Stealth Referendum Will Pass

While there is ample evidence to suggest that Racine Unified is failing to educate children, it would be a mistake to conclude that they will also fail in their primary mission of accessing cash from taxpayers. Racine Unified always gets the cash, as evidenced by the dramatic increases in spending in recent years.

This years strategy for referendum passage is substantially different from last years strategy. Last year the powers that be unleashed an army of whining students, pleading with taxpayers to save their sports. My guess is that the appalling manipulation of children did not sit well with many voters, so we will have a more discreet approach this year.

The date of the referendum will help its passage. Because the Unified referendum is the only issue on the ballot, this will depress the number of voters. Fewer voters will provide an advantage to the organized efforts of Racine Unified and their allies, the Racine Journal Times, The Johnson Companies and the organizations that they influence or control such as RAMAC. Opponents of the referendum lack resources, and, quite frankly, a sensible alternative to the spending agenda offered by Racine Unified.

This is my first foray into the prognostication business. I hope I am mistaken. We will find out soon.