In a tremendous slap in the face to voters, the leadership of the Conroe Independent School District is considering resurrecting the $807 million debt proposal that was soundly rejected in the recent May 4 election. Apparently not happy with the results of the first election, voters are hoping the “zombie bond” will pass in a second election.
In an interview with the Houston Chronicle, CISD Board President Datren Williams said that trustees are discussing bringing the bond back and are open to putting the exact same $807 million package back on the ballot in November.
“We’re going to go back, figure out how to make the best of what we have, and potentially come back to the voters in November with another bond election,” Willams told the Chronicle:
Whether it’s presenting a bond with a lower dollar amount to voters or asking again for the original amount requested, Williams said there’s no way around another bond election. He said he’d support either, depending on what district officials decide would be the best thing to do.
Voters defeated the bond by a 54 percent to 46 percent, with many citing concerns over higher taxes, debt, and wasteful spending.
Montgomery County Tea Party Vetting Committee Chairman John Wertz had two words when he heard CISD could bring the bond back: “tone deaf.”
“Voters are tired of that wasteful approach of their hard-earned dollars and have finally put their foot down,” he said.
Republican Precinct Chairman Jon Bouche was similarly disgusted. “Since being told ‘no’ is unprecedented for the CISD board, they seem to be in total denial and are now talking about doubling down.” Bouche said if the board doesn’t change its behavior and listen to the voters, “we will work hard to replace all of them with people who are more fiscally responsible.”
“I believe it will be soundly rejected again by taxpayers that are struggling under the weight of oppressive property taxes,” said Kelli Cook, who is with the Children’s Hope PAC.