Voters in Houghton County will have the opportunity Tuesday to participate in what is described as a “fundamental right and a powerful tool in a democratic society.” Tuesday is an election day, and for Houghton County residents, several important issues will be decided, putting an end to months of forums, information sessions, letters to the editor and political ads.

While three millage proposals have been getting most of the attention, there are actually four measures on the ballot. Three of the four are asking for approval of millage increases while one is a renewal of previously authorized millage. The renewal is for the continued operation of Canal View Medical Care Facility in Hancock. The request is a “renewal of 2.10 mills ($2.10 per $1,000.00 of taxable value) for 4 years beginning in 2026 through 2029 inclusive, to provide funds to assist in the operation of the facility.” While certainly important, the Canal View request has not gotten a lot of attention, perhaps because a vote in favor will not increase an individuals current property tax rate.

On the other hand, a lot of attention has been given to the request titled “Elder Nutrition Millage.” The one mill will result in an estimated tax revenue collection of $1,237,399.25 in the first year the millage is levied for a period of four years. If approved, the revenue generated will be specifically allocated to the Copper Shores Meals on Wheels program, and will be used exclusively to “support elder nutrition services including food purchases, meal preparation, delivery and established congregate meal sites serving elderly residents age sixty (60) years and older residing in Houghton County.” Regardless of the outcome, kudos are owed to Copper Shores CEO Kevin Store and program director Kathleen Harter for their exhaustive effort, to the tune of nearly 20 public sessions, designed to inform the public of the specifics of the request. Their effort to provide information while avoiding “excessive campaigning” is indeed commendable.

The Copper Country Intermediate School District is requesting 1.15 mills in an effort to borrow up to $45M for the purpose of “erecting, remodeling, including security improvements to, erecting additions to, furnishing and refurnishing, and equipping and re-equipping school buildings and facilities; and equipping, developing, and improving playgrounds and sites.” As in the case of Copper Shores, the CCISD’s efforts have been primarily geared to show the need for and provide information regarding the request.

Of the four bond proposals, the most aggressive campaign effort has been from those in favor of the “County Jail and County Building Improvement Bond Proposal.” The 1.6 mill levy would allow the county to borrow up to $32M to “acquire, construct, furnish and equip new county jail facilities, and remodel, re-construct, renovate, furnish and equip existing county buildings, including interests in land, site improvements, and parking improvements, together with rights-of-way, appurtenances and attachments thereto, and demolition of existing buildings.” There have been ads on the front page of this newspaper as well as posters and radio ads in support of this bond from organizations and individuals who are passionate about the need for a new county jail.

The bottom line is, while not endorsing any, that each of these proposals is worthy and valid on its own merits. We understand nobody wants higher taxes, but it cannot be argued that, if approved, each of these proposals would improve various aspects of our lives here in Houghton County. What we are endorsing is that you do go out and vote. Regardless of your stance on any of these proposals, we encourage you to exercise that very freedom that makes this country the greatest in the world … the right to vote.