased because of increased traffic and noise. Now our resources are stretched to accommodate this aggressive population growth.

A tax increase of this magnitude will negatively impact small business owners and nonprofit organizations. Discretionary incomes that can no longer afford dining out, home improvements, or donations to community services.

Can you, in good conscience, put the masses into financial panic and unnecessary long-term debt? Will this decision make the students in this area more prepared for the real world?

I signed the petition. I am a real person. Your vote will impact me. As a taxpayer, I would like access to the school district’s amenities, specifically the indoor swimming pool.

Donna J. Statzer, Zelienople