Letter to the Editor

The current structure of the Pekin School Board District Representation is at risk. Pride in Pekin wants to take away your local Representative in your area. I feel it is best to leave this Residency Requirement in place so that the whole School District is represented equally. It is not in the best interest of the northern part of the district be represented by individuals that do not live in that 15 — 20 mile radius. Someone that lives in the Southeastern part of our School District will not know everybody in the Northwestern part. Let each of the 5 districts within the Pekin School District nominate their own Representatives to be elected by the whole School District as it currently is being done.

For this to remain the same, you need to Vote on September 10. If you do not get out and Vote, the 300 people that signed the petition to hold this Special Election will vote to change this residency requirement. That is what they hope will happen, that you do not Vote. Voter turnout for School Board Elections only is usually a low number of people, compared to a general election in November. Which makes me ask WHY a Special Election date of Sept. 10, rather than November 5? This will cost the School District more money than if it was held during the general election date. The results from this Special Election will not go into effect until July of 2025. So, WHY THE RUSH?

Exercise your Right To Vote September 10th.

Polling Places for Keokuk County residents in Pekin School District are:

Benton, Steady Run, East Lancaster, West Lancaster & Warren Townships will be at Hedrick City Hall — 109 N. Main Street

Jackson, Richland, Lafayette & Clear Creek Townships will be at Mother Cabrini Hall in Richland — 306 W. Main Street

Polling Place for Jefferson County residents in Pekin School District are:

Packwood Community Center (Fire Station) — 122 Main Street

Polling Place for Wapello County residents in Pekin School District are:

Highland Center Township Hall at 9906 Highland Center Road

Polling Place for Washington County residents in Pekin School District are:

Rubio Community Building at 190 First Street

Vote NO on Public Measure MJ.

Nick Martin

Packwood, IA