There is currently considerable public discussion on the Portland Public Schools budget and the resulting increase in property taxes.

My family has lived in the same neighborhood in Portland for nearly 30 years and we are strong supporters of the public school system. We have noticed over the last few years the unprecedented amount of development in downtown Portland. It’s inconceivable to me how we could not be significantly increasing the tax base in the city with this massive buildout of private property.

City Manager Jon Jennings and the City Council Finance Committee should explain to the public why we can’t afford a properly funded public school system, given the increased private investment in the city. Where does the benefit from this increasing tax base flow if not to the citizens of the city?

William Weber

Portland