BOONE COUNTY (WIFR) - A group of citizens made up of 34 people from across Boone County is announcing the Citizens for School Bond Relief campaign committee. Community members from throughout the county, co-chaired by Debbie Carlson, Rob Funderburg and Paul Ollmann, have been meeting for over a month and collecting support in the community for the County sales tax increase that will help provide some property tax relief and help to address the financial issues facing Boone County schools.

“We are completely focused on passing the sales tax because it is advantageous for property tax payers and helps the District retire its bonded debt by expanding the base of who pays. That is our one goal and we are not taking positions on other District issues,” said spokesman Ken Swanson.

“We are engaged in both an informational and advocacy campaign designed to inform voters and seek their support of this much needed taxpayer relief. Our first mailing was received by citizens over a week ago and we have been pleased with the response. Members of our committee have spoken to a dozen different groups and those who have heard our message and have a policy that includes endorsements have in fact endorsed the referendum and our efforts,” said Swanson.

“The number one difference between this campaign and previous elections is that we have engaged the citizens in this effort. In the past it was placed on the ballot with little or no effort behind getting the facts out and seeking support. This time it will be different. Soon we will be announcing the ever increasing support for school bond relief. Ultimately, it will translate into support from voters on election day’” said Swanson.

For more information please email the committee at SchoolBondRelief@aol.com.