The Rhinelander Daily News - Online news and information for the Rhinelander, Wisconsin region

Virtually no one in Rhinelander will argue that the school district referendum issue isn’t important. School board meetings have become the site of heated exchanges; letters published in local newspapers have been rife with accusations; and generational, social, and political fault lines have erupted through the surface of even the simplest daily conversations at the mention of the referendum.

In a small community, where everyone’s business is somehow both public and private all at once, finding out what people really think and why can be as difficult as predicting the weather.

The following four profiles are a glimpse into the positions and opinions of four district voters who will go to the polls to decide the fate of the newest referendum on Sept. 9.

The property tax and property value information included with each profile is courtesy of the Oneida County land records system, which can be accessed through the county’s Web site, www.co.oneida.wi.gov.

Dixie Lee King, town of Woodboro

Dixie Lee King owns a home in the town of Woodboro and pays approximately $8,000 per year in property taxes. King pays approximately $11.36 per thousand of fair market value.

’s not that I’m against public education but from what I understand this board and administration has been wasteful in the past, and I don’t see why athletics should be the top priority at a time when the enrollment is dropping,” said King.

King also said she has lost faith in the administration and the board’s willingness to tell the truth. She does not believe the new referendum proposal will be “tax-neutral” as the district has claimed.

“That’s what they claim but I don’t believe it for a second. They are so unconcerned about the voters,” said King. “My question is what is so pressing about the need for a fancy new sports facility that the board has to ram this down our throats?”

King acknowledged that some of the state aid funding issues facing the district should be addressed at the state level. She pointed to a law in Indiana that caps property taxes at one percent of equalized assessed value.

“If there was a group that I could get involved with to pursue the issue at the state level, I would do it. But most of us mistrust politicians in general and have a lack of information about how to get involved in the issue at the state level,” said King.

Gary Zarda, city of Rhinelander

Gary Zarda is a teacher, coach, and parent in the School District of Rhinelander. He owns a home in the 5th aldermanic ward. Zarda pays approximately $1,318 of property tax. He pays approximately $17.83 per thousand of fair market value. Originally from Antigo, Zarda relocated to Rhinelander for work reasons and now considers it his home for life. He has three children attending district schools.

“I’m frustrated when people frame this as people with money against people who don’t have it, because I struggle. The extra $40 I would get from a tax cut isn’t going to make an impact in my life but if the money is invested it can make a huge impact for the community’s future,” said Zarda. “I can empathize with people who are struggling because while I’m not retired, I’ve lived in a household with a single income. But this proposal being tax neutral, we can take a little bit of money we’ve never had in the past and invest in something great for our children.”

Zarda supported the initial April 1 referendum and says that while the $35 million plan was the best option for the district, the new $23.5 million proposal is a fair compromise with voters who did not want to see an increase in the tax levy.

“I think the $35 million provided the best we could for the kids but we’re trying to compromise by meeting folks in the middle. I see it as a compromise with folks who did not want to pay any more in tax,” said Zarda.

As a coach, teacher, and parent, Zarda said he wears different lenses when he considers the issue. He rejects the idea that the new proposal has over-emphasized athletics at the expense of academics.

“Co-curriculars saved me. I’m a perfect example of a kid whose participation in co-curricular activities made a difference in the way I viewed school. They gave me a sense of self-confidence that has woven itself into the fabric of my life over the years,” said Zarda.

Zarda experienced a similarly divisive referendum fight when he was growing up in Antigo and his memory of the community divide it created is still fresh.

“I have a perspective of having grown up in Antigo during a difficult referendum fight. I saw the burden those issues placed on people’s backs. Now they’ve solved that issue and moved beyond. I had the option to go back there and teach but I chose to stay because I love this town. It’s time to put our battles behind us and move forward for the good of the town,” said Zarda.

Judy Phillips, town of Pine Lake

Judy Phillips has lived in the Rhinelander area her entire life. She and her husband, Mick, are retired and live on a fixed income in a two bedroom home on Moen Lake. Phillips pays just over $3,000 per year in property taxes. The couple pays approximately $12.37 per thousand of fair market value.

