I write as a UC Davis student in support of Measure W, the local school parcel tax. My concerns lie with both the students and the teachers of Davis. Measure W funds can't be spent on anything besides classroom teachers, librarians and coaches. So the money can only do exactly what the people of Davis expect it to, prevent the firing of teachers.

The adage 'last hired, first fired' is most salient here because it will be 14 young teachers who are fired first. Many of those teachers are likely recent UC graduates. If we fail to pass Measure W, we would essentially be telling potential teachers that we do not need their services and our money is better invested elsewhere. Prospective teachers already face an economic disincentive by entering the field and so this is not the message we want to be sending them.

A blank vote on W is as good as a no vote, since this measure must receive support from two-thirds of all voters. That means if you vote, please mark yes on W, because the Davis community supports and needs Measure W.

I will be graduating in two years and I know I will face a troubled economy. There is no guarantee that I will find a job right away, but now is my opportunity to vote yes for education. If this property tax is passed on by the landlords, I will gladly pay my $4 per month to support other students at public schools and new graduate students with a passion to teach. Our best hope for getting out of this economic slump is investing in education. That's what this really is, an investment in our future and our economic security.

Hank Nguyen