On Saturday, May 12th, the citizens of Victoria will have the opportunity to vote on the future of their community, through the Victoria Independent School District (VISD) bond proposal. The creation of a quality educational system for our children affects everyone in Victoria, not just those with children in school.

Throughout VISD, facilities are overcrowded, are increasingly in need of repair, lack current educational resources or, in many cases, lack the capability to support those resources. However, with the proposed bond, we can build facilities that we as a community can be proud of as well as make us attractive to businesses and companies that are looking to relocate here, bringing high-paying jobs to our area.

The growth and continued prosperity of our community depends on a vibrant economy, and the continued growth and development of higher-paying jobs. To attract the businesses that bring these jobs to our area, our community must have quality educational institutions, creating an educated and well-trained workforce.

This process has its foundation in our secondary schools.The initiative to upgrade our secondary educational facilities is occurring at a very fortuitous time. The Legislature recently compressed the general operating fund tax rate. This makes it possible for the sale of the educational bonds to have a minimal impact on the overall tax rate. In fact, homestead property tax owners who are over 65, or disabled, will see no increase. Increases for others will be very nominal – less than the cost of a cup of coffee per day.

We believe the success of the VISD bond initiative is absolutely critical for the future prosperity of Victoria. We urge you to vote for the VISD bond proposal on May 12th, or during early voting starting April 30th.

This letter was unanimously approved by those present at the Victoria Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors meeting on April 10, 2007. Present:Joseph Capers, Mark Cooke, Lisa Hernandez, Claud Jacobs, Jeff Lyon, Tim Michalski, Cnnie Murray, Jeff Pryor, Omar Rachid, Louis Rodriguez, Tommy Tijerina, Jesse Valdez, James Villafranca and Jennifer Yancey.