Two-thirds of their property money goes to the school district.

Phillips said her opposition to both the April 1 referendum and the new referendum proposal are based on her mistrust of the district’s administration and its assertion that the debt created by the new building projects will not incur an increase in taxes.

“There are just so many issues that I question,” said Phillips.

Phillips does not believe that the district and the school board will follow through on their promise to hold meetings in the townships to discuss the issue.

“If it happens, I will be very much surprised. I want answers and we don’t ever get them. I’ve lived in this town all my life. I’m in a hard spot because I’m on a fixed income. I have worked for everything I’ve gotten. If I’ve wanted something I’ve worked for it and I’ve saved. I think the district should do the same,” she said.

Phillips also rejects the idea that the district can go into debt without eventually raising tax levies.

“It’s always borrowed money. People don’t realize that borrowed money doubles when you try to pay it back,” said Phillips.

She believes that there will be hidden costs associated with the district’s newest proposal.

“I’m not against sports and I’m not against education, but there are hidden costs that they are not addressing,” said Phillips.

Phillips said she raised three children in the Rhinelander schools and they were never able to participate in after-school activities because of their rural location and the difficulties associated with transportation.

“I raised three kids. None of them participated in sports and they all went to college. I would hold my kids up to anyone’s. My position is that it’s 5 o’clock somewhere and I’m looking for people who are willing to stand up and say no to anything but repairs,” said Phillips.

Brad Kowieski, town of Pine Lake

Brad Kowieski has lived in Rhinelander his entire life. He attended Rhinelander High School and now lives with his wife and two young children in a home in Pine Lake. Kowieski pays approximately $2,300 in property tax. He pays approximately $11.92 per thousand of fair market value. Kowieski supports the referendum because he believes the future of Rhinelander depends on the investment its residents are willing to commit to its infrastructure. He works in development and sales for One Prospect, and his work-associated travel has given him the chance to visit communities all over the state. Kowieski believes that small communities north of Highway 29 are facing a crisis that only a concerted reinvestment effort can solve.

“This is our car with 100,000 miles on it and now people are saying let’s go out and get a new fuel pump so we can squeeze another 20,000 miles out of it. We need a new car,” said Kowieski, whose real car has 180,000 miles on it.

Kowieski said that as a parent of two small children, he views the September vote as a referendum on the future of the city he loves.

“It’s tough to watch the lack of support for the youth of Rhinelander. I’m a young guy and my wife is a young woman and we’d like to raise our kids here. It’s hard to watch this issue. I know a number of young families who are trying to decide if they can raise their children here. If you don’t see change you have to start looking at other options for how to take care of your children’s future,” he said.

Kowieski acknowledged that hard economic times were a factor for voters who rejected the first referendum and he believes the new proposal is a fair compromise for the district.

“I think it’s a fair approach and considerate of the different views out there. Tax neutral is a smart approach to this issue,” he said.

Kowieski also feels that the argument over the referendum in Rhinelander is shortsighted, and that the city and other Northwoods communities are in danger of being left in the past by larger communities down state.

“The argument we’re having is crazy. The communities that are growing in this state already know what investment means. But north of Highway 29 you can see what’s happening to the communities that haven’t invested. The jobs are gone. If we’re not willing to invest in our own community no one else will be either. We’ll die just like every other small town between here and the UP,” he said.

Tell us what you think...

Comments »

TRT wrote on Aug 5, 2008 10:23 AM:

" If people like Mr. Zarda and Mr. Kowieski continue to be quoted for their sensible, well-spoken comments a lot of the misinformation may disappear, and true dialogue may occur to bring together the community for the best for all...whether they realize it or not?
P.S.- Abe did you read Mr. Zarda's comments before your posting? "

Sue wrote on Aug 5, 2008 8:33 AM:

" Please stop posting personal attacks. Phrases like "spewing venom", "never had courage", "crystal castle".

The venomous teachers who post those attacks are skilled speakers and .... venomous. We slow thinkers, we respectful citizens ARE afraid of being bulldozed by the teachers who roll their eyes, shake their heads and don't work for any middle ground. To them it's all black and white. And whoa to the citizen who may thoughtfully and respectfully disagree before shelling out their spare change for a pool. "

Sue wrote on Aug 5, 2008 8:29 AM:

" If you want to promote how good the SDR is - start with updating the welcome boards to Rhinelander. Apparently the last time Mock Trial won was 10 years ago? Is there anything else to promote at all? Or will it cost $1,000,000 to update the boards too. Great community project for shop and/or art classes. Wouldn't the kids be proud to show off what they made?

The #1 thing you can do to attract parents is excel academically. Stop with the extras. Have high math, science, reading scores, and neighboring towns will start flocking here through open enrollment. "

Former Hodag wrote on Aug 5, 2008 12:32 AM:

" On one hand, you have someone who lives in a modest $70,000 house, and yet is willing to do what is best for the community first.

Then on the other hand, you have someone who lives in a $700,000 house, and is unwilling to help for the greater good?

How does one look themselves in the mirror? How does one sleep at night?... when they are so greedy and selfish!

It looks like there are too many who should have been involved in extra-curriculars for some character education, and/or at least paid attention at church!

However you might try to justify your lack of ethics, this issue is simply about what are your morals.

Are you greedy, or are you giving?
Are you selfish, or are you selfless?

Who are you? What are you morals? What kind of character qualities do you have? "

Rich Phelan GenevaIl wrote on Aug 4, 2008 1:20 PM:

" To Whom It May Concern,

I would hope the good citizens of Rhinelander would step up and lend their support to the referendum. I attended and graduated from Rhinelander High School in 1974. I felt I had an exemplary education which prepared me for college and beyond. We need to attract the best teachers and provide our athletes with modern facilities in order to compete in the 21st century. Rhinelander presently suffers from brain drain in which about 80% of our college graduates do not return to settle in the area. This statistic will have to improve or you won't have much of a community left. I would urge everyone to demonstrate the kind of pride that was instilled by the teachers and coaches that I remember from the past.

Regards,

Rich Phelan "

Abe wrote on Aug 4, 2008 10:46 AM:

" Yes. Let's make wise investments. Let's demand quality education for our students. Let's model our schools after those with the top scores. (Singapore, Korea, Hong Kong, Japan, etc. - U.S. is ranked in the 20s)

What nation demands their citizens buy a pool for their schools, then tell the taxpayers they don't care about kids if they won't fund a pool. (U.S. school employees - that's who).

Instead of creating unfounded ideas about what we think is important for success, let's go check out those schools that have succeeded. "

Nancy wrote on Aug 4, 2008 9:03 AM:

" Dixie Lee King hit the nail on the head. Well said. I vote for you to be on the school board. "

Toast Your Town wrote on Aug 4, 2008 7:17 AM:

" As to the Phillips', I simply shake my head. They have questions, but have not asked any in the pre-referendum meetings. Are they afraid of the answers? Trust, those informational meetings are scheduled and will put an end to the tactic of doubt-sowing.

Question for Phillips: Have you ever taken out a loan for a car or home? I’m guessing that you have as some things can not be paid up front by penny drives, a solution that people of their ilk have actually suggested as a solution to the district’s immediate needs.

Finally, another question: are you willing to sacrifice, for the sake of your community, the equivalent of one “tab” from your famed “five o’clock” sessions? The few dollars that you currently spend toasting the district’s demise could do far more for the district than for you. "

Willing to do my part wrote on Aug 4, 2008 7:14 AM:

" It's obvious that D.L. King suffers from "a lack of information." Her state level solution to our school's woes are caps. It's caps that put us in the referendum situation to begin with! All that solution does is keep her taxes low on her valuable property. If anybody is "unconcerned about voters," it's her.

Furthermore, for all the venom she's spewed in letters, if she's ever attended a school board meeting, she's never had the courage to raise her hand and ask a question. Again, it is far easier to dictate things from the security of a crystal castle.

Attend the informational meetings, Mrs. King, and ask away. The district has your answers. It’s the students that you fail to consider that have questions for you. "

The comments above are from readers. In no way do they represent the views of the Rhinelander Daily News.