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--> --> RCC measure gets Tidings' endorsement Rogue Community College and its boosters have a heavy rock to roll up the bond measure hill. The RCC Board is proposing a bond measure (Measure 17.85) on the May 21 ballot to finance development of two major campuses in Jackson County - a $40 million levy. The measure would consolidate and expand facilities in downtown Medford and develop a facility near White City. This comes at a time when there is so much to be done, and so much is being asked of local citizens. It's all about money, and all about noble causes. The Oregon Legislature has left the Oregon school system in a financial crisis of major proportions. Local taxpayers have come through on virtually every occasion, backing every cause - funding county libraries, a fire station and a youth activities levy. They are also being asked to support the Ashland Schools Foundation in its funding drive to help the Ashland School District through its nearly $2 million budget shortfall. And like all of these cries for help, RCC's bond measure is as moral a cause as all the rest. The Medford campus would expand, purchase space, and free $600,000 that is currently being spent to lease space and be applied to students and programming. The White City development would create a much-needed technical training center that would include: manufacturing, welding, truck driving, diesel mechanics, electronics and advanced computer technology. The measure would also expand partnerships with Southern Oregon University, Oregon Institute of Technology, area high schools, fire departments and public safety agencies. The $40 million breaks down to a $50 per year tax increase for owners of a $200,000 home. A cursory look at the expansion effort points to certain benefits that far exceed the $50 outlay. The measure is endorsed by virtually every organization from every ideological camp. The Tidings is no different. We endorse RCC's effort, and if it is at all possible for the county electorate to dig down one more time, we urge them to do so. The rock is heavy. The hill is high. The cause is worthy. Email your... Technical questions & comments to: WebMaster Daily Tidings editorial comments & questions to: Editor Visit our other Oregon Newspapers... | Albany Democrat-Herald | Ashland Daily Tidings | Corvallis Gazette-Times | | Lebanon Express | Newport News-Times | Springfield News | Cottage Grove Sentinel | Ashland Daily Tidings 1661 Siskiyou Blvd. Ashland, OR 97520 Telephone 541-482-3456 © Copyright 2001 Lee Northwest Publishing