MASON CITY – Long-time school levy critic Jack McCourt asked one more time this week for “no” votes on the two school levies that are on the ballot right now in Mason City.
“People really don’t know what’s going on,” Mr. McCourt said Thursday. “I’m here to protect the poor and the elderly, who will bear the costs in the end for this.”
Mr. McCourt met with NorthIowaToday.com at his favorite talking location, a red and white painted block at a local garden which reminds folks that he helped defeat the last two attempts by the Mason City School District to impose a levy on property owners. In an interview, he is now asking for a third defeat from the voters.
McCourt, a Korean War veteran who performs Honor Guard at local military funerals, continues to point to declining enrollment in the schools while the debt of the district is well over $50 million. He also feels that some teachers and especially administrators are over-paid.
Current enrollment is about 3700 students in Mason City.
The final touches have been put on a renovation at the Mason City High School, and John Adams Middle School was completed last year. Other elementary schools have been renovated in recent years, and a new Intermediate School (Lincoln) was completed as well.
“If you vote for the levies, watch out,” Mr. McCourt said.
Absentee voting continues at the courthouse at this time, through September 9th. Polling locations open up across the city on September 10th.
Watch video:
httpv://youtu.be/n2hJ-GODPPg