Supporters and opponents of the $89 million Referendum to renovate Highland Park and Deerfield High Schools got help Sunday in advance of Tuesday’s election that will decide the plan’s fate.
More than a dozen people heeded a call from Americans for Prosperity (AFP), a national organization founded by David and Charles Koch, to go door to door explaining why they thought there was a better way to upgrade the schools without a tax increase.
Earlier: District 113 Referendum Years in the Making to Be Decided Tuesday
“Increasing taxes and using the referendum is not the best proposal,” Joe Hahn, one of four AFP organizers in Illinois and a 2008 Deerfield High School graduate, said. “The best proposal would be a more affordable plan. Eighty-nine million dollars is a lot of money.” His parents still live in the Village.
Though AFP is a national organization, Hahn explained organizing for local issues is important to the organization. “There are 137 referendums in 62 counties in Illinois,” he said. “We love to do local events.” Being in his hometown made is particularly special for Hahn.
Meanwhile, Deerfield High School students favoring the referendum made two videos to demonstrate why they support the plan.
One presentation gives a tour of the school showing why the students feel a need exists and the other features statements from students explaining why they feel facilities are deficient. The videos are attached to this article.
